Hixson man convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Hixson man has been convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child. Seth Cordell 43 year old Seth Austin Cordell was indicted more than a year ago on charges of sexual abuse, statutory rape and incest. Cordell is set to be sentenced later this spring. He’s also received additional charges when a judge listened to…

Fire crews respond to overnight chicken house fire in Rhea Co.

RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Two chicken houses caught fire overnight in Rhea County. Crews were dispatched shortly after midnight to 4688 Old Washington Highway for the fires. Rescue squads had to conduct a major tanker operation including several neighboring counties. Crews were released from the scene around 3:30 a.m. No injuries were reported. We’re working to learn what caused…

Bill to shield Georgia carpet industry from forever chemical lawsuits

ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF)- A proposed bill regarding who can be sued in the ongoing battle over forever chemicals in Northwest Georgia is garnering some backlash. Georgia House Bill 211 is sponsored by several representatives from Northwest Georgia, would make carpet companies immune from suits blaming them for the spreading of PFAS chemicals which have numerous health concerns. The Fletcher children…

Shocking Road Collapse Leaves Key Stretch of Highway 30 Impassable in Polk County

POLK COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A shocking road collapse has left a key stretch of Highway 30 impassable in Polk County The collapse occurred early this morning near Kimsey Mountain Highway and Sage Hill Road. “At approximately 4:04 a.m., we received a call about a vehicle accident on Highway 30 near Sage Hill Road. Before emergency responders arrived, local fire…

New Tech to Elevate Your Movie Night

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Have you ever wanted the movie portion of your Valentines Dinner and a movie to be a little more private but still awesome? Then look no further than the X-Gimi Mogo 3 smart projector and the accompanying stand.  It’s a portable home cinema!  They were nice enough to send us this demo to play with and while…

Great American Cookies offering last minute Valentine’s Day gifts

Ashton Kowalewski with Great American Cookies join News 12’s Amelia Greer and Chip Chapman for an interactive cookie interview on Valentine’s Day!  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s Valentine’s Day and Great American Cookie has some sweet options for last minute gifts. For Great American Cookie, Valentine’s Day is seen as the “Super Bowl” for the business as many partners resort…

Chattanooga FC Unveil New Jerseys For 2025 Season

(press release) Ahead of the club’s second season competing in MLS NEXT Pro, Chattanooga Football Club (CFC) today unveiled its entire line of 2025 jerseys. The club released its primary, secondary and two goalkeeper kits in front of a packed crowd at the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown. TEREN designs was introduced as front-of-shirt partner, with FTC Development as sleeve partner, Irrigreen…

Flu Cases Rising Across East Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Flu cases are rising rapidly, affecting daily life and prompting health officials to urge extra precautions.  Many are feeling the impact as communities work to slow the spread. Flu cases are spiking at an alarming rate, filling waiting rooms and overwhelming healthcare workers.  Doctors say they’re seeing more severe cases than usual, and there’s growing concern…

Chattanooga Airport Launches Nonstop Punta Gorda Flight

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Airport is celebrating the launch of its inaugural nonstop flight to Punta Gorda, Florida. This new route is expected to boost travel convenience and open new opportunities for both leisure and business travelers.  The new service, operated by Allegiant, offers budget-friendly fares and convenient scheduling.  Sharon Knight, one of the newest travelers on this…

Proposals amid Plan Hamilton debate inspire different reactions

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The ongoing controversy over a plan to redefine the future of unincorporated Hamilton County was brought to the forefront due to two proposals designed to slow growth in front of the Hamilton County Commission. Commissioner Mike Chauncey commented, “I’m just getting frustrated because we just keep putting it off and putting it off.” Two proposals struck at…

South Broad Stadium still on schedule, developers say

Renderings of the South Broad District. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- An update was provided Thursday morning on the construction at the South Broad Stadium. The stadium will be the future home of the Chattanooga Lookouts, replacing AT&T Field on the Riverfront. On Thursday, the Sports Authority Board was given an update by the developers on the status of the $120 million…

Two shot at Brainerd Road gas station

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Two people were shot at a gas station on Brainerd Road this afternoon. The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) said shortly after noon, they received a shots fired call at the Hop-In Gas Station across from Barger Academy. When they arrived on scene they found two people with gunshot wounds. They say one of those injured has…

Chattanooga Fire Department assisting in water rescue

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) along with other organizations assisted in a water rescue. CFD posted on X that a creek near the intersection of Quinn Adams Street and East 4nd Street has flooded. Several animals and people were trapped in a large homeless encampment by the rising waters, and were rescued via boat. City officials,…

Catoosa County deputy arrested following GBI investigation

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A former Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant has been arrested following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) inquiry into allegations of financial misconduct involving an off-duty security job. According to the GBI, former Lieutenant Keith Cantrell, was hired by a local church to provide security but Keith Cantrell submitted invoices for payment despite never showing…

Chatt Prep teacher faces a dozen child sexual exploitation charges

Kenya White CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher is facing a laundry list of charges related to child exploitation. According to the indictment, the incident occurred on or about February 15, 2023. White is listed on Chattanooga Preparatory School’s website as a 6th grade Guided Reading Teacher. The charges are listed below: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor…

Extend the season of love with Rock City

Rock City’s Pepper Raper joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the nearly month long events and offers happening for couples in need of a getaway at Rock City. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and Rock City is extending the season of love. For those looking for a great date idea, year round,…

LaFayette Celebrates 59-56 Overtime Win Over Gilmer in Region Quarterfinals

Tunnel Hill, GA-(WDEF-TV) LaFayette pulled out a thrilling 59-56 overtime win over Gilmer in the quarterfinals of the Region 7-AAA tournament on Wednesday. The Ramblers were down 56-55 in regulation with two seconds to play. Khalas Finley was fouled shooting a three-pointer. He made one of three foul shots to tie the score at 56 and force overtime. Ramblers scored…