CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County officially has a new health director.Beka Bohannon has been confirmed to the position by the Hamilton County Commission. Bohannon is Mayor Weston Wamp’s pick to replace Sabrina Novak, who was fired last November from that role. There were questions raised by Commissioner David Sharpe on if the Commission could appoint Bohannon to the role, saying…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On the banks of the Tennessee River, beneath a bright summer sky, the city of Chattanooga gathered Wednesday morning to mark a solemn milestone, ten years since the July 16, 2015, terrorist attack that claimed the lives of five U.S. service members. Hosted by the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, the “Ten Year Remembrance Tribute to the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man has taken a plea deal that significantly cuts the number of child sex charges against him. Jacob Young was indicted this spring on more than two dozen charges of sexual abuse and rape of a child. However, on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, Young pleaded guilty to just three of the charges. The charges…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has selected Terry Knowles to be the next chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD). Since 2022, Knowles has served as CFD’s assistant chief of special operations. Mayor Tim Kelly’s Office says Knowles began his career with CFD as a firefighter in 2005. Throughout the years, he’s served as a Lieutenant, Captain,…
Click to view other businesses at Destination: Ocoee. OCOEE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Cherokee Rafting started in 1978. It’s a family friendly whitewater rafting company based in Polk County, Tennessee. The business prides itself in taking you down a very important part of local history. The Ocoee River is located inside the Cherokee National Forest. It’s a place where the…
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A Catoosa County couple has been arrested and is being charged with multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty. On Monday, July 14, 2025, a concerned citizen contacted Catoosa County officers about several cats in poor condition outside a residence on Saunders Road. Upon arrival, officers found several the cats in what they described as “deplorable”…
HAMLTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — McConnell Elementary is getting closer to having a new gym facility. Hamilton County has committed $2 million toward building a new multi-purpose gym. The Hamilton County Mayor’s Office says McConnell Elementary has operated without a dedicated space for indoor physical education, assemblies, performances, and schoolwide gatherings. “This is more than a building—it’s a long…
LaFayette didn’t win a single game last year. Yet this season, they have roster numbers that might make any coach jealous. Brian Armstrong has the Ramblers in the 30-in-30 spotlight. Categories: Sports – 30 In 30 2025, Sports – Local Sports News
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)- State transportation officials say that the timeline for some local construction projects has been delayed. This as one Hamilton County community celebrates new infrastructure. The Collegedale and Apison areas have reached a new milestone as a new bridge connecting State Route 317 from the Southern Adventist University area to the rest of Collegedale, has been completed. This,…
TRENTON, Ga. (WDEF) — The Dade County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) announced the passing of one of its newest K-9 units, Georgia. On July 13, 2025, Georgia was left inside her K-9 unit while her handler was inside the sheriff’s office. DCSO said the incident occurred on a day when the heat index in Trenton reached between 100 and 102 degrees….
News 12 This Morning: Retired U.S. Navy Captain Mickey McCamish joins News 12’s Chip Chapman to invite the public to pay their respects to the Fallen Five on the 10th anniversary of the fatal attack in Chattanooga. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Five brave servicemen were killed in a domestic terror attack on July 16, 2015. Now, the Chattanooga community continues…
Red Bank, TN-(WDEF-TV) Red Bank is used to making the playoffs. But they’re not used to going home early in the post season. It happened last year, and the Lions want to avoid that fate this season. Brian Armstrong gives Red Bank the 30-in-30 preview. Categories: Sports – 30 In 30 2025, Sports – Local Sports News
OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF)- The pace of growth in Ooltewah has been a topic of concern among residents there for some time. This as two different developments went in front of the Regional Planning Agency. Snow Hill Road and Mountain View Road are just two of the many roads in the Ooltewah area that have been under increasing scrutiny. This is…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Ten years after a domestic terrorist attack shook the heart of Chattanooga, the community is coming together to remember the five servicemen who lost their lives on July 16, 2015. The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council (CAVC) will host a “Ten Year Remembrance Tribute to the Fallen Five” this Wednesday, July 16, at 11:00 a.m. at the…
The plans for a proposed hotel that was shot down by the RPA on Monday. (From: RPA) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A proposed hotel to go near the intersection of Shallowford and Jenkins Roads was shot down Monday by the Regional Planning Agency. It would have been located across the street from Grace Baptist Academy, and adjacent to the Drake Forest…
Rock Creek as seen from the Highway 27 bridge in Sale Creek. SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF)- The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has responded to concerns over potential flooding risk in Sale Creek. We spoke with residents last week who said that Rock Creek, which flows into the middle of the town off of Walden’s Ridge, has a significant amount…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – After months of waiting, the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is officially back open. The Incline is one of Chattanooga’s most visited attractions, offering a scenic climb to the top of Lookout Mountain. During its seven-month closure, teams worked to improve safety and maintain the century-old track structure. We asked Charles Frazier Cartas CEO what makes the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee’s roads are under pressure. As more drivers switch to hybrid and electric vehicles, gas tax revenue, the state’s main source for road funding, is slowly drying up. At today’s Hamilton County Pachyderm Club meeting, State Representative and Transportation Committee Chair Dan Howell addressed these challenges. Here is what Howell told the Club and News 12:…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Just because school is out, learning doesn’t have to take a vacation. Students from the Chattanooga area are getting lessons in leadership at Book T. Washington State Park. The third annual Team Mentoring camp is a Summertime example of, What’s Right With Our Schools. “Team mentoring Inc. was designed to provide our youth between the ages,…
Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Moon Beam! Moon Beam is a sweet and affectionate 4-year-old pup. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says she’s got soulful eyes that are full of love and loyalty. Moon Beam does great with other dogs. She loves to play but also knows how to relax. Moon Beam is smart and eager to please….
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Saturday, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy Greg Buck observed a vehicle leave the roadway at 3298 Wilcox Boulevard and crash through a fence and enter a nearby retention pond. Deputy Buck immediately called for assistance. When arriving, additional Deputies quickly worked to extract the driver from the vehicle. According to HCSO, the…
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga is hosting some of the nation’s most promising young boxing talent this weekend. The 2025 National Junior & Youth Golden Gloves Championship kicked off Sunday morning at Camp Jordan Arena, with top athletes from across the country competing. We spoke with local pro Roger “The Hitman” Hilley, who turned pro in 2016 after medaling…
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga’s summer just got a lot more thrilling. The 2025 Thrillville carnival has rolled into Camp Jordan, bringing high-flying rides, classic fair treats, and non-stop family fun. Experience over 30 thrilling rides, from heart-pounding coasters to family-friendly attractions. Enjoy classic carnival favorites like cotton candy, funnel cakes, and games for all ages. Unlimited ride wristbands…
Hixson football has a senior filled offensive line, but going on QB number 3 in the past 3 years. Here is Hixson’s 30 in 30 football feature: Categories: Sports – 30 In 30 2025, Sports – Local Sports News