Downside Up aims at creating a safe space for both adults and children with disabilities

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – Downside Up is a non profit organization that aims to create a safe space for both children and adults with disabilities. What started as a weekend getaway camp for families of children with disabilities-has blossomed into a learning/activity center called training wheels—- and its on East 11th street. “We all need training wheels at some point. We…

North Murray leaning on experienced QB, receivers to extend playoff streak

CHATSWORTH, Ga. (WDEF) — Winning is the expectation — and the reality — for the North Murray Mountaineers. Five straight winning seasons and playoff appearances make the ‘Neers one of the consistently best teams in North Georgia. With returning talent like quarterback Seth Griffin, this year shouldn’t be any different. “We’re going to be real dangerous. I don’t think any…

Off the Grid Solar power

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Solar energy was on display this weekend in Chattanooga and is gearing up for a solar-powered weekend. Get off the grid showed the power of solar energy by powering the riverfront nights concerts and vendors. Multiple solar panels and recycled materials were used and on display to show the benefits of reusable energy.  Bill Fleming said as solar…

Skydiving school

JASPER, Tennessee (WDEF)- Many people, when they think of going skydiving they are thinking of a tandem jump. Although that’s an option Chattanooga Skydiving Company has a school training program for people to jump solo and get licensed. “I think you know when you want to be a skydiver after you do your first hand. I think it’s pretty cut and…

Walker Valley eyes program history with new QB, offensive threats

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — From 55-point shut outs, to shocking upsets, Walker Valley impressed last season — to say the least. Now the Mustangs aim for a school first: two straight winning seasons. The ‘Stangs roster isn’t lacking determination or talent either. “We’ve built a year. Now we need to build a program,” Coach Drew Akins said. Walker Valley…

Christmas in July for a good cause

CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) -Shopping, painting, and family are all part of Foundation House Ministries Christmas in July event.  Honestly, last year was awful right? Christmas was not a lot of fun for most people so this is an opportunity to begin to bring families back together and really look at 2021 being a new year a Fresh year. Being able…

Nonprofit Hosts Homeless Artist Art Sale

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Help Right Here is bringing hope and healing in a creative way to those experiencing homelessness in Chattanooga. Delena has been in and out of homelessness for years but has found a respite in art, a language she says everyone speaks. “It transcends. There are no barriers. Nobody is rich or poor. It’s just art,” she says….

Derrick Henry Not Focused on Another 2,000 Yard Rushing Season

Last season Titans running back Derrick Henry became just the 8th man in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. Now Henry can go where no man has ever gone before. Back-to-back 2,000 yard rushing seasons. Reporter:”Do you allow yourself to think about being the first guy ever to rush for back-to-back 2,000 yard seasons?” Said Henry:”No….

Protesters greet Governor Lee at Westin hotel

Governor Bill Lee addressed a number of conservative Hamilton County groups at the Westin tonight at the annual Lincoln Day dinner. But there was also no shortage of protesters who gathered out front of the Westin and they were not shy in sharing their opinion on the governor’s performance. “Four nights in a row we had children flown in, in…

Several High School Football Teams Saddle Up in New Regions

High school football in the Tennessee Valley is going to look a little different this year. The TSSAA reshuffled the classifications and regions, renewing some classic region rivalries we haven’t seen in years. News 12’s Angela Moryan traveled across the Valley to see how coaches and players feel about the realignment. Said Soddy Daisy head coach Justin Barnes: “It’s all…

Judge Don Poole announces retirement in 2022

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF)- Judge Poole was first elected in 2006 and was unopposed for re-election for an 8 year term in 2014. A former Hamilton County Assistant District Attorney, Poole received both his undergraduate and J.D. degrees from the University of Tennessee in 1964 and 1965. In a written statement Poole said “Now is the time, however, to announce that I…

City of Chattanooga partners with American Job Center to host Ex-Offender Job Fair

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – The City of Chattanooga partnered with the American job center and the Tennessee Department of Corrections to host a job fair for ex offenders.  This job fair focused on connecting justice-involved individuals with professional development and employment opportunities. “We have employers here who are already aware of people who had some challenges. We are advocating for them…

River City Company Has Big Plans

Chattanooga’s Riverfront District will have a new look in the coming years. That’s the plan of the River City Company, which is a non-profit organization established back in the mid-80’s, with a goal of beautifying the “Scenic City.” Emily Mack is the President and CEO of the River City Company. Mack and the company laid out its new project this…

Baylor Hopes Added Depth Delivers Added Wins

Baylor always has talent, and this year they have that extra ingredient. Depth. Head coach Phil Massey says the Red Raiders have depth at all positions. Let’s dive into the Baylor 30-in-30 preview. Going 4-4 last year with an opening round playoff loss, that’s a season Baylor would like to punt. Said linebacker Dacorian Jones-Montgomery:”Tired of losing in that first…

Local Gymnast Coach & Counselor React to Simone Biles & Mental Health Awareness

“Most of the people that have something to say have never been involved with gymnastics and everyone that is supporting her has,” says TAG Girls Team Head Coach, Anne Malinowsky. After Olympic gymnast Simone Biles unexpectedly pulled out from the competition, there’s been an overwhelming support for mental health awareness among athletes. A local gymnast coach and a local counselor…