Schools Highlight Student Success and Future

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – Bradley County Schools highlighted student achievement, safety initiatives, and future growth during its annual State of Schools event held this morning. Students from across the district took part in the program as schools showcased academic offerings, career and technical education pathways, and student performances designed to highlight opportunities available throughout Bradley County Schools. The event also…

New workforce resource looks to connect Chattanoogans with jobs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Gone are the days of walking into a prospective employer with a resume in hand. Now, virtually all job postings are online, with some downsides. A new resource looks to make new jobs more attainable in the city of Chattanooga. One Chattanooga Works is a new platform designed to connect job seekers directly with Chattanooga based employers. The…

Understanding Schizophrenia And Family Impact

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Approximately 3.7 million Americans are living with schizophrenia, a complex mental health condition that continues to be widely misunderstood and can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms often begin in early adulthood, sometimes appearing as subtle changes in behavior, thinking, or mood.  For many families, those early signs can lead to years of uncertainty before a clear…

Human Educational Society says they’re “at capacity”

Humane Educational Society CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, now is a good time to consider adopting. The Human Educational Society says they’re at capacity when it comes to dogs, with over 150 canines currently at the shelter. Jeanine Cloyd, Director of Development at HES told us, “We constantly are getting…

Mediation leads to resolution in Cohutta

We have an update on a controversy engulfing the Whitfield County town of Cohutta. According to a post from the Cohutta Police Department, there has been mediation in the matter between the town’s mayor, Ron Shinnick, and several members of the Cohutta Police Department along with citizens. Those employees alleged that the mayor’s wife, Pam Shinnick continued to work in…

New Senior Center Plans Announced

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County is moving forward with plans to create its first dedicated senior center, expanding resources for older adults in the Ooltewah and Collegedale communities. The project, led by the Hamilton County Health Department in partnership with Parks and Recreation, will transform the current Ooltewah Health Clinic into a new space focused on connection, wellness, and…

Chattanooga Boys Choir to debut a locally composed song at their spring concert

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Boys Choir is raising their voices one last time for the season with their spring concert Finale! Over 100+ choir members will be blessing the First Baptist Church with their angelic voices with songs from an array of musical genres such as bluegrass, classical, gospel, and traditional folk songs from other countries. Additionally, the…

Stay protected this summer with help from the Chattanooga Allergy Clinic

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Pollen is visible in the air, on pavement, and on cars, which means it’s peak allergy season and Chattanooga Allergy Clinic is ready treat the symptoms. The Chattanooga Allergy Clinic offers many ways to get relief from allergy symptoms that are better than over the counter medicines. Dr. Marc Cromie suggests seeing a board certified allergist,…

Youth Villages hosts Foster Care information sessions for National Foster Care Month

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – May is National Foster Care Month, and a local organization working within the foster care system is helping raise awareness while recruiting families willing to open their homes to children in need. Youth Villages will host several information sessions throughout the month for community members interested in learning more about becoming foster parents. Shalimar McDaniel,…

Josh Heupel Joins Big Orange Caravan Stop in Chattanooga Area

Guild, TN-(WDEF-TV) Felt like the Big orange caravan tour literally stopped on Rocky Top Tuesday with its appearance at the Riverdance Restaurant atop Cedar Mountain in Marion County. Football coach Josh Heupel was along for the ride. Heupel enjoyed the mountain top experience, but leading his team to the top of the college football mountain this season would feel much…

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive returns to Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The National Association of Letter Carriers is once again partnering with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank for the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. The nationwide effort began in 1993 and has since grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive. Organizers say community members can help by donating non-perishable food items. Donations can be dropped…

Developer addresses Bend progress, communication concerns with council members

Current state of The Bend development off of Riverfront Parkway on the Chattanooga Westside. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As the Chattanooga Lookouts begin their second homestand at Erlanger Park, some are raising questions about a long discussed development. The Bend is planned to be the anchor for the Chattanooga Westside featuring a mix of residential, retail, and entertainment options. The project…

Zebra and Giraffe Friendship Turns Heads

VALDOSTA, GA. (WDEF) – An unusual animal pairing is being highlighted at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia.  Inside the park’s Giraffe Overlook habitat, which allows multiple species to share space, a zebra named Kurtsie and a giraffe named Bakari have formed a close bond. According to the park’s animal care team, the two began spending time together after…

Officers to not face charges in death of suspect on Highway 58

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Officers will not face charges in a shooting last July on Highway 58. Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp confirmed to News 12 that she is not pressing charges in the death of Erick Roberson. Roberson was killed by Chattanooga Police Officers and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputies outside of the McDonald’s and Circle K Gas Station on…

Strawberry Spirit Sweeps Through Rhea County

DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Rhea County is bursting with strawberry spirit as a decorating contest gets underway ahead of the Tennessee Strawberry Festival.  One of the first events to kick off the excitement is the Berry Beautiful Town decorating contest, which is now in the judging phase.  38 different homes and businesses registered to take part, transforming porches, storefronts, and…

Complaint filed in Cohutta over former Town Clerk’s alleged continued involvement

COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) – A new controversy is coming to light in the Town of Cohutta, Georgia. City employees have filed a formal complaint alleging that Mayor Ron Shinnick’s wife, Pam Shinnick, has continued performing town duties after being terminated from her role as town clerk. According to employees, Pam Shinnick was terminated earlier this year but has allegedly remained…

Early voting begins in Georgia ahead of May primary

WHITFIELD COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Early voting begins today in Georgia for the state’s primary election on May 19. The election is separate from the local primaries currently taking place in Tennessee. Officials in Whitfield County say voters can begin casting ballots early as several high-profile races are set to appear on the Georgia ballot. Among the most closely watched…

15 years later: remembering the 2011 Super Outbreak

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- “When I moved here in the 1990s, the thinking was we don’t get that bad storms here because of all the ridges and the mountains around us, and that breaks up those weather systems. 15 years ago that was proven wrong and it can happen here.” Communities like Ringgold, Apison, Rainsville, Trenton, Flat Rock, New Harmony, and…

Rivals clash at Georgia gubernatorial debate

ATLANTA (WDEF)- Those looking to replace Georgia Governor Brian Kemp made their cases Monday afternoon in a pair of debates. Both Republican and Democratic candidates made their cases this afternoon in Atlanta. Democrats such as former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Representative Jason Esteves among others are trying to be the first Democrat to hold that seat since Roy…