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Ringgold man sentenced to 55 years in prison for child sex abuse
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Ringgold man was recently convicted of several sexual-related charges, including several counts of child molestation. The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office provided the information regarding the case on Monday, May 6. They…
Firefighters battle retirement home fire on Signal Mountain
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Local firefighters were fighting a fire at the Alexian Village Retirement home on Signal Mountain on Monday. The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management reported the fire…
Four companies receive apprenticeship grant
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Four local companies received a huge boost on Monday. (more…)
Israeli army tells Palestinians to evacuate parts of Gaza's Rafah ahead of an expected assault
By SAM MEDNICK, JOSEF FEDERMAN and BASSEM MROUE/Associated Press JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli army ordered some 100,000 Palestinians on Monday to begin evacuating from the southern city of Rafah, signaling that a long-promised ground invasion there could be imminent…
Signal Mountain holds on to celebrate district title over Soddy Daisy
Rain delayed the Soddy Daisy vs Signal Mountain championship since Friday night, leaving the talented teams in limbo. Those who waited for Sunday's conclusion was treated to a nail-biter, with Signal Mountain securing a thrilling…
Weather Update: Monday - May 6, 2024
WDEF-TV News 12 Weather Forecast Overnight: Cloudy, showers, thunderstorms. Mild, Humid; lows: mid 60's. Winds: S @ 5 MPH. Monday: Cloud/Sun Mix. Warm. Highs: mid 80's. Winds: S @ 5-10 MPH. Overnight: Cloudy, showers, thunderstorms. Mild, Humid; lows: mid 60's.…
Strawberry Festival comes to Chattanooga Market
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn, (WDEF) - It's prime time for strawberries at the Chattanooga Market. The Strawberry Festival at the market on Sunday, May 5th, that featured a wide variety of strawberry flavored items. Watsonia Farms has attended the Strawberry Festival at…
The 43rd Annual Red Bank Jubilee returns
RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) - It was a busy Saturday in Red Bank. Fact is, any time you shut down the streets, you know something big is probably going down. The 43rd annual Red Bank Jubilee filled the streets with…
Chattanooga draws with Orlando City B, wins shootout
Chattanooga Football Club (CFC) edged out Orlando City B 5-4 on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw in regulation on Saturday. The win keeps CFC atop the Eastern Conference standings. Ouamri Strikes…
Soddy Daisy-Signal Mountain District Championship Game Suspended in 6th Inning
Red Bank, TN-(WDEF-TV) Soddy Daisy and Signal Mountain were unable to settle their district tournament championship game on Friday at Red Bank High School. The game was suspended in the bottom of the 6th due to weather. The Eagles enjoyed…
Christian Heritage Falls 4-2 to GMC Prep in State Final Four
Dalton, GA-(WDEF-TV) The Christian Heritage soccer team lost to Georgia Military College Prep 4-2 in the state semifinals on Friday. The Lions took an early 1-0 lead in the match, and then they saw GMC Prep score literally as the…
Meigs Co Softball Enjoying Fun and Fantastic Season
Decatur, TN-(WDEF-TV) Playing high school sports should be fun. And of course it's always fun when you win. The Meigs County softball team has won a lot this…
Annual Boat Day at Boyd Buchanan School
Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Boyd Buchanan School held its 27th annual physics boat day on Friday. Students were only allowed to use cardboard and duct tape to complete their boat. Students…
5 Charged with drug smuggling conspiracy at Hamilton County Jail
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Hamilton County authorities said they recently busted a drug smuggling conspiracy at the Hamilton County Jail. Detectives arrested five people in the case. The sheriff's office said the suspects intentionally bonded a man out of…
New lake sturgeon's get released in Tennessee river
Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF) Here's proof that the clean water act has worked. Take a look at the 20 new lake sturgeon making a splash in the Tennessee River this morning. The Tennessee aquarium conservation institute released the juvenile lake sturgeons…
Israel-Palestinian campus protests spread to Tennessee
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Protests concerning the ongoing Israel-Hamas War continue to spread throughout college campuses across America. Now, there have been some protests in Tennessee. The protests began with…
