Commission approves new unincorporated Hamilton County planning commission

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The future of unincorporated Hamilton County will be decided in a different manner going forward. Hamilton County Commissioners voted 7 to 4 to create a separate planning commission to focus on those specific cases. Introduced last week, the Commission will terminate its interlocal agreement with the Regional Planning Agency in lieu of creating a separate planning…

Deadly Nightclub Shooting Trial Continues

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The night of January 31, 2021, began like any other outside the Night Owl nightclub in Chattanooga.  But the evening ended in tragedy when 28-year-old Kenneth Trammell Jr. was shot and killed. More than five years later, the case is finally in court. 32-year-old Melvin Evans faces first-degree murder charges in connection with Trammell’s death.  On…

Ross’s Landing to Close starting in November

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Ross’s Landing along the south shore of the TN River is going to be getting a major Makeover. Emily Mack, President and CEO of the River City Company tells us. ” “So our riverfront parks which are part of the 21st-century waterfront project will be getting a big refresh and so we will start construction…

Election Commission votes against Highlander’s ballot name challenge against Christian-Lowe

Donna Christian-Lowe (left) and Hamilton County Commissioner Dr. Steve Highlander (right) at a Hamilton County Election Commission over Highlander’s challenge of Christian-Lowe name choice on the ballot. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Did a candidate for a seat on the Hamilton County Commission attempt to gain an advantage on the ballot? That was the question in front of the Hamilton County Election…

Officials warn of increased risks on St. Patrick’s Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, officials say it is known as the third biggest drinking day of the year. News 12 spoke with the company Reframe about how to stay safe during the holiday. Vedant Pradeep, CEO of Reframe, explained, “Having a clear plan. Just telling yourself whether it is two drinks, one drink,…

Local shelters urge families not to gift bunnies for Easter

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As families prepare for Easter, local shelters are asking the community not to gift bunnies as holiday presents. We spoke with the Humane Educational Society, which says many families get a bunny without realizing the level of care and attention they need to truly thrive. Many rabbits given as gifts around the holiday end up in…

Bill that would require schools to report number of undocumented students enrolled passes Tennessee House

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- You may remember a proposed bill last year in Tennessee that would have allowed schools to not enroll undocumented students. It was pulled last year, but now is back on the table. House Bill 793 would require school districts to provide that demographic information to the Tennessee Department of Education. Previously, the bill, which had been introduced…

Study says Tennessee gun violence costs state billions

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- New data about gun violence in Tennessee paints a high economic toll across the state. The non-profit Voices for a Safer Tennessee say that firearm violence cost Tennessee over $3.6 billion in 2023, the last year data is currently available for. In Hamilton County, that impact was roughly $183 million dollars, while the rest of Southeastern Tennessee…

Golden Apple Award: Kara Ledford Saddle Ridge Elementary

ROCK SPRING, GA (WDEF) – The best kindergarten classrooms have an almost magical feel to them, Kara Ledford’s students at Saddle Ridge have seen their room morph into a scene from Swiss Family Robinson complete with a beach and a tree house. Ms. Ledford’s attention to detail and boundless enthusiasm earned her this week’s Golden Apple Award. “Miss Ledford  is…

Carrying History Home With The Community

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Lookouts celebrated a milestone today, moving their historic home plate from AT&T Field to their future stadium at Erlanger Park in a ceremonial community relay. Fans, local businesses, and community partners joined the walk along Chestnut Street, participating in a special event connecting the team’s past to its future.  The relay drew dozens of…

Tennessee Department of Safety issues warning about scam texts

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is warning drivers about fraudulent text messages claiming recipients have an unpaid traffic ticket and threatening to suspend their driving privileges. Officials say the messages are part of a growing scam designed to trick people into providing personal information or sending money. News 12 spoke with Russell Shoup…

Gary Kuehn discusses teacher raises and education goals while seeking reelection

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today, the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club welcomed longtime school board member Gary Kuehn as the guest speaker at its weekly meeting. Kuehn has served Hamilton County Schools for more than 40 years. For the past 36 years, he has represented District 9 on the Hamilton County School Board. Now, Kuehn is seeking reelection in the upcoming…

Rare March snow falls in Tennessee Valley

Snow falling Monday in Marion County. SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- Much of the Tennessee Valley saw rare mid-March snow on Monday. The snow occurred just hours after a severe line of thunderstorms had passed through the area. While roads in valley locations primarily stayed clear with temperatures over freezing, some mountainous communities reported snow sticking on the roads causing slick…

Vols Open Spring Football Practice

(utsports.com)  The sixth spring of the Josh Heupel era of Tennessee football has arrived, and the Volunteers kicked things off with their first workout in helmets and shorts on Monday morning inside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center. Monday was the first of 15 practices for Tennessee, which culminates with the free-admission Orange & White Game on April 11 in Neyland Stadium. The Vols…

Tips to Stop Water Waste

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Each March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Fix a Leak Week reminds homeowners that small leaks in plumbing can waste a surprising amount of water.  Household leaks can waste thousands of gallons a year, adding up to higher bills and unnecessary strain on local water systems. About one in ten homes has a leak that can…

What’s Right With Our Schools: The Phoenix School

DALTON, GA (WDEF) – Students learn at their own pace. The Phoenix School meets Whitfield County students where they are and allows them to set their own graduation path. The results are nothing short of inspiring. We pay a visit to the Northwest Georgia College and Career academy for tonight’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “Phoenix high school is a…

Veterans Stories Shared at Museum

MEIGS COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Community members gathered today at the Meigs County Historical Museum for The Weight We Carry, Veterans Stories, a program focused on sharing veterans’ experiences and recognizing those who served. The event featured personal reflections and readings of stories written by Peggy Douglas, performed by local community members for those in attendance. Music was provided by…

Pete Buttigieg joins Shawn Harris at Rome Campaign event

ROME, GA. (WDEF) – On Saturday, Shawn Harris spent the day campaigning with supporters in Rome, Georgia, as the race for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District heads toward a runoff election in April. Shawn Harris, Democratic candidate, shared his confidence in the campaign with supporters as the race continues. “Right now, the Republican Party is still fighting a crowded field. I…

Chattanooga Residents Line Up for Free Tree ReLeaf Giveaway

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) As warmer weather rolls in, people across Chattanooga are getting back outside—and for many, that means gardening. On Saturday, residents lined up at the Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center to pick up free trees and shrubs. The giveaway is part of the Free Tree ReLeaf program, a collaboration between EPB, the City of Chattanooga, and Reflection…