Click to view other businesses at Destination: Ocoee. OCOEE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Polk County is a mecca for white water rafting, hiking, and outdoor activities. The Polk County Chamber of Commerce has seen how the rafters, explorers, local shops and businesses have impacted the community. Lynne McClary, Executive Director, Polk Co. Chamber of Commerce, “So when people think about visiting…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Many Chattanooga residents are anxiously awaiting the decision by the Chattanooga City Council on how much their property taxes will go up as the city looks to increase first responder pay. Mayor Tim Kelly proposed a 44 cent tax increase to a $1.99 adopted tax rate, that would average over four hundred dollars more per year. However,…
MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Less than two weeks after rescuing more than 40 Yorkies from a puppy mill, the McMinn Regional Humane Society is now working to save six large-breed dogs by tomorrow night, and the clock is ticking. We traveled to McMinn County to meet each of the furry friends looking for their forever home. Staff say they…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Every August 12, music lovers across the country celebrate National Vinyl Record Day, a special occasion that honors the timeless appeal of vinyl records. More than just a music format, vinyl offers a warm, rich sound quality that many say digital music can’t quite replicate. Along with the audio experience, the large album artwork and physical…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Busy families know how tough it can be to keep young athletes fueled throughout their busy days. From early school mornings to late practices and games, finding quick and nutritious meals is essential to support energy, focus, and growth. That’s why beef has become a popular choice for many parents. Packed with protein, iron, and other…
The quarterback battle appears to be over with at Alabama. According to ESPN, veteran Ty Simpson has been named the starter. Really no surprise, since Simpson has been at Bama for so long. Simpson is entering his fourth season at the Capstone, but he has never started a game. He beat out Austin Mack and five-star freshman Keelon Russell for…
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEDF) – In Cohutta, Georgia, a new movie is in production titled Set Free. News 12 went behind the scenes to bring you a closer look at what to expect from this upcoming film. Brandon Cannon, director at Soul Purpose Entertainment, has drawn inspiration for the story from his long career in criminal justice. “I’ve been in criminal justice…
Some of the images inside of the Broken Healer Home. (From: Broken Healer Ministries) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A proposed transition home is sparking controversy in an East Brainerd neighborhood. Nonprofit Broken Healer Ministries says that 90% of all young adults aging out of the foster care system are at risk of homelessness, and would like to address that issue with…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Representative Michelle Reneau defended her decision to vote against the Tennessee Education Freedom Act earlier this year.This was during this week’s Hamilton County Pachyderm Club meeting. She was the only Republican legislator in Hamilton County to vote against that bill, which creates a limited number of scholarships to private schools. She says while she supports the idea…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The debate over what food assistance dollars should cover is gaining steam nationwide. A growing number of states, most led by Republicans, but now including some Democrats, are asking the federal government for permission to ban soda, candy, and other sugary products from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Governor Bill Lee wants Tennessee to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee 811 (TN811) is using August 11, or 8-1-1 on the calendar, as a reminder for residents to contact 811 before starting any digging project. The free service allows homeowners and contractors to have underground utilities marked, helping prevent injuries, outages, and costly repairs. In 2024, there were 8,683 reported utility damages in Tennessee, with the…
ROCK SPRING, GA (WDEF) – Animals have plenty to teach us. That’s a lesson 7 to 12 years old learned to this Summer at Little Vet STEM Camp. Lessons in caring and compassion are a great example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” Organizer Wendy Mattson explains, “It’s a camp and we’ve been going for a few years now. We…
Rachel Ridenour and Maggie Possinger join News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the latest production with Good Soil Theatre Co. in McDonald, TN. MCDONALD, Tenn. (WDEF) – Local acting troupe Good Soil Theatre Co., located in Cleveland, debuts their summer camp themed performance “The Grown-Ups” this weekend. “The Grown-Ups” features a small cast of five performers to create an intimate and…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The world’s longest yard sale once again rolled through the Scenic City this past weekend. The 127 Yard Sale, stretching nearly 700 miles from Addison, Michigan, to Gadsden, Alabama, brought thousands of shoppers to the Chattanooga area for four days of bargain hunting. Vendors lined U.S. 127 and the Lookout Mountain Parkway, selling everything from vintage…
MCMINNVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Grundy County authorities are asking for the community’s help after a disturbing case involving children and dozens of animals. Dozens of animals were found living in poor conditions, and investigators recently confirmed that children were also residing on the property. The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office has been working on the animal cruelty case, which has…
SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- There is a significant amount of opposition to a proposed asphalt mixing plant in Soddy-Daisy. This plant would be located on Thrasher Pike near its Highway 27 interchange. Numerous residents, organizations such as Keep Soddy-Daisy Beautiful and North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy, and the Ivy Academy all say they have various concerns about the property. Those concerns range…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — An industry report out of Germany says that building a second auto plant in Chattanooga is gaining ground at Audi. The luxury brand is owned by Volkswagen. One of their options for avoiding President Trump’s tariffs is building a twin plant next to Volkswagen’s here. They could use V-W’s infrastructure and supplier network which would reduce…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett awarded one of his deputies for performing life-saving actions out in the field. On March 16, 2025, patrol deputy Cody Widdows responded to Water Wheel Lane on reports of an unresponsive person. Upon arrival, deputy Widdows found the individual and immediately began performing CPR. HCSO said thanks to deputy Widdows…
JACKSON COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) — A man was arrested in Jackson County after authorities uncovered drugs during a traffic stop. The stop occurred on August 5, 2025, on Steam Plant Road. A Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputy conducted a search of the driver’s car and person. JCSO says the deputy found five ounces of methamphetamine and various drug paraphernalia….
CHATTANOOGA, TN – Somewhere around seven million Americans deal with low vision including one million that are blind. This week on Tech Byte we invited Cheryl Saucier from LVI America to show us how they’re using new tech and even some AI to help with vision impairment. “Low Vision International is one of the first companies in the world to…
Last Spring, Gordon Lee baseball added a state title now, Gordon Lee football is looking to do the same in this 30 in 30 season preview. Categories: Sports – 30 In 30 2025, Sports – Local Sports News
ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF)- A suspect is on the run in McMinn County after Athens Police say he shot two men last night, killing one of them. Carlos Quintana is a person of interest in a homicide that occurred Wednesday night in Athens near J.L. Cook Memorial Park. Police say that this shooting occurred in this area of Tell and Howard…
Signal Mountain, TN (WDEF) — It’s a bargain hunter’s dream—and it’s officially underway. The World’s Longest Yard Sale kicked off Thursday morning, stretching an impressive 690 miles from Gadsden, Alabama, all the way to Michigan. Along the route lies Taft Highway in Signal Mountain, a hotspot for treasure seekers looking for furniture, antiques, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind knick-knacks. Vendor Jack,…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is applauding TennCare for expanding coverage to include FDA-approved weight-management medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. This decision comes at a critical time, as nearly 4 in 10 Tennessee adults live with obesity, putting them at increased risk for over 200 medical conditions, from type 2 diabetes to heart disease. “GLP-1 medications…