WDEF News 12 Now

Life Care Centers issues statement on legal proceedings against their founder

CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) – A major company in our area is reacting to legal drama surrounding its founder in Cleveland, Tennessee. Forrest L. Preston started Life Care Centers of America in 1970. The company now operates 200 campuses in 27 states across the country. At the age of 91, Preston is still the owner. But… ... Continue Reading
Chattanooga firefighters respond to Faith Road fire

Chattanooga firefighters respond to Faith Road fire

Faith Road Fire / Chattanooga Fire Department CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) responded to a fire on Faith Road this morning. Firefighters were dispatched to the 3600 block of Faith Road at 9:32 a.m. Upon arrival, crews found a vacant structure on fire. The fire spread to a collapsed single-wide trailer… ... Continue Reading
Local law enforcement gives Halloween safety tips for community

Local law enforcement gives Halloween safety tips for community

MGN HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The spooky holiday is upon us, and that means trick or treaters will be on the prowl this evening. Local law enforcement have posted statements, providing safety tips to keep the ghouls and goblins out of harm’s way. Chattanooga Police (CPD) gave a list of six things to keep… ... Continue Reading

The Chocolate Box offers scarily good treats this Halloween

Nichelle Patel of The Chocolate Box previews last minute tasty creations for Halloween with News 12’s Chip Chapman. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Something tasty this way comes. Nichelle Patel, owner of The Chocolate Box, returns to show off some more tricks up her sleeve and all of them are treats! People will be screaming “Beetlejuice!”… ... Continue Reading

Tennessee murder suspect investigation continues

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) –The FBI is continuing the manhunt for the Tennessee man who allegedly staged a fake bear attack in an attempt to cover up a hiker’s murder. Nicholas Hamlett, the suspected murderer, stole the identity of a man named Brandon Andrade, dialed 911 the night of Oct. 18 while hiking in Polk County, and told police he was injured and trapped in a body of water after a supposed bear chased him off a cliff. 

When authorities traced the call to the last known location, they stumbled across a bloodied corpse along with the stolen ID of Brandon Andrade. However, the corpse was identified to not be Andrade and is currently a John Doe. 

The suspected murderer is still at large.

It was shared in the press conference of the possible connection between Hamlett and the John Doe.

Nicholas Hamlett was previously arrested in 2009 in connection to an incident that took place in Elmore County in which he held a man at gunpoint and attempted to strike him with a baseball bat. According to court records, he also has four prior felony convictions with a felony assault in 2012 where he was sentenced to 20 years in prison and released on parole in 2016. 

There is currently a warrant for Hamlett’s arrest on first-degree murder charges with a reward up to $5000 for any information on his whereabouts. 

Investigators say that Hamlett is using several aliases, including Brandon Andrade, and is considered to be armed and dangerous. Hamlett, according to the original reports of the incident, was using the name Joshua Jones when he reached out to the victim so “he could get some insurance.” 

He is approximately 5 foot 7, 170 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone who sees Hamlet is urged to call 911 or Monroe County Dispatch at 423-442-4357.

Categories: Featured, Local News
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Weather Update: Thursday – October 31, 2024

Weather Update: Thursday – October 31, 2024

Overnight: Partly cloudy. Mild.
Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH, gusts 20.

Thursday: Cloud / Sun Mix. Mild. Breezy at times.
Highs: high 70s. Winds: S @ 5-10 MPH, gusts 20.

Overnight: Stray showers into Friday morning. Mild.
Lows: low 60’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.

Friday: Early showers, then partly cloudy.
Highs: low 70’s. Winds: N @ 5 MPH.

 

Dr. Marshall Shepherd in @Forbes Magazine: The Bullying of Meteorologists

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“I have spent over 30 years studying meteorology and climate. We take a lot of physics, calculus, thermodynamics and other complex subjects. The atmosphere is a fluid within a rotating frame of reference. Such complexity is far beyond fourth grade lessons about cumulus clouds or cold fronts. As I look at the despair caused to those in the Southeast like farmers, homeowners and businesses, I wish we could control hurricanes. Many families lost loved ones or property. Many communities of color, poor rural areas and regions with high elderly concentrations receive a disproportionate punch from storms like Helene or Milton. Gosh, I wish we did have the technology to spare them such angst and despair. We don’t.”

