Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive returns to Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The National Association of Letter Carriers is once again partnering with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank for the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. The nationwide effort began in 1993 and has since grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive. Organizers say community members can help by donating non-perishable food items. Donations can be dropped…

Developer addresses Bend progress, communication concerns with council members

Current state of The Bend development off of Riverfront Parkway on the Chattanooga Westside. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As the Chattanooga Lookouts begin their second homestand at Erlanger Park, some are raising questions about a long discussed development. The Bend is planned to be the anchor for the Chattanooga Westside featuring a mix of residential, retail, and entertainment options. The project…

Zebra and Giraffe Friendship Turns Heads

VALDOSTA, GA. (WDEF) – An unusual animal pairing is being highlighted at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia.  Inside the park’s Giraffe Overlook habitat, which allows multiple species to share space, a zebra named Kurtsie and a giraffe named Bakari have formed a close bond. According to the park’s animal care team, the two began spending time together after…

Officers to not face charges in death of suspect on Highway 58

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Officers will not face charges in a shooting last July on Highway 58. Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp confirmed to News 12 that she is not pressing charges in the death of Erick Roberson. Roberson was killed by Chattanooga Police Officers and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputies outside of the McDonald’s and Circle K Gas Station on…

Strawberry Spirit Sweeps Through Rhea County

DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Rhea County is bursting with strawberry spirit as a decorating contest gets underway ahead of the Tennessee Strawberry Festival.  One of the first events to kick off the excitement is the Berry Beautiful Town decorating contest, which is now in the judging phase.  38 different homes and businesses registered to take part, transforming porches, storefronts, and…

Complaint filed in Cohutta over former Town Clerk’s alleged continued involvement

COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) – A new controversy is coming to light in the Town of Cohutta, Georgia. City employees have filed a formal complaint alleging that Mayor Ron Shinnick’s wife, Pam Shinnick, has continued performing town duties after being terminated from her role as town clerk. According to employees, Pam Shinnick was terminated earlier this year but has allegedly remained…

Early voting begins in Georgia ahead of May primary

WHITFIELD COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Early voting begins today in Georgia for the state’s primary election on May 19. The election is separate from the local primaries currently taking place in Tennessee. Officials in Whitfield County say voters can begin casting ballots early as several high-profile races are set to appear on the Georgia ballot. Among the most closely watched…

15 years later: remembering the 2011 Super Outbreak

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- “When I moved here in the 1990s, the thinking was we don’t get that bad storms here because of all the ridges and the mountains around us, and that breaks up those weather systems. 15 years ago that was proven wrong and it can happen here.” Communities like Ringgold, Apison, Rainsville, Trenton, Flat Rock, New Harmony, and…

Rivals clash at Georgia gubernatorial debate

ATLANTA (WDEF)- Those looking to replace Georgia Governor Brian Kemp made their cases Monday afternoon in a pair of debates. Both Republican and Democratic candidates made their cases this afternoon in Atlanta. Democrats such as former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Representative Jason Esteves among others are trying to be the first Democrat to hold that seat since Roy…

Commissioner Highlights Experience During Campaign

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Commissioner Chip Baker spoke to the Pachyderm club Monday as part of his reelection campaign for District 2. During the meeting, Baker highlighted his background, including serving on the Hamilton County Board of Education, the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, and the Hamilton County Commission, where he has held chairman and vice chairman roles. He…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Catoosa County Awards

CATOOSA COUNTY, GA (WDEF) – The Georgia State School Superintendent recently made a stop in Catoosa County. Richard Woods honored 11 local schools for their academic achievements. Celebrating student’s success is a perfect example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “I think the secret starts out with looking at every individual student and every teacher focused on every individual student…

Candidates clash over ethics complaints in Georgia Republican primary senate debate

(Courtesy: Georgia Public Broadcasting) ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF)-  As early voting begins in Georgia, candidates are beginning to make their final pitches to voters. Candidates in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate clashed in a debate held in Atlanta Sunday. Representatives Buddy Carter and Mike Collins, along former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley squared off in the debate along with…

Thomas the Train Event Brings Family Fun

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Day Out with Thomas brought families to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum for a seasonal train-themed event built around a real excursion ride experience.  Visitors had the chance to ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine as the train traveled along the museum’s railroad tracks, offering a hands-on look at one of the most recognizable characters in…

Chattanooga Market Returns to First Horizon Pavilion

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Market is back for the season at the First Horizon Pavilion, launching its seasonal run with a weekend opening event. Opening weekend brought back hundreds of vendors, food trucks, and live music, drawing large crowds to the pavilion.  Visitors spent the weekend browsing local makers and crafters, sampling a wide range of food options,…

29th Annual National Cornbread Festival draws crowds to South Pittsburg

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 29th Annual National Cornbread Festival took place this weekend in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, bringing thousands together to celebrate one of the South’s most beloved traditions. Festival goers enjoyed food, live entertainment, and the popular cornbread cook off, where contestants from across the country competed with creative dishes centered around cornmeal and cast-iron cooking. For…

Jewish Federation of Chattanooga celebrates Israel’s Independence Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today, the Jewish Federation of Chattanooga celebrated Israel’s Independence Day. Organizers say the event honored 78 years of Israel’s history and culture while bringing the community together, welcoming both Jewish and non-Jewish attendees. This year’s celebration also marked the beginning of a new tradition. Michael Dzik with the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga said the organization…

American Legion Post 214 hosts Friends and Family Day

ROSSVILLE, GA. (WDEF) – The American Legion Post 214 hosted its annual Friends and Family Day this afternoon, bringing the community together to honor veterans and celebrate service. Organizers say the yearly event is designed not only to recognize those who have served in the military, but also to give back to the community. Members say supporting veterans and their…

GPS Pushing For Return to Spring Fling

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) GP S owns four softball state championships, but it has been a couple of years since they’ve been to Spring Fling. With over 20 wins this season already, the Bruisers hope they can make that final push to return to the ‘Boro. Brian Armstrong reports. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News