Hamilton County DA’s Office joins Baptiste Group investigation

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Hamilton County District Attorney General Neal Pinkston has joined the investigation allegations of illegal activities involving the Baptiste Group In a statement, Pinkston said, “We will be working with CPD and will vigorously prosecute any state crimes that are uncovered by the investigation.” Senator Bo Watson said he fully supports the investigation of the Baptiste Group home on…

Relocated Woodhaven residents reflect on poor living conditions

ROSSVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) – It’s been over a week since the owner of Woodhaven Senior Living was arrested on cruelty charges. Now, several residents have been relocated to Mary and Martha’s Personal Care in Rossville. One resident took time to reflect on the horrific conditions of his former home, and how he’s doing now. “It just went from livable to…

FEMA’s new Risk Rating 2.0 could mean lower flood insurance premiums

CHATTANOOGA,Tenn. (WDEF)- Good news for flood insurance policy holders. FEMA’s new Risk Rating 2.0 could possibly lower your rates. Broken Pipes, faulty drainage systems and normal flash flooding could all be reasons for your house to flood, according to American Restoration Water & Fire. FEMA will now change the way that they calculate the flood risk for areas, which could…

CDC warns about a rise in the number of RSV cases in southern states

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – A new warning from the CDC cautions parts of the southern United States, including Tennessee and Georgia, about a rise in the number of  RSV cases. The officials say that RSV isn’t usually life threatening, but it does hospitalize more than 2 million children each year. “RSV is a common respiratory virus. It is named Respiratory Syncytial…

Graham Ashcraft Pitches Complete Game Shut-Out in Lookouts Debut

(lookouts.com) The Chattanooga Lookouts newest player, Graham Ashcraft, dazzled in the team’s 11-0 win. The righty spun six perfect innings in his debut, before giving up an infield hit to Ray-Patrick Didder in the top of the seventh inning. Between two levels, Ashrcraft has now thrown 33 consecutive scoreless innings dating back to May 30. He finished the game throwing…

CPD and ATF offering a $5,000 reward after Pawn Shop Break-in

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – The Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives are teaming up with the Chattanooga Police Department to offer a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible for breaking into a Big Bucks pawn shop and stealing dozens of handguns. “It was about 2:30 on Monday morning the 21st of…

7 restaurant employees test positive for COVID in Ootlewah

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Local Goat in Ooltewah is voluntarily shutdown until Friday, after the Hamilton County Health Department found that seven employees tested positive for COVID. Now they’re saying that others were potentially exposed during a two week period from June 7th through the 22nd. Dr. Jay Sizemore with Erlanger says this sends a clear sign that, as…

Health warning of Covid-19 exposure at Local Goat restaurant in Ooltewah

OOLTEWAH, Tennessee (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Health Department is warning the public of a potential COVID-19 exposure in Ooltewah. Case investigators say seven employees have tested positive at the Local Goat restaurant from June 7-22. “It is recommended that employees or patrons who visited the restaurant during the month of June monitor themselves for symptoms and be tested immediately…

NOVONIX expansion, taking over former Alstom building

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) – A major manufacture expansion in Chattanooga will create nearly 300 new jobs. “Those are jobs that are created that then have the potential to impact the rest of the site,” said VP of Economic Development Charles Wood Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe, and NOVONIX officials announced Tuesday that the…

Former Bryan College Player Jonathan Ricketts Making a Splash For the Red Wolves.

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Less than two years since hanging up his Bryan College jersey, Chattanooga-native Jonathan Ricketts is making a splash as a starter for the Chattanooga Red Wolves. News 12’s Angela Moryan caught up with him just a few days after scoring his first professional goal last week. Said head coach Jimmy Obleda: “Ricketts is kind of the epitome of what…

Truck Load of Food & Supplies Donated to Homeless in N. GA

A truck load of food and supplies for the homeless were given out to the North Georgia community today. An anonymous donor provided food and hygienic supplies. Perry’s Promise also assisted with this delivery of goods. Georgia State representative Mike Cameron was there to help deliver the much – needed supplies. “You know it’s one thing to tell people God…

Maclellan Island Gets Grant for New Improvements

Maclellan island has some exciting new improvements coming this summer. Maclellan Island is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts being in the middle of the Tennessee River. “It’s kind of a destination especially in the spring and summer on the weekends. It’s well used by the paddling community,” says Darlene Carlson, Executive Director for Chattanooga Audubon Society. Improvements will come…

CHI Memorial Announces new Hospital in Catoosa County

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga (WDEF) – Currently Residents in the North Georgia area have to drive 30 minutes to find the nearest fully functioning hospital. But That long drive is coming to an end, as CHI Memorial announced that they will begin construction on a new hospital placed right in the heart of Catoosa County. “We are so thankful to be advancing…

Lumber prices let up giving hope to homebuyers

RINGGOLD, Georgia (WDEF)- “They’re not as good as they used to be. The golden egg is broken,” said Junior. Lumber such as 2x4s were viewed almost as gold over the last several months but it’s changing. “We were paying $1800 for a 1000 3 to 4 weeks ago. $1000 a 1000 now that’s down 60% 70%,” said Junior. Builders have…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Ringgold’s Tiger Guard Drill Team

RINGGOLD, GA (WDEF) -The Tiger Guard Drill team continues to fill the trophy case at Ringgold High. The team overcame unprecedented challenges this year and made some History along the way.   Sgt. 1st Class Larry Sisemore says, ” (It’s been a)  Very difficult school year and stuff where the drill, we have dealt with kids in quarantine. We have…