Via Forbes Magazine (may require subscription to site)

Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a leading international expert in weather and climate, was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS) and is Director of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Atmospheric Sciences Program.

#WhatNOAADoes : NWS Open House – RESCHEDULED

Nov2 Openhouseflyer

Come join us Saturday, November 2, 2024 for our second ever open house! Stop by any time between 10 AM and 2 PM to learn about the National Weather Service as a whole, as well as tour operations and learn what a typical work day looks like at our office. There is no cost, admission is FREE!

 

Things To Do:

Tour the office, including our operations floor

Speak with other local agencies and core partners of NWS Morristown

Meet our meteorologists

Learn how we issue products and warnings

Hands-on experiments and child friendly activities

Learn about severe weather and hydrology

Learn how the radar works

Learn about the weather radio and how best to program your own

& more!

Stay tuned for additional updates and details!

*In the event of severe weather, the open house may need to be cancelled.

**No pets allowed. Service dogs permitted.

***No drugs, weapons, or alcohol of any kind allowed.

– National Weather Service, Morristown TN

 

#WhatNOAADoes : NWS Skywarn Training Online

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“We have a NEW Virtual SKYWARN spotter training! It consists of four interactive sections to complete, followed by a final exam that must be taken to receive credit. After finishing the exam, please be patient and understand that up to two weeks may pass between completing the exam and receiving your spotter ID card and certificate. ”
– National Weather Service, Morristown TN

 

NWS Nashville – Weather 101

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Weather101 is a series of FREE interactive online classes to help the public learn about meteorology, forecasting and the National Weather Service in general.  These classes will explore the concepts formally found in what was our Advanced SKYWARN spotter classes, plus MORE!

Individuals or groups will be able to complete the courses in the comfort of their own home using the extremely user-friendly computer program, Go-To Meeting.  The only requirement will be speakers to listen, if you’re using a computer. If you want to ask questions, you will need to have a VOIP microphone (this is not a requirement).

Each class can be viewed on a Mac or PC, as well as on your iPad, iPhone or Android device by simply downloading the FREE Go-To-Webinar app in the app store on your device (you’ll need the Webinar ID number supplied in the registration email).

https://www.weather.gov/ohx/weather101

United States Drought Monitor Latest Statement

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National U.S. Drought Monitor Summary for September 19, 2024

Southeast

Tropical rainfall from Hurricane Francine and Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight delivered widespread, heavy rain across much of Alabama and North Carolina, respectively. Francine’s downpours spilled into southwestern Georgia and western Florida. One to locally two-category drought reductions were noted where extreme rainfall occurred, especially in parts of Alabama, as drought turned to flash flooding. However, worsening drought conditions were noted in several areas, including portions of South Carolina, northern Georgia, and western Virginia. On September 15, Virginia led the region with topsoil moisture rated 64% very short to short, followed by South Carolina at 55%.

– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information    https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu


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Got #weatherpix to share for our @WestShoreHome #WeatherWindow #PictureOfTheDay? E-mail them to [email protected].

Make sure you & your family stay in touch with us. Remember the Storm Team 12 app can always bring you the latest weather alerts for your location as well as Titan Radar. Download it for free from your app store – just search WDEF Weather”.

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The best time to prepare for severe weather is when nothing weather-wise is going on.  Learn more about programming your weather alert radio with WDEF-TV News 12.


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Who can participate?

This is a community project.  Everyone can help, young, old, and in-between.  The only requirements are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can affect and impact our lives.

What will our volunteer observers be doing?

Each time a rain, hail or snow storm crosses your area, volunteers take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible (see equipment).  These precipitation reports are then recorded on our Web site www.cocorahs.org. The data are then displayed and organized for many of our end users to analyze and apply to daily situations ranging from water resource analysis and severe storm warnings to neighbors comparing how much rain fell in their backyards.

Who uses CoCoRