Walker County woman sentenced to 5 years in prison for fentanyl trafficking

WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Walker County woman was sentenced for trafficking fentanyl. On June 5, 2024, the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit (LMJC) Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Mary Louis Harvey’s residence after gathering credible evidence of drug activity. She allowed agents to search her bedroom, where fentanyl-laced materials were found hidden in a dresser. According…

Scottsboro man arrested on multiple drug charges after police response

SCOTTSBORO, Al. (WDEF) —  A Scottsboro man has been arrested for drug possession after authorities responded to a call for service. Officers with the Scottsboro Police Department (SPD) were dispatched to the 1500 block of South Broad Street. Upon arrival, officers located Michael Dewayne Cherry. While conducting an investigation, officers located 1.5 grams of methamphetamine, 4.3 grams of marijuana, and…

Road Rage Ends in Conviction

CHICKAMAUGA, GA (WDEF) – A Walker County jury has returned a guilty verdict in a deadly road rage case that ended in gunfire outside a Dollar General in Chickamauga. Jeremy Dewayne McCrary, a motorcyclist, was convicted earlier this month of felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.  The charges stem from a…

New indictment leads to arrest in 2020 Hamilton County murder case

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett and District Attorney Coty Wamp announced the indictment and arrest of Sanel Durakovic for a murder in 2020. On January 7, 2020, Patrick Godwin was shot in the 8500 block of Horseshoe Bend Lane in Ooltewah, Tennessee. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Durakovic was previously indicted for…

Keeping Pets Safe in Heat

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Summer heat can be tough on pets during walks. Here’s how to keep them safe when temperatures rise. Use the 7-second rule.  If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.  Walk during cooler times like early morning or evening, keep walks short,…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Rosie Mae’s Alpaca Farm

WILDWOOD, Ga. (WDEF) —  Rosie Mae’s Alpaca Farm opened in November 2022.  The farm is a dream come true for owners Max and Maegan Lewis of Wildwood Georgia.  It has a unique coffee shop, boutique and Alpaca Farm.  Tonight, we are learning about how the business drives our economy forward with seasonal gifts, flowers, great coffee and handmade goods. “I…

Behind the Curtain – Chattanooga Zoo

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Ever wondered how the Chattanooga Zoo handles your favorite animals, big or small? In our newest segment, News 12’s Amelia Greer joins Chattanooga Zoo Marketing Director Jake Cash as they take you “behind the curtain” to see how our friends at Warner Park care of animals inside and outside of the zoo. Jake Cash gives us…

Plane crashes and injures two in Dunlap

SEQUATCHI COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Tuesday evening at 6:25 P.M., the Dunlap Police Department responded to a plane crash on Ridge Road. According to Dunlap Police Chief Randy Phillips, 2 people were inside the plane when it crashed and have been injured. Their condition remains unknown along with the reason the plane went down. The Federal Aviation Administration and…

Lookouts Squander Six Run Lead and Fall to Pensacola 9-8

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Chattanooga Lookouts started the second half of the Southern League regular season with a gut-wrenching loss to Pensacola. The Lookouts built an 8-2 lead after five innings, but they wound up losing 9-8 in 10 innings. Jay Allen II hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning to give Chattanooga a 3-2 lead. Lookouts then scored five times…

Three Downtown Restaurants Closing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The local dining scene is saying goodbye to three well-known restaurants, each with its own loyal following and unique story. From longtime favorites to newer ventures, the closures mark a shift in the city’s ever-evolving culinary landscape. Ernest Chinese, located on the Southside, will serve its final meals on July 13th. Originally opened as The Flying…

Energy Sparks STEAM Summer Fun

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Museum & Cultural Center at 5ive Points is buzzing with excitement as the “Energy Everywhere” STEAM Camp kicks off a two-day adventure in discovery and innovation. Designed for rising 5th, 6th, and 7th graders, the camp brings science to life through fun, hands-on experiences focused on the energy that powers our world. Presented in partnership…

Man arrested at Scottsboro safety checkpoint for drug possession

SCOTTSBORO, Al. (WDEF) —  A Scottsboro man was arrested at a safety checkpoint after authorities found drugs on his person. On June 23, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. officers with the Scottsboro Police Department (SPD) were conducting a safety checkpoint in the 2100 block of AL Highway 79. During the checkpoint, officers stopped a vehicle driven by a Rachel Gatlin, with…

TVA requests temporary power conservation from EPB customers

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has asked EPB to urge customers to reduce power usage. This request began at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025 and will be in effect until further notice. EPB encourages all customers to take simple steps that will help ease strain on the grid and keep energy bills in check. Here…

Hunter Museum hits the runway for the “Walk This Way Fashion Show”

Stylist and Curator, Chery Jordan joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to highlight a special runway show at the Hunter Museum this Thursday, June 26. Zoe Chatham and Jenna Brevig model editorial styles from designers like Alexander McQueen. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hunter Museum is bringing in a new exhibit called Walk This Way: Footwear from the Stuart Weitzman Collection of…

Sporting Events Remain Big Business For Chattanooga

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Chattanooga continues to be a hot spot for sports tourism. City just held a huge softball tournament over the weekend. Sporting events actually bring in more revenue to Hamilton County than conventions and meetings. That’s according to the man we’re going to meet, from Chattanooga Tourism. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Quantum Technology experts take over Chattanooga for UTC conference

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Experts in quantum technology are taking over Chattanooga this week, with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) serving as a central hub for innovation and collaboration. The university is welcoming internationally recognized scientists and researchers Monday through Wednesday to explore how quantum systems are shaping the future of computing, sensing, and communication. More than 20…

Men’s Health Awareness Month: Breaking silence and encouraging action

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, a national observance aimed at raising awareness about the health challenges men face—and encouraging early detection, treatment, and open conversation. Yet, despite ongoing efforts, men’s health is still not talked about enough. Studies show that men are less likely than women to schedule routine doctor visits, including annual checkups. Because…

Chatt State SkillsUSA Sendoff Ceremony

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga State Community College gave a warm sendoff this morning to a group of students preparing to showcase their talents on a national stage. The college held a special ceremony to celebrate its state champion SkillsUSA competitors before they head to Atlanta for the national competition. The sendoff featured appearances from Mayor Tim Kelly and a…

Honoring Veterans Amid Global Tensions

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Earlier today, Captain Mickey McCamish spoke to the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club. His visit comes just days after recent US military action in Iran, a reminder of rising global tensions and the ongoing sacrifices made by America’s service members. While the topic wasn’t directly addressed at the meeting, the timing underscores the importance of recognizing those…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Wilderwood Summer Camp

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Looking for a way to keep your kids active, engaged and off devices this Summer? One Chattanooga Camp is offering loads of adventures in the great outdoors. We visited Wilderwood Summer Camp, where every week brings a new theme and a new opportunity to explore. While sitting in a tire swing, Camper Payton Miller told us,…

Medicare Threatens Vital Skin Treatment

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Image-guided superficial radiation therapy, or IGSRT, is a noninvasive treatment with a 99.3 percent success rate in treating nonmelanoma skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S.  More Americans are diagnosed with it than all other cancers combined, with over 5 million cases today and 9,500 new cases every day.  The majority of patients are…