Chimp or Treat at Project Chimps

MORGANTON, GA (WDEF) – Project Chimps is hosting its annual “Chimp or Treat” event this weekend, October 25 and 26, offering families a unique Halloween experience in Morganton, Georgia. The event allows visitors to observe chimpanzees retired from research living in a forested sanctuary while learning about the organization’s conservation and care efforts.  Guests will walk through the sanctuary on…

PawPaw’s Homeless Ministry hosts holiday events to help families in need

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In the heart of Chattanooga, a quiet movement of compassion is taking hold. The nonprofit PawPaw’s Homeless Ministry, led by the gracious and spirited man more often called PawPaw, is shining a light for those living on the city’s streets. PawPaw, whose given name is Mike Rice, describes his role with humility and purpose. He says, “it…

Golden Apple Award: Ashley Morgan, Graysville Elementary School

RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) -Ashley Morgan really lights up a classroom at Graysville Elementary. She knows when to laugh and when it’s time to get down to business. Mrs. Morgan also has a gift for reaching students with special needs. All that earned her this week’s Golden Apple Award. Kerri Sholl is the Principal at Graysville Elementary. She says, “Ms. Morgan…

4th Annual Freight Festival

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Future of Freight Festival, or F3, is underway in Chattanooga, bringing together logistics and transportation professionals, industry leaders, and innovators from across the country. The two-day event runs today and tomorrow at The Signal, located on the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo campus, combining indoor and outdoor spaces to host discussions, panels, and networking opportunities. This…

Henagar 3rd Annual Halloween Costume Giveaway

HENAGAR, AL (WDEF) – The City of Henagar is preparing for Halloween with its 3rd annual costume giveaway.  The city announced that free new and slightly used costumes will be available starting Wednesday, October 22nd, at Henagar City Hall.  On the first day, pickup will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning Thursday, costumes will be distributed each weekday…

The Dream is Not Closing

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Last week (10/16/ 25) News 12 ran a story that the Dream restaurant was closing its doors. We based that report on a Facebook post from a person who had represented the Dream as an owner in public hearings. He wrote, under his stage name, that he was selling the property. However, the club’s general manager…

McDonald Farm becomes haunted grounds for the ‘Ghouls, Goblins and Witches’ event

Robert Davis is back with ‘Shop the Market at’ to bring news of a huge Halloween attraction this weekend.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – “Shop the Market at” is bringing plenty of scary good unique vendors together for their ‘Ghouls, Goblins and Witches – Haunted Grounds’ event! The three-day event will take over Old McDonald Farm in Sale Creek on October…

Calls for local ballet dancers for the “Nutcracker”

Sarah Yvonne with Ballet Esprit joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to remind local dancers that auditions are underway for this year’s Nutcracker ballet in Chattanooga. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It won’t be long til we start hearing those sleigh bells ringing, which means it’s time to get ready for the Nutcracker ballet coming to Chattanooga. On October 21, students age…

Happy Manufacturing Month: A peek behind the scenes

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – October is Manufacturing Month, a time to honor the men and women who help build the products we rely on every single day. At Metalworking Solutions in Chattanooga, the celebration began with a powerful moment. Standing together, employees smiled proudly as they shouted, “Happy Manufacturing Month!” It was a simple phrase, but one that carried weight….

What’s Right With Our Schools: Governor’s Literacy Program at Orchard Knob

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – A love of reading can take a child far in the classroom and in life. Children at Orchard Knob Elementary recently got to take home 6 new books, for free, thanks to the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation. That’s a page turning example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” Vonetta Maston is the Principal at Orchard Knob…

Flooding, water issues discussed at Northgate TIF hearing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The proposal to create a special tax district for Northgate Mall went through its next step Monday.   The next board to discuss CBL’s TIF District for the Northgate Mall was Chattanooga’s TIF Application Review Board. This district would dedicate a portion of future sales tax revenues to a $15 million project to replace the mall’s failing…

UAW issues counter offer to Volkswagen

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The United Auto Workers says they have issued a counter offer to Volkswagen amid contract negotiations. Chuck Browning on behalf of the union’s bargaining team said they had multiple issues with VW’s final offer. Volkswagen in that offer stated employees would get a 20 percent raise among other benefits. The UAW contends however that the offer doesn’t…

Mayor Wamp addresses criticisms of deed restrictions swap

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp is responding to criticism over a proposed deed restriction swap involving McDonald Farm and Enterprise South Nature Park. This is after his announcement that the county is looking at persevering 1,300 acres at the Sale Creek farm in exchange for opening up over 500 acres at Enterprise South Nature Park to…

Watch Party celebrating local country artist Channing Wilson

LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF) – Music, laughter, and small-town pride filled the streets of downtown LaFayette, Georgia, as the community gathered for a watch party celebrating local country artist Channing Wilson. Wilson’s journey is being featured on The Road, a new CBS series that follows musicians across the country chasing their dreams. Among those celebrating was Chris Davis, LaFayette City Council…

Runners cross finish line at the 7 Bridges Marathon

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The construction on the Walnut Street Bridge paused for a day, making way for one of Chattanooga’s most scenic races, the 7 Bridges Marathon. Hundreds of runners laced up their shoes, filling Coolidge Park with excitement, determination, and community spirit. Jay Nevans, race director, says the event continues to grow each year and inspires runners of…

The Green Eyes Festival returns to Chickamauga

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – The Green Eyes Festival made its return to downtown Chickamauga, celebrating local folklore and community spirit. The event highlights the legend of Ole’ Green Eyes, a ghost said to haunt the Chickamauga Battlefield. The story has been passed down for generations, capturing the imagination of residents and visitors across Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee. This year’s…

Domestic Violence Survivor: Kelsey Bell’s Story

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tonight, we’re hearing from a Chattanooga woman who turned her pain into purpose. Once a victim of domestic abuse, she is now the President of Voices, a local survivor-led organization hosted by the Family Justice Center. Voices helps others find hope, healing, and the strength to rebuild. But before she could help others, Kelsey Bell had…

Disney Magic Skates into Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Disney magic has returned to the Scenic City this weekend as Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party takes over UTC’s McKenzie Arena.  The beloved touring show combines dazzling ice skating, gravity-defying acrobatics, and stunning special effects to bring fan-favorite Disney stories to life in a whole new way. Audiences are invited to join Mickey Mouse and…