WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A Walker County man received a life in prison after being convicted of aggravated child molestation. On August 4, 2024, the Walker County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) received a report that Josiah Matthew Backus confessed to sexually abusing children. According to the Lookout Mountain District Attorney’s Office, the WCSO launched an investigation and interviewed the victims….
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Here in Chattanooga, community members gathered at the Riverfront to mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk, a man who lost his life while sharing what he believed was his absolute truth. Nick Bitzer, the organizer of the vigil, said the news of Kirk’s death left him stunned. “My mom called me that morning to tell me…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tonight, another vigil was held in Chattanooga to honor the life of Charlie Kirk. The gathering was organized by young conservative Nick Bitzer, who said his goal was to celebrate Kirk’s life and the legacy he leaves behind. As Bitzer spoke, he reflected on a personal encounter with Kirk that left a lasting impression. “I got…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga River Market was bustling with vendors this weekend along the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza. From homemade crafts to baked goods and unique finds, local entrepreneurs lined the riverfront to share their work with the community. For many, the market is more than just a gathering place, it’s a livelihood. “It’s amazing. I’ve been doing Chattanooga…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Families filled the park this past weekend for the City of Chattanooga’s Early Learning Department Fun Fair Festival. The event featured live music, food trucks, and activities for kids of all ages. Visitors also had the chance to explore community resources and meet leaders from the health department, AmeriCorps, and the Community Health Access and Navigation…
Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- The Collegedale Christian Athletic Association kicked off its youth soccer season Sunday morning with a colorful parade of teams, followed by games at the Redoubt Soccer Fields on Bonny Oaks. What began in 2024 as a small effort to create a faith-centered sports option quickly grew beyond expectations. The league hoped for 200 players in its first…
CHICKAMAUGA, GA. (WDEF) – Tonight, local community members gathered in a powerful display of remembrance honoring the life of Charlie Kirk, the conservative advocate who was assassinated for sharing his beliefs and values. Erika Kirk, wife of Charlie Kirk, addressed the nation Friday evening through Turning Point’s live feed. “To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built…
FORT OGLETHORPE, GA (WDEF) – Fans of vintage base ball will step back in time this weekend as the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball (TAVBB) hosts its annual Sulphur Dell Cup tournament in Fort Oglethorpe. Games will be played September 13–14 on the polo fields at Barnhardt Circle, a site with ties to the Civil War era and just…
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping us safe. When danger strikes, these heroes are the first to respond. Now, it is our turn to put them…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga hosted the 11th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, and 3.43 Mile Walk this morning at AT&T Field, located at 201 Power Alley. The event is part of a series of memorial climbs organized across the United States to recognize the firefighters and first responders who died during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Participants in…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Crabtree Farms in Chattanooga is a nonprofit dedicated to food access, sustainability, and education. The farm produces more than 7,000 plants on site, with much of the harvest donated to local food banks and nonprofit partners. Its community garden is also open to all residents, providing free tools and teaching opportunities for anyone interested in growing…
It’s a battle of unbeatens on Friday night as rivals Soddy Daisy and Rhea County clash on the gridiron. Both teams are 3-0 this season. Brian Armstrong has a preview. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — There’s a new development in the lawsuit following the police killing of Roger Heard Jr. The announcement was made at the Chattanooga City council meeting Thursday. Chattanooga City Attorney Phil Noblett said, “We have settled case in the United States district court involving Tiana perry et al. vs officer Batterson and the City. It’s city action…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It has been exactly one month since a historic flash flood struck the Chattanooga area and left four people dead. This was caused by a storm that dropped seven inches of rain in three hours. You may remember that earlier this week, we spoke with Cheri Dinshah. Dinshah was one of the drivers stuck out here on…
TRENTON, Ga. (WDEF)- Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger made a stop in Dade County Friday morning. He spoke at an Alliance for Dade breakfast event at their historic courthouse in Trenton. He discussed how the state of Georgia is looking to recruit more manufacturers across the state, including rural Northwest Georgia. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger speaking with…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- For the 8th straight year, an annual tradition was held on the steps of the federal courthouse in downtown Chattanooga. A reading of the U.S. Constitution was conducted. This is in honor of Constitution Day, which is next Wednesday on September 17th. Students and onlookers gathered for the annual reading of the Constitution on Friday. That is…
This week on Tech Byte, we’ve got a guest from Erlanger, my new friend Adam Schreader! He’s here to tell us about the new ErlangerNOW app that will not only help you with your next appointment, but help you navigate the hospital as well! According to Adam, ErlangerNOW is Erlanger wrapped up in an application for the very first time…
John Hixson and Ricky Mendoza join News 12’s Amelia Greer as several teams get ready to compete in the Sulphur Dell Cup this weekend in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (WDEF) – Batter up and time travel to the 1860s with the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball’s competition for the Sulphur Dell Cup. Teams bring history to life…
Trenton, GA-(WDEF-TV) In a battle for first place in their region, Gordon Lee beat Dade Co 6-2 on Thursday. The Trojans were up 3-2 going to the top of the 7th when they rallied for 3 runs in the inning to get the victory and move into first place in their region. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Coalmont, TN-(WDEF-TV) Grundy Co beat Whitwell 36-6 on Thursday to improve to 4-0 for the first time since 1990. The Yellow Jackets defense was stingy once again. They have allowed only 12 points in four games. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) What a record setting night for Walker Valley last Friday against McMinn County. The Mustangs racked up nearly 700-yards of total offense in winning 54-42. Walker Valley’s absurd out-put came against a rival, they had only beaten one time in the last two decades. Brian Armstrong tracks the ‘Stangs performance. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Many across the nation, including here in Chattanooga, are still in shock at the assassination of Charlie Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative activist group who primarily reached out to young voters. He was known for his on campus debate series such as “Prove Me…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — City leaders and observers gathered today for a day of remembrance. The event was held at the Hamilton County Justice Building and was organized by the Scenic City Women’s Network. Many gathered to remember and reflect on September 11th, 2001. Those in attendance included Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, Retired Army Brigadier General Bill Raines, and Scenic City…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Health Department has begun offering flu vaccines ahead of the 2025–2026 flu season. Starting this week, flu shots will be available at all Health Department locations, with no appointment necessary. The vaccine is recommended for anyone six months and older and includes high-dose options for those 65 and older, as well as egg-free…