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…

Bradley County Commission approves Essential Employee Bonuses

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn (WDEF) – On Monday, the Bradley County Commission approved a $21 million plan to distribute funds they received from the government. A chunk of that $21 million is going right into the pockets of Bradley County’s Essential workers.”  Bradley County was given $21 million as part of the Federal American Rescue Plan. Mayor Davis and the county commission…

Golden Apple Award: Jennifer French, Alpine Crest Elementary

RED BANK, TN (WDEF) – Jennifer French is passionate about getting her young students at Alpine Crest Elementary off on the right foot in Math and Science, but she also has an infectious smile, a wonderful sense of humor and a dedication to create well-rounded learners. Ashley Cross is the Principal at the Alpine Crest Elementary. She says, “Ms. French…