Sale Creek man taken into custody after 8 hour SWAT standoff

SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Sale Creek man has been taken into custody after a lengthy SWAT standoff. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), along with other law enforcement agencies were serving a high risk warrant this morning at the 15000 block of Highway 27. At some point after authorities arrived on scene, the suspect barricaded himself inside the…

Cleveland pastor pleads guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Cleveland pastor has plead guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor after investigators uncovered child sexual abuse material on his laptop. In the summer of 2023, the Cleveland Police Department (CLPD) received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tip was in regards to a user in Cleveland, who…

Collegedale father indicted, mother charged after infant daughter’s death

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Collegedale father has been indicted after the tragic death of his infant daughter last summer. On August 12, 2024, officers with the Collegedale Police Department (CDPD) were working an active school zone when they encountered Timothy Paul Blackdeer, and his unresponsive daughter, Violet Blackdeer. According to CDPD, despite all efforts to revive the child, she…

Vascular Institute Shows how New Procedure Helps with Old Surgery

CHATTANOOGA, TN – In 1964 President Lyndon Johnson designated February to be National Heart Month.  At the time, cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death in the United States so he wanted people to focus on their health and heart issues in the month that would align with Valentine’s Day. Dr. William Harris invited us into his operating room…

Girl Scout Cookie season is here!

Dr. Sabrina Sammons with the Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians joins News 12 This Morning to talk about girl scout cookie season and to judge the annual cookie eating contest. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s that time of year again where green sashes are near every grocery store, Girl Scout cookie season. The Girl Scout cookie program is the largest…

ConNooga takes over the Chattanooga Convention Center

Alexis Hughes and Wren Rhoader join News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the exciting events and fandom-welcoming environment coming to the Chattanooga Convention Center for ConNooga this weekend! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Release your inner geek with entertainment, guest stars, and cosplay contests at ConNooga this weekend! This year, just about anything and everything is happening at ConNooga with…

School Board Debates Classroom Phone Ban

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The debate over electronic devices in classrooms is intensifying as a state senator has introduced legislation to ban such devices statewide.  The Hamilton County School Board met this evening to discuss a proposal to prohibit cell phones in local classrooms. State Senator Todd Gardenhire and State Representative Dan Howell have co-authored a bill aiming to eliminate…

Hamilton County GOP preparing to elect new chair

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Local Republicans are beginning to discuss what’s next for their party following sweeping victories in November. That includes the selection of a new chair of the Hamilton County GOP. The current chairman, Mark Harrison, is not seeking re-election. The two candidates vying for the top spot of the Hamilton County Republican Party are former Sheriff Jim Hammond…

Mckamey Animal Shelter adopt 250 event

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — McKamey Animal Shelter is running an adoption event till march 8th. They have a new adoption goal. James Kay is the director of advancement for McKamey Animal Shelter. He says, “We initially launched this campaign, Mac 250 for what it sounds like. We want to adopt 250 animals in four weeks. We are now about two…

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Dedicates New Home

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) A new chapter has begun for ShaTaylor Thurman and her family as they step into their brand-new home, thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. For the past six years, ShaTaylor, a dedicated mother of two, lived in an apartment that lacked basic amenities—no laundry facilities, limited space, and no safe outdoor area for her children…

Chattanooga workers accused of $80,000 overtime fraud

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The state comptroller’s office accuses three Chattanooga employees with over-billing the city for up to $80,000 over a four year period. The three employees worked as traffic signal electricians for the city’s transportation division. The investigation claims the three got paid for overtime work that they didn’t do. They also say that some records were altered…

‘The Dream’ receives five day suspension of beer license after shooting

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga nightclub has received its punishment following a shooting in December. Inside of the crowded “Dream” nightclub on Glass Street on December 1st, shots rang out, injuring one person and causing dozens of patrons to exit the club in a panic. At a hearing two weeks ago, representatives of the club testified that their metal detectors…

Charlotte Grace Events kicks off the year with a winter market

Tiffany Miller with Charlotte Grace Events joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about their upcoming market and newest non-profit. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Escape the cold but still have all the fun with the Winter Merchant and Makers Market! Winter Merchant and Makers Market is coming to Northgate Mall with the event being inside this time. Throughout the center…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Yellow Racket Records

At Yellow Racket Records, they say music is more than just a background noise…it’s an experience.  You will find new records, and some old classics.  We’re learning what makes this business so special and why it continues to Drive Our Economy Forward. Ben Vanderhart, Owner, Yellow Racket Records says, “Welcome to Yellow Racket Records. The name just came to me…

Derek Roberson Leads the Charge For Chatt Prep

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Chatt Prep has been playing basketball for only four seasons, and guard Derrick Roberson has been there the whole time. Just as the team has grown up, so has Roberson. He’s bigger and better than ever in his junior year, ready to help the Sentinels win another state title. Brian Armstrong has more. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Mocs Beat Western Carolina 91-86 and Earn Sole Possession of First in the SoCon

(gomocs.com) The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team earned its eighth-straight victory after rallying for a 91-86 victory over Western Carolina during crucial late-season Southern Conference action on Wednesday night inside McKenzie Arena. After the victory, Chattanooga (20-8, 12-3 SoCon) extended its winning streak to eight games and jumped into sole possession of first place in the SoCon standings following a…

Frigid Temperatures Grip East Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As winter weather moves in, officials are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe. From protecting your home to dressing for the frigid air, preparation is key. Temperatures are set to drop well below freezing across East Tennessee, and that means it’s time to prepare for the cold.  The National Weather Service warns that wind…

Commissioners express concern over potential elimination of Department of Education

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- How much will Hamilton County be affected if the federal Department of Education (DOE) is eliminated? That’s a question some commissioners asked during Wednesday’s meeting. Concerns were specifically over how potential cuts could affect schools with higher rates of students in poverty. Currently, 40 public schools in Hamilton County are listed as Title I Schools. That means…

Cambridge Square development stirs debate at commission over Ooltewah growth

Map of the expansion of the Cambridge Square neighborhood. (From: Hamilton County Government) OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF)- A new Ooltewah development faced some pushback Wednesday at Hamilton County Commission. A new neighborhood is being built adjacent to Cambridge Square. Wednesday’s resolution was to approve 26 new townhome units to the already over 300 homes already built or under construction. Concerns were…

Chickamauga Lock Project Moves Forward with Final Contract Bids

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has solicited their final contract for bids, aiming to complete a new, fully operational lock by 2028. “They’re reaching some major milestones on this project. We’re excited to bring this project to full operation, and part of that process involves soliciting our next contract. We’re thrilled to have contractors come…