What’s Right With Our Schools: Chatt Prep 300

CHATTANOOGA. TN (WDEF) – Chatt Prep revived a powerful back to school tradition earlier this month. At the Chattanooga 300, men from throughout the community greeted the students as they walked into their new collegiate gymnasium. Montrell Besley is the Director of Community Engagement for Chattanooga Preparatory Schools. He says, “Today is just to show, to give our young man some…

Local Veterans React to Afghanistan Crisis

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – As a humanitarian disaster unfolds in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover and sudden withdrawal of U.S troops, many veterans are reflecting on their service in the war torn country and whether history could be repeating itself as Afghanistan falls to a terrorist regime. “It’s going to end up being another Contra situation or just like Vietnam,” says…

Local organization provides aid to Haiti-here’s how to help

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – After a powerful 7.2 earthquake, the death toll in Haiti continues to climb and the country is left to pick up the pieces as they prepare for tropical depression Grace.  The Children’s Nutrition Program of Haiti or (CNP), a Chattanooga-based non-profit, helps children and mothers of Haiti but due to the urgent need, they are now they…

Hospitals nearing capacity by both pediatric patients and adults

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Health Department reports 195 inpatients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Hamilton County hospitals.  With the number of active cases and hospitalizations continuing to rise, hospitals across the state are seeing an influx of patients on both the pediatric side and the adult side, causing capacity issues.  “The vast majority of pediatric hospitals are not Covid….

Back To School Bash In Brainerd

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – It’s a busy time of the year for parents and their kids, as another school year is cranking up. That means school supplies for the kids are in heavy demand. Here in Chattanooga, one local organization continues to help families get ready for the new year. The organization “Reach One, Teach One UCA” held its yearly…

Free Water for Life Event

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Water is a necessity and several groups around the Tennessee Valley want to make sure that the community takes care of our natural resources. The Water for Life event showcases all of the things that clean water can provide. The Kentucky Tennessee Water Professionals Conference is the largest annual water technical conference and exhibition in Kentucky and…

Rhea County Fair returns after a one year break

EVENSVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)-Saturday was the last day for the Rhea County Fair. The fair lasted four days and had all types of activities. Last year officials cancelled the fair because of COVID-19. Residents say that this is a county event that they look forward to every year. Bradley Lowe says, “I mean, it means a lot to me. I mean I…

HIGHLIGHTS: Saturday Jamboree

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Enjoy highlights from Saturday’s jamboree at Finley Stadium! Red Bank beat South Pittsburg, 14-10 South Pittsburg beat Bradley Central 7-6 Red Bank beat Walker Valley 3-0 East Hamilton beat Howard 13-0 Categories: Sports, Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Football, High School Football, Jamboree

Calhoun’s returning roster ready for redemption

CALHOUN, Ga. (WDEF) — A heartbreaking quarterfinals loss at home abruptly ended Calhoun’s season last year. Most of the Yellow Jackets star talent returns with unfinished business on the brain. “You think about it every single day,” senior lineman Kendrick Kirby. “Every time we come out here and practice, it’s something that burns you.” Coffee is keeping Calhoun up at…

Rhea County MIA World War II Solider laid to rest

DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF)- The remains of Private Warren G.H. DeVault were laid to rest today in Rhea County. Devault was 24 years old when he went Missing In Action in Germany more than 70 years ago. Courtesy: DaVault Family Bill Davault, Private DeVault’s nephew says, “The emotions today, I’d have to say overwhelmed.” Private DeVault was killed in action on…

Nooga Paws celebrates their ninth birthday

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – A local pet store is celebrating its 9th birthday here in the scenic city.  Noogapaws is a natural pet market that offers natural pet foods for both dogs and cats.  The event featured special deals and discounts, snowballs, and some free yummy treats for your four-legged friends.  Nooga Paws says the pandemic has been challenging but they…

Community Health Fair

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) -A multi-organization community health fair was set up on East 11th street to offer their services to our local homeless community.  Organizations such as Cempa, choices network, planned parenthood, and the Chattanooga free store offered multiple services for free.  The organizations offered free HIV testing, Covid vaccines, free food, free safe sex kits, and hygiene products.  Organizers…

Local Protesters host a Freedom Rally

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – At the corner of Gunbarrel road, hundreds gathered to protest against local and state officials that have recently implemented new coronavirus guidelines. “We are standing up for freedom. There are so many things such as government overreach. We are standing up for facts,” says Brad Barton, Protesting Citizen. From 10 am to noon hundreds of residents gathered…

Bledsoe Co Seeking Another Successful Season

2020 was a year to remember for Bledsoe County. First ever 10-0 regular season. Now the Warriors look to stay on top in 2021. Bledose County has the 30-in-30 spotlight. After the best season in school history, what can Bledsoe County do for an encore? Said head coach Dewayne Tabor:”We just want to try to work as hard as we…

McNabb Center earns $414,000 grant to aid the homeless

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-The McNabb Center has been awarded $414,000 to aid the homeless in the greater Chattanooga area. The funds are coming from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency through an Emergency Solutions Grant thanks to a collaborative effort. “The McNabb center having specialties in mental health and substance abuse we were asked specifically to not only join with the current…

Mull’s decades of dominance builds dynasty

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) — Gordon Lee softball has won nine state championships in the last ten years — including its fifth straight last fall. The one constant through it all has been head coach Dana Mull. “I hate to lose,” Mull said. “I tell my girls, you have to hate to lose more than you like to win.” Thankfully, ,Mull…

Catoosa County Schools make temporary changes to COVID-19 protocols

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- Catoosa County Schools started back on Monday and their Superintendent has made some temporary changes based off recent COVID-19 numbers. As of yesterday, Catoosa County Schools are requiring students to wear masks on buses and while they change classes in the hallway. Superintendent Reese says that while the changes are temporary, the county is trying to avoid…