Rockwood man charged with first degree murder in Cumberland County shooting

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Rockwood man is facing a first degree murder charge after a deadly shooting over the weekend. On Sunday, July 6, 2025, deputies with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to the shooting in the 200 block of George Anna Drive. Upon arrival, deputes located the victim, Michael Kerley. According to the Tennessee Bureau…

“Seniors Got Talent” in Chattanooga!

Kristen Weitz joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the 6th annual Seniors Got Talent Chattanooga on July 31. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Everyone of all ages has a talent to share, including our seniors! Morning Pointe Foundation is hosting their annual “Seniors Got Talent” fundraiser with tickets on sale now! Many of our seniors have unique talents to share…

Blazing Fury Ride Reignites Tradition

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Dollywood classic is back and better than ever. Blazing Fury has officially reopened after a major refresh and the park honored some real-life heroes to kick things off. News 12’s Robert Hanley has the details. Eugene Naughton, The President of Dollywood, told media that “a lot of people, when I walked in the midway,…

Red white and blueberry pie eating contest

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – During the summer months, the First Horizon Pavilion fills with locals enjoying everything the Chattanooga Market has to offer. This weekend, however, things got a little messier than usual. It was a celebration of all things red, white, and blueberries as the Chattanooga Market held its annual pie-eating contest. To kick off the festivities, an announcer…

The Peach festival is right around the corner

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Market is getting ready to go all-in on one of summer’s sweetest fruits. The Peach Festival returns next weekend, bringing fresh flavor, fun, and a wide variety of peach-themed treats to the First Horizon Pavilion. Local vendors will be on-site with everything from fresh peaches to peach salsa, jams, jellies, pastries, and cobblers. Trey…

Family escapes late-night fire on Fourth of July

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Fourth of July celebration in Hixson took a frightening turn late Friday night when flames erupted at a home on Friendship Lane, sending emergency crews rushing to the scene. While the family inside made it out safely, neighbors say it could have been much worse. “I turned the water on, I was like, ‘Pull, pull,…

Red White and Mooo event brings community together

LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF) — It was a moo-velous time in LaFayette this weekend as the annual ‘Red, White, and Mooo’ event returned to Blessing Creek Farms, drawing families, local vendors, and animal lovers for a unique and festive Fourth of July celebration. The holiday-themed event offered everything from cow-inspired crafts and live music to sweet treats and savory bites served…

Red Wolves return home and get all 3 points

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Chattanooga Red Wolves have been away from home for almost a month. Just a few minutes into the game Matt Bentley picked up a yellow card. Then just before the end of the first half Bently scored the 1 and only goal of the match in the Red Wolves 1-0 win over One Know.

Reptiles Take Over Camp Jordan

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Repticon Chattanooga is back this weekend, bringing exotic creatures and curious crowds to East Ridge.  Camp Jordan Arena is transforming into a reptile lover’s paradise for this two-day event.  Visitors explored rows of vendor booths, attended live seminars from reptile experts, and even got hands-on with snakes, lizards, and more. Raeanna Owens, Reptile Vendor, spoke…

Soddy-Daisy Sparks Patriotic Fun

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Soddy-Daisy is closing out the holiday weekend with a full day of family-friendly festivities at the Soddy Lake Recreation Complex. The day kicked off with a solemn ceremony at the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, where the community paid tribute to those who served and sacrificed.  From there, things shifted into celebration mode…

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…