The proposed rezoning for a new neighborhood along Kathy Lake and Reed Roads near Varnell. (From: Whitfield County Planning Commission) VARNELL, Ga. (WDEF)- Rapid development continues to be a topic of discussion all across the Tennessee Valley. This week that conversation intensified in Whitfield County. The backlash from the Varnell community is directed at a proposed neighborhood on 251 acres…
You’re very unlikely to see a polar bear walking around with an iPhone, but even this fragile species can benefit from smart technology! Our Canadian friends up north are using silent, electric vehicles to study their polar bear population, which is unfortunately dying off due to melting sea ice. Military-grade radar, referred to as “Bear-dar,” detects the polar bears as…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – A beloved Thanksgiving tradition returns tomorrow (11/28/25) morning at Coolidge Park. The 26th annual Grateful Gobbler gets rolling at 8 a.m. It’s a 5k. You can run it, or you can walk it. It’s a great way to build up your appetite for your Thanksgiving feast. Every dollar raised will benefit the Maclellan Shelter for families….
TVA and TWRA personnel inspecting Lake Sturgeon on the Cumberland River (Courtesy: TVA) GALLATIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- The TVA and TWRA have conducted a study on the health of Lake Sturgeon in Tennessee rivers. This was conducted on the Cumberland River in Middle Tennessee. They caught 20 Lake Sturgeon to analyze their weight, length, and general health. Lake Sturgeon, native to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Each year, more than fifteen thousand children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer, according to the CDC. For families like the Browns of Chicago, the diagnosis brings a sudden and overwhelming reality. Six-year-old Alexander Brown was diagnosed in 2023 with high-risk medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor in his cerebellum, the area controlling balance and…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo has opened a new gathering space called Magnolia’s Beer Garden. The garden was created in memory of Beth Lapina, the beloved late wife of a long-time board member and Zoo supporter. Mr. Lapina also served as board president during his years of involvement. Zoo staff say the space honors Mrs. Lapina’s warmth, her…
Rossville, GA-(WDEF-TV) Heritage defeated Dade Co 48-21 in the Ridgeland Thanksgiving Tournament. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Dalton coach Jonathan Adams did not enjoy a happy homecoming at Baylor’s Duke Arena on Tuesday. The former Red Raiders standout saw his Catamounts team fall to Baylor 74-42. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Thanksgiving is just two days away, and while many families will gather around the table, some seats will be empty. News 12 spoke with the staff at a local Ruth’s Chris Steak House, who say they’re especially thankful for the guests who bring extra kindness to the table. Tiffany Reid, the restaurant’s Sales Manager, says her…
DJ Fickey with one of his children before his murder in 2016. (Courtesy: Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit) WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF)- Last week, a Walker County man was convicted in a 2016 murder that went unsolved for several years. A roadside memorial for DJ Fickey sits on the side of Highway 193 in Walker County, near where he was murdered…
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – Shoppers at the Food City on Ocoee Crossing in Cleveland might have noticed a few familiar faces in the checkout line today (11/25/25) Celebrity baggers were back to raise money for the United Way. Folks from Lee University, Whirlpool, and even News 12 helped folks bag up their groceries. Any tips they earned go straight to…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Kathlina Alford spends every school day making sure that students at Hixson High School get all the support they need to succeed. From her Biology classroom to the lunchroom students know they can always turn to her for help. That kind of dedication earned Ms. Alford this week’s Golden Apple Award. “Wow. I mean, she goes…
DALTON, GA. (WDEF) – The annual Gratefull Dalton celebration brought the community together today in downtown Dalton for a Thanksgiving meal focused on fellowship and generosity. Organizers offered a free hot meal to anyone who attended, ensuring that every person, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, could sit down and enjoy a full Thanksgiving style plate. Attendees also donated food…
News 12 This Morning: Rachel Leonard Kennedy joins News 12’s Amelia Greer with some helpful tips and tricks to elevate your Thanksgiving festivities. From DIY Charcuterie Wine glass toppers to ‘BEARY Thankful’ DIY candles, Rachel brings your hosting dreams to life! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The season of giving is upon us, and with that comes an influx of holiday…
Rossville, GA-(WDEF-TV) At the Ridgeland Thanksgiving basketball tournament on Monday, Signal Mountain built a seven point halftime lead over Coahulla Creek on their way to a 59-43 win over the Colts. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Last Friday, News 12 and Lee Company came together to fight hunger through a community food drive. This morning, News 12 visited the Chattanooga Area Food Bank as Lee Company dropped off all of the nonperishable items that had been collected. Their hope is that every family in the region will have a warm and enjoyable…
FORT PAYNE, Ala. (WDEF)- As the holiday travel season ramps up, you may have begun seeing forecasts for snow on your social media feeds. However, just because someone says that the biggest storm in years is coming, doesn’t make it reality. Marla Jones, the Public Information Officer for DeKalb County EMA, said that last week, “I had a friend call…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – City and state leaders gathered at Coolidge Park on Monday as the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development presented a $90,000 Tourism Enhancement Grant to the City of Chattanooga. The grant is part of a statewide effort that awarded more than $2 million to 30 communities to strengthen local tourism assets and increase economic impact. Chattanooga will…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — There is a certain satisfaction that comes from creating something with your hands. The Hunter Middle School Crochet Club makes everything from oven mitts to afghans one stitch at a time. And that is a crafty example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “Why a crochet club?” David Moore, Chief photographer asked. “I have had a crochet…
Ellen Liston is back and joins News 12’s Chip Chapman as Dollywood celebrates the holiday season! PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – There’s always fun things to do at Dollywood, especially at the end of their season which the holiday spirit is in full swing! This winter season, Dollywood is all decked out for the holidays with bright lights, great holiday…
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Councilman Jeff Davis of District 3 hosted a town hall meeting Sunday at the North River Civic Center, giving Hixson neighbors a chance to voice their concerns and hopes for the future of the Northgate redevelopment project. News 12 attended the meeting, where residents spoke openly about what they want and don’t want included in the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The First Horizon Pavilion hosted the final Chattanooga Holiday Market of the season this weekend. Local vendors offered handmade crafts, gifts, jellies, jams and many other unique items at their tables. As happens every week, a wide variety of festive foods were available for families and friends to enjoy. Mix It Up, the Chattanooga Market’s beverage…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This evening, a frightening incident took place at Hamilton Place Mall, sending crowds of people running out of the building. Kristy Cranford says she was upstairs leaving Belk when chaos suddenly erupted. “I was leaving Belk upstairs and walking to Dicks, as a matter of fact, and suddenly, a huge herd of people started running towards…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Nooga Strong Construction and Courtney Christmas Trees came together this Saturday to host their inaugural Thanksgiving Turkey Drive. Their goal is to build hope and provide meals for as many local families as possible. During the event, community members dropped off turkeys and non-perishable food items. Justin Wolfe, the owner of Nooga Strong Construction, said his…