Do you recognize Fort Oglethorpe arson suspect?

Investigators think he may behind a series of fires in the north Georgia area

FORT OGLETHORPE, Georgia (WDEF) – The Catoosa County Fire Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying an arson suspect from last night. The fire happened just after midnight, early Wednesday morning in Fort Oglethorpe. The video shows a man in a hoodie walking toward the back of the building at Lafayette Road and Riddle Street near the Cloud…

Hamilton County lawmakers react to Coppinger retirement

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – After Mayor Jim Coppinger announced that he won’t be running for reelection, more Hamilton County lawmakers are addressing his legacy. “I think he’s been a great leader. He’s been great to work with, there’s no doubt. And I think he’s been forward thinking as well,” says County Commissioner Sabrena Smedley. “I think that Hamilton County government…

City of Chattanooga looking to buy hotel to be repurposed for Low-Income housing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – The city of Chattanooga is looking at the possibility of buying a hotel near Bonny Oaks.  Officials say the Airport Inn hotel could potentially be turned into apartments for low-income residents. The Airport inn is located on Lee Highway and would be purchased for $2.8 million.  Money from the American Rescue Plan Act would help finance the…

White House rolls out plan to vaccinate children between the ages of 5-11

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – Ever Since vaccinations have become readily available to the public,  children under the age of 12 have been left out, leaving them vulnerable to the virus. But that is expected to change soon as the White House announced they are completing operation planning to make sure those vaccines are easily accessible to everyone- including children.” “Kids have…

Five people escape a house fire in Eastdale

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Five people were able to escape a house fire this morning in Eastdale. The fire happened after 3:30 this morning in the 3700 block of Hemingway Drive. According to the Chattanooga Fire Department, the fire started at a car that was in the driveway and spread quickly to the house. Firefighters were able to contain the fire…

Mom’s vow of silence with family til they learn sign language for her daughter

Ashleigh Hill's daughter is profoundly deaf

BENTON, Tennessee (WDEF) – A local mom has gained a national following for insisting her family use sign language. Ashleigh Hill of Polk County has taken a vow of silence with her family, insisting they only communicate with sign language. Ashleigh herself is hard of hearing and last year she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl diagnosed with hearing…

Athens’ police chief fired, city manager suspended

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) – The city of Athens, Tennessee, is experiencing some major shakeups in their city’s government. “This had been a matter that had been an issue for a while.” On Friday, October 8th, Cliff Couch was dismissed as the police chief. Lieutenant Fred Schultz promptly filled his position. “The council felt like this was an appropriate response.” To…