Big Fun in Small Town

TRENTON, GA. (WDEF) – If you’re looking for a small-town celebration that packs a big punch, Trenton, Georgia just delivered as the 1945 Fair lit up Jenkins Park for another unforgettable Fourth of July. Now in its eighth year, the 1945 Fair became a true Dade County tradition, drawing thousands for a day full of family fun and patriotic pride. …

Fireworks, Music Fill Coolidge Park

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Coolidge Park turned red, white, and blue Wednesday night as thousands gathered for one of Chattanooga’s most beloved summer traditions, Pops on the River. The free, family-friendly event brought people of all ages to the riverfront for live music, food, and fireworks.  Local favorite Chattanooga Soul kicked things off, followed by a patriotic performance from the…

Chattanooga City Council to consider new backyard chicken ordinance

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Could the city of Chattanooga soon allow residents to own chickens in residential areas? A new proposal could allow just that. In Chattanooga, it is currently illegal to own a chicken unless your home is zoned for agriculture. However, Councilman Chip Henderson wants to see this change as many residents are already owning chickens against the rules….

Hamilton County mobile health unit now in service

CHATTANOOGA. Tenn. (WDEF) — Hamilton County’s new Mobile Health Unit is officially on the road. It launched with stops at the Soddy-Daisy Food City on Wednesday, and Chester Frost Park today. The launch of this mobile health unit coincides with the closure of the Hamilton County health clinic in Soddy-Daisy. The staff from that clinic now work inside this bus,…

Man attempts to flee and strike deputies, had drugs inside vehicle

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man was arrested after leading authorities on a high speed chase Wednesday evening. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office says that they received a call about a red Nissan Frontier weaving in and out of traffic around Hixson Pike and Ashland Terrace around 7 p.m. Wednesday. Deputies located that vehicle on the five hundred block of…

Cherokee County warns of scams, directs public to legitimate fundraisers for fallen officer 

MURPHY, N.C (WDEF) — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is warning of potential scams related to the murder of one of their officers Monday. Officer Francisco Flattes was killed in the line of duty on Monday. Authorities say he was transporting inmate Kelvin Simmons to a medical appointment in Peachtree, North Carolina when Simmons escaped, stole a gun, and killed…

Catch the ’21 Geyser Salute’ at the Creative Discovery Museum!

Mackenzie Steele with the Creative Discovery Museum fills News 12’s Amelia Greer in on the latest July events, particularly for the 4th of July holiday. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Kick off your Independence Day celebrations early with the Creative Discovery Museum’s ‘Red, White, and Blue Day!’ Red, white, and blue will be taking over the museum in celebration for America’s…

Varnell officially now Hamilton County attorney

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County officially has a new county attorney. Janie Parks Varnell officially took over the post as of Tuesday. She replaces longtime attorney Rheubin Taylor. She introduced her new team this morning to the Hamilton County Commission. The team includes attorneys Tim Clark, Paige Evatt, Heather Elmore, and Zack Yancy. Varnell says the team is going to…

Tennessee Cracks Down On BUI

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With the Fourth of July weekend just around the corner, boaters are gearing up for fun on the water. But Tennessee officials say safety has to come first.  The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is once again taking part in Operation Dry Water. This is an annual nationwide crackdown on boating under the influence.  From July 4th…

DeKalb County man arrested after allegedly assaulting a woman

DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) —  A DeKalb County man is facing assault charges after allegedly assaulting a woman, leading to her being hospitalized. On Monday, June 30, 2025, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) was dispatched to a residence near the Powell community. Upon arrival, deputies were met with an ambulance that was transporting a female to the hospital. According…

Former DeKalb County schools employee arrested for manufacturing child pornography in Georgia

DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) —  A former DeKalb County school system employee has been arrested on various felony charges in Georgia. Michael Lance Brown has been accused of manufacturing, uploading, and sending child pornography via the internet. According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, Brown was utilizing a hidden video recorder to obtain images. Brown was arrested on Tuesday, July…

Enjoy BBQ and Brews with the Chattanooga Zoo!

Jake Cash and Will Ternes with the Chattanooga Zoo are back with a shelled friend to promote their latest summer event at Warner Park.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Enjoy great summer BBQ and some local brews with your favorite zoo animals for the Chattanooga Zoo’s “Q’n Brew” event! On July 12 from 6-9 P.M., guests can enjoy lots of BBQ…

Fireworks & Fur: Helping pets feel safe this Fourth of July

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the Fourth of July approaches, many families are prepping for fireworks, barbecues, and quality time outdoors. But while we enjoy the celebrations, the loud booms that light up the sky can cause panic and confusion for our furry friends. Local shelters and animal experts are sharing key precautions to help keep pets safe and calm—both…

City of Chattanooga accepts historic land donation to Protect Missionary Ridge

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly joined several city leaders to mark the official donation of land on Missionary Ridge, a move that celebrates the permanent protection of Civil War battlefield terrain and other significant natural landscapes. The agreement officially transfers ownership of five parcels of land, located across Districts 5 and 9, to the City of Chattanooga….

Cherokee County mourning officer killed in line of duty Monday

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Officer Francisco Flattes, killed in the line of duty on Monday (Courtesy: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office) MURPHY, N.C. (WDEF)- Tragedy struck Cherokee County, North Carolina on Monday. Cherokee County Sheriff’s Officer Francisco Flattes. Flattes was killed in the line of duty on Monday, while transporting an inmate to a medical appointment. Now a memorial stands in his…

“Golf for Good” raises funds while giving doctors a day of fun

Project Access and Volunteers in Medicine Chattanooga are partnering again for a popular fundraising event this September. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Project Access and Volunteers in Medicine are collaborating together for the annual “Golf for Good” fundraiser. Volunteers in Medicine is a non-profit and a medical clinic where volunteer physicians, nurses, and a medical team dedicate their time to take…

Fluffy new arrival is waddling around at the Tennessee Aquarium

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Just in time for the holiday weekend, the Tennessee Aquarium is celebrating an adorable addition to its Penguins’ Rock colony: a tiny Gentoo Penguin chick named Sherbert — at least for now. Sherbert hatched on May 29 to first-time parents Carla and Bigfoot. At birth, he weighed just three ounces — about the size of a…

Tire Safety Before Holiday Travel

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – More than 75 percent of American adults plan to take a road trip this summer, and with the Fourth of July weekend approaching, tire safety is top of mind.  Hot pavement, long hours behind the wheel, and worn-out tires can be a dangerous mix.  Experts recommend checking your tire pressure regularly, especially during heat waves, since…

Gas Prices Drop Before Holiday

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Since the pandemic, we’ve seen our fair share of gas price swings, but now, just in time for the holiday, the cost at the pump is bringing back some major pre-2020 nostalgia.  Here in Chattanooga, drivers are seeing an average of $2.61 a gallon.  That’s nearly 15 cents lower than just a week ago, and over…