Driving Our Economy Forward: Brickyard

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — They call it an odd bird in venture capital.  Investing in tech companies moving to Chattanooga from all over the world.  Tonight, we show you how the Brickyard continues to drive our economy forward every day in the scenic city. “Brickyard is sort of an odd bird in venture capital.  We’re investing in early-stage technology companies. …

A Caregiver’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Shark Tank star and business mogul Barbara Corcoran is opening up about a deeply personal struggle, caring for her late mother, Florence, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Corcoran says she was prepared for memory loss, but not the agitation and behavioral changes that came with the disease.  For nine years, she watched as her mother became…

Chattanooga man arrested in connection to Chickamauga murder

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) —  Authorities have arrested a Chattanooga man in connection to a murder in Chickamauga. On March 14, 2025, William Oliver Jones was found dead in his residence in the 8000 block of West Highway 136. After further investigation, the GBI, TBI, Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and other agencies assisted in the arrest of…

Authorities investigating body found off Ooltewah-Georgetown Road

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is investigating a body that was found off Ooltewah-Georgetown Road. On March 24, 2025, two men riding horses found the body of a deceased female in a wooded area near the 11500 block of Ooltewah-Georgetown Road. HCSO responded to process the scene alongside the Medical Examiner’s Office. According to…

One person injured after East Brainerd Road shooting

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  One person has been injured after a shooting on Brainerd Road early Monday morning. At 4:39 a.m., March 25, 2025, officers responded to the 6000 block of Brainerd Road on a person shot call. Upon arrival, officers located a 25-year-old male with non-life-threatening injuries. EMS responded to the scene and transported him to a local hospital…

Applications for the “Future Docs Program” are now open!

Kevin Lusk with the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the “Future Docs Program” which is perfect for high school and college students. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Applications are now open for the “Future Docs Program” which helps students find mentors to job shadow as they consider their career options in medicine. “Our population…

McMinn Co Takes Down Ootlewah 9-5

Ooltewah, TN-(WDEF-TV) McMinn Co rallied for a 9-5 win over Ooltewah on Tuesday evening at Ooltewah High School. The Cherokees collected four runs in their first at-bat, only to see the Owls score 5 runs in the bottom of the first highlighted by a Gavin Fields 3 run homer.  Cherokees regained the lead in the top of the second on…

Local film shot in Northwest Georgia and Signal Mountain

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) – There’s a new movie in town—and this one’s homegrown. Sanctus House, a suspenseful, faith-infused horror film starring 21 Jump Street actor Richard Grieco, has just wrapped production after filming across Northwest Georgia and on scenic Signal Mountain. The story, based on a book by local author Kenyon Henry, brings chilling fiction to life while showcasing…

Democratic protesters push back on GOP budget plan

DALTON, Ga. — A group of Democratic protesters gathered outside Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Dalton office, speaking out against what they call harmful cuts in the proposed Republican budget. The group raised concerns that residents across Georgia could see higher healthcare premiums and that Medicaid recipients might lose coverage if the plan moves forward. Among the demonstrators was Lonna Lanier-Fountain,…

What to know about raising backyard chickens

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- As egg prices continue to be high due to avian flu, many are considering raising backyard chickens. The current average price of a dozen eggs in the United States is just short of six dollars. Even with possible relief around the corner, the egg-flation has many considering getting their own backyard chickens. But what should you know…

UTC unveils Mobile MOC rural health service

DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF)- UTC nursing students will be hitting the road across rural portions of our viewing area. They unveiled the Mobile MOC in Dayton Tuesday. This will be a mobile health care unit to bring healthcare to older adults and caregivers far away from medical resources. A two point six million dollar grant from the Tennessee Department of Health…

Golden Apple Award: Kimberly Thurman, Sale Creek High School

SALE CREEK, TN (WDEF) – Kim Thurman has spent years making a difference in the lives of her students. She has a solid understanding of her course material at Sale Creek High School, and she’s great at passing that information along. Mix that in with a healthy dose of compassion and kindness, and you have the recipe for this week’s…

Representative Kevin Raper to return to Tennessee House following liver transplant

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) —  State Representative Kevin Raper (R-Cleveland) will return to the Tennessee House of Representatives on March 27 after successfully undergoing a liver transplant. Raper, who represents part of Bradley County, received the transplant on Feb. 23 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. According to the state, doctors say his recovery is ahead of schedule, with his…

Prep Public Schools names new administrative team

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Prep Public Schools has appointed Troy Kemp as Chief Executive Officer and Chad Everett as Vice President of Schools. The Board of Directors introduced both leaders to the communities at Chattanooga Prep and Knoxville Prep. Kemp brings 34 years of experience in education, having served as a teacher, coach, administrator, and nonprofit leader. He spent 27…

CHA Ballet throws a “Curveball” onto the UTC Fine Arts Center stage

CHA Ballet CEO and Artistic Director Brian McSween joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the newest, original ballet coming to Chattanooga called “Curveball.” CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga ballerinas are twirling a home run with the premiere of an original ballet called Curveball which is inspired by a trailblazing female pitcher in the 30s. Curveball follows the story of…

Richard West Has Enjoyed Officiating High School Basketball For Over 40 Years

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) We just wrapped up another high school basketball season this month. That means another year in the books for veteran Chattanooga official Richard West. He’s been calling TSSAA games for over four decades. When Richard West first started calling games in the early 80’s, there were only 2 officials on the court. Not three. West:”There was a lot of…

Dutch Maid Bakery’s sweet debut on the big screen

TRACY CITY, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new movie is hitting the silver screen, and this time, it has a Tennessee twist. The Holland, an American thriller starring Nicole Kidman, is set to premiere soon—and tucked within its suspense-filled scenes is a small but flavorful cameo: a Dutch Maid Bakery pastry made right in the heart of Tracy City, Tennessee. The…

Plan Hamilton Sparks Growth Debate

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Community leaders gathered today at the Chattanooga Area Chamber to discuss the future of Hamilton County’s growth, and the challenges that come with it.  The growth strategy has sparked debate, especially in areas like Harrison.  With no set agenda, the meeting was designed to be an open-ended conversation about how to solve tomorrow’s problems today.  Among…

K9 Faith Sniffs Out Retirement Bliss

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A special four-legged investigator is hanging up her harness after nearly eight years of service. Accelerant Detection Canine Faith is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and success in fire investigations. Faith has been a crucial member of the fire investigation team, working alongside her handler, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mark Delaney, since 2017….

Sequatchie County firefighters gaining upper hand on wildfire

SEQUATCHIE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- On Sunday, a blaze blanked the skies of Sequatchie County.Firefighters from all over the county and region rushed to Fredonia and Daus Mountains to fight this wildfire. Brian Rheuling, the Sequatchie County EMA Director, said, “This is the largest fire we’ve probably in 20 years or better. This is one of the largest and fastest moving…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Whitwell Middle Level 5 Status

WHITWELL, TN (WDEF) – One Marion County school has reached the pinnacle of success. We traveled to Whitwell Middle School to learn how their accomplishment is more than just a status on this week’s ‘What’s Right With Our Schools’. Dr. Joshua Holtcamp is the Principal at Whitwell Middle School. He explains, ” That’s a status we’ve never achieved before. When…

Man arrested, charged for drive by shooting

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Authorities have arrested a man facing multiple Attempted First Degree Murder charges.   On January 13, 2025, at 3:36 p.m., officers responded to 1819 Foust Street for a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a woman with a gunshot wound to her leg. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Investigators determined it was a…