From the Archives: 1979 Trucker Strike
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Gas prices have been a rollercoaster ride for us in the last few months. But the good news is, experts say the worst is behind us. They are predicting a relatively calm summer season for prices. That…
Four companies receive apprenticeship grant
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Four local companies received a huge boost on Monday. (more…)
5 Charged with drug smuggling conspiracy at Hamilton County Jail
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Hamilton County authorities said they recently busted a drug smuggling conspiracy at the Hamilton County Jail. Detectives arrested five people in the case. The sheriff's office said the suspects intentionally bonded a man out of…
Highway 58 firefighter dies in motorcycle crash on Birchwood Pike
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A firefighter died in a motorcycle crash on Birchwood Pike in Harrison on Wednesday. The Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department gave the tragic news on Friday morning. They identified the victim as firefighter Tris Lirette.…
Sheriff: Man shot in knee after assaulting son, neighbor
UPDATE: Investigators now say the shooting Thursday evening on Vulcan Lane in Harrison was a case of self-defense. And the "victim" has now been charged, himself. Hamilton County investigators…
CSAS receives grant to increase energy efficiency, plans to stay downtown
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A historic school in downtown Chattanooga will soon be getting needed upgrades. The school building that houses the Chattanooga School for…
Commissioner says comptroller investigated satellite office
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A Hamilton County Commissioner says he is under investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office for funds used for a satellite office. Satellite offices are used by…
Increase reported in 2023 Chattanooga overdose deaths
CHATTTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Hamilton County Drug Recovery Court presented updated statistics on Wednesday showing the extent of the local drug crisis. During a presentation, the court said…
Vacation rental committee to be held next week
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - A resolution about vacation rentals will be discussed next week at Hamilton County Commission. It will be discussed in a committee session after next week’s regular meeting on Wednesday, May 8. This resolution, proposed by…
Motorcyclist dies in crash at Bates, Alabama Road intersection
APISON, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A motorcyclist died in a crash at the intersection of Bates and Alabama Roads in Hamilton County on Tuesday. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office…
First responders rescue missing hiker at Rainbow Lake Trail
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- First responders in Hamilton County conducted a rescue of a hiker at the Rainbow Lake Trail on Signal Mountain on Tuesday. A woman…
Sherman+Reilly acquired in merger, continuing Chattanooga operations
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A local utility company that’s been around for nearly a century announced a big change on Tuesday. Sherman+Reilly have been making products for…
City Council discusses potential new staff position
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga City Council discussed a potential change to how they reach out to the public during a committee session Tuesday. A new position called…
Chattanoogans sound off on public safety concerns
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Many are on edge after a string of recent shootings. We asked local residents if they feel safe in Chattanooga after recent incidents. One resident, Kristy,…
Hamilton County lawyer temporarily suspended
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A lawyer in Hamilton County has been temporarily suspended for failing to respond to the Board of Professional Responsibility. Arthur C. Grisham, Jr. did not respond to the board concerning one complaint of misconduct, they…
Two hikers drown in creek near Rainbow Lake Trail
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - A family is mourning…
Vigilance, care urged after back to back Chattanooga shootings
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - It has been a violent 24 hours in the Scenic City. First, shots rang out at Champy's Restaurant at 6:30 Thursday evening. That…
Is the Hamilton County Commission following the Sunshine Law?
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- In addition to their regular meetings, the Hamilton County Commission hold a series of committee meetings. (more…)
Superintendent discusses next year's Hamilton County Schools budget with Commission
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Next year’s proposed Hamilton County School budget was presented to the Hamilton County Commission on Wednesday. (more…)
Hamilton County Government may soon use electric vehicles
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hamilton County government may soon be using more electric vehicles in their fleet. County Commissioners briefly discussed a resolution during their Finance Committee Wednesday…
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day happening this Saturday
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is coming up this weekend. Taking place on Saturday, April 27, 2024, the day allows people across the nation to dispose of their…
Golden Apple Award: Sarah Dodson, Lake Forest Middle School
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - Kindness, patience and understanding are always on the syllabus for Sarah Dodson's class at Lake Forest Middle. She has been described as, "the…
Cleveland High Schools remembers 2 who died in weekend crash
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Two Cleveland High School students tragically died in car crash this past weekend. Students, teachers and family came together tonight for a memorial…
Cleveland City Schools says it will not arm teachers
UPDATE: April 26, 2024 CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Cleveland City Schools responded to the recent new Tennessee law that allows schools to arm teachers. The school system will join both Bradley and Hamilton County Schools in continuing to only use…
Cooking mishap results in fatal Bradley County house fire
UPDATE: BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A Bradley County Government spokesperson identified the two people involved in the fire on Sunday. The two who died in this fire were 68-year-old Dnese Moore and 93-year-old Myrtle Irene Moore. BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn.…
Golden Apple Award: Robin Campbell, Hopewell Elementary School
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - The best teachers genuinely care for their students. Kids can tell. That's certainly the case in Robin Campbell's 4th grade class at Hopewell Elementary School. For always giving 100%, we decided to give Ms. Campbell this…
Hot Slaw Festival to be held in Cleveland this weekend
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - Get ready to feel the burn in Cleveland this weekend. Cleveland will be having their third Hot Slaw Festival this Saturday from…
Male Cleveland High School student facing felony sexual battery charge
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Cleveland Police Department says a petition for sexual battery has been filed with the Bradley County Juvenile Court this week against a…
Foundation House Ministries receives $790,000 state grant
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - A ministry that serves mothers in crisis received a large grant Thursday. Foundation House Ministries in Cleveland has received a $790,000 grant from the State…
Sheriff Lawson released from hospital after his weekend wreck
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - Bradley County Sheriff Steve Lawson has moved his recovery to his home following a weekend wreck. The sheriff was released from the hospital on Wednesday. He stopped by the sheriff's office for a visit on his…
Local counties awarded $30,000 to enhance internet connectivity
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Nonprofit Connect Humanity has awarded $30,000 to Bradley, Walker and Whitfield Counties to support broadband internet connectivity. These counties will participate in the Appalachian Digital Accelerator. This will support communities while they create custom connectivity…
Bradley County Sheriff hospitalized after crash
UPDATE: Sheriff Steve Lawson's wife, Connie Lawson, posted an update to Facebook on his condition. She said on Sunday night Sheriff Lawson was in the ICU. Read her post: We have reached out to the Bradley County Sheriff's Office, but…
Tennova signs neo-natal deal with Erlanger
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - Tennova Healthcare announces a partnership with Erlanger to provide neo-natal staff to their hospital in Cleveland. The deal keeps a NICU for newborns in the Cleveland area. "Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland has been a birthing destination…
Free medical pop-up clinic coming to Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Remote Area Medical (RAM) is offering a free two-day health clinic in Cleveland near the end of March. The free pop-up clinic will be March 22-23, 2024. It will be at the Cleveland Church of God,…
Stephen Hatchett is the new prosecutor for Bradley, Polk and McMinn cases
ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) - There will be a new District attorney over four southeastern Tennessee counties this year. Athens attorney Stephen Hatchett narrowly defeated the current DA, Shari Tayloe. She had been appointed to replace Steve Crump who took a…
Golden Apple Award: Jami Thomason, Ocoee Middle School
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - Good teachers are good listeners. Pair that with kindness and a healthy respect for others, and you get a great learning environment. That's just…
Former Cleveland police officer arrested for false reports
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation which led to the arrest of a former Cleveland Police Officer and current Airport Police Officer. …
Bradley County superintendent, sheriff comment on school fight videos
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- An article in the Cleveland Daily Banner over the weekend is raising concerns about fighting in the school systems. The paper was sent links…
Bradley County chemical plant target of lawsuit
CHARLESTON, Tenn. (WDEF) - A chemical plant in Bradley County is at the center of a new lawsuit. Olin Chemical in Charleston is being sued by over 150…
Charleston's Olin Corporation faces lawsuit over mercury exposure
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A Charleston chemical manufacturer is being sued for mercury exposure. The Joey James Law Firm filed a lawsuit against the Olin Corporation with a complaint of more than 200 pages. It accuses the Olin Corporation…
Two men charged in Bradley County inmate fentanyl death
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Bradley County Sheriff's Office has arrested and charged two men for the fentanyl death of an inmate. Authorities found Eric Means unresponsive in his…
Fiery crash on I-75 is fatal for 1, passenger seriously injured
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A single vehicle crashed on I-75 southbound over the weekend in Whitfield County. The Georgia State Patrol said the wreck…
Whitfield County jury finds man guilty of attempted murder
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Whitfield County grand jury found a man guilty of attempting to commit murder, kidnapping and two other charges. The jury found Mitchell Lee…
Whitfield County GOP censures representative
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) - The Whitfield County Republican Party says they are censuring one of their state representatives. They are upset with Representative Kasey Carpenter over what they say are a…
Local counties awarded $30,000 to enhance internet connectivity
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Nonprofit Connect Humanity has awarded $30,000 to Bradley, Walker and Whitfield Counties to support broadband internet connectivity. These counties will participate in the Appalachian Digital Accelerator. This will support communities while they create custom connectivity…
Whitfield County Courthouse undergoing accessibility renovations
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- Those who pay a visit to the Whitfield County Courthouse may notice some renovations at this time. The county said on Monday that they are working…
DPD investigating road rage shooting on West Walnut, no injuries
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Dalton Police Department is investigating a Sunday afternoon shooting on West Walnut Avenue that apparently stemmed from a road rage incident. No one was injured in the shooting. Dalton investigators have identified a suspect in…
DPD looking for suspect after one man shot
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Dalton Police Department is investigating a late Sunday afternoon drive-by shooting that left one man with an injury that is not considered to be life-threatening. Investigators do not believe that the incident is connected to…
Helton Tire and Off-Road raises money for injured firefighter
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) - Whitfield County Firefighter Ricky Pratt was driving back from Atlanta when he was suddenly shot in the leg by another driver. While…
Home catches fire during below-freezing temperatures
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A mobile home caught on fire Tuesday morning, despite the below-freezing temperatures. Whitfield County Fire reported the blaze on social media Tuesday around 10 a.m. When firefighters arrived,…
Mohawk Industries catches fire Tuesday night
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- Workers at Mohawk Industries in Whitfield County are back at work Wednesday after the scare of a roof fire. Fast action and teamwork made the difference and preserved lives.…
Whitfield County alerts residents of recent scam
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Whitfield County government is alerting residents of a recent scam going around. The scammers in this case are impersonating county employees, according to a social media post. The county says these scammers are falsely…
Coahulla Creek student wins $40,000 scholarship
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) - One Whitfield County high schooler made some unexpected cash for her future Monday morning. Coahulla Creek High School student Alana Lopez was surprised with a…
Hamilton County man wanted for property damage in Cohutta
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Cohutta Police Department is searching for a Hamilton County man who they say caused property damage in a car crash. Officers are searching for Austin C. Lansing. Austin Lansing / Courtesy…
2 dead, 1 injured in Whitfield County wreck, GSP says
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- Two people died and one other was injured in a wreck in Whitfield County on Sunday, according to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP). The crash happened at 4 p.m. on December 3 on Dawnville Road.…
Chattanooga native receives 2 life sentences for Dalton armed robbery
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Chattanooga native has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for an armed robbery. Superior Court Judge Jim Wilbanks sentenced 36-year-old Alando Ray Johnson on Wednesday, November 15. Alando Ray…
City of Dalton implementing 30-day burn ban
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- The City of Dalton is going under a burn ban, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 13. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning. Those who violate the burn ban may receive a $1,000 fine and…
Dalton man sentenced to prison for 2022 fentanyl-related death
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Dalton man pled guilty to second-degree murder on Friday for a fentanyl overdose that occurred in 2022. According to Whitfield County officials, 19-year-old Devin Wayne…
Dalton School Board to hold runoff election in December
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- Dalton will have a runoff race for a role in their Public Schools Board. The runoff will be between John "Tulley" Johnson and Laura Orr. Neither candidate received at least 50% of the vote, which is…
Whitfield Co. EMS hosts "Touch-A-Truck" event this weekend
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) - Whitfield County EMS will host their second annual Touch-A-Truck event this Saturday. More than 1,000 people came out to the event last year.…
Whitfield Co. Health Department offers free annual breast exams
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Whitfield County Health Department held their free annual 'Breast Cancer Awareness' clinic Thursday for women aged 19 and older. The Women’s Clinic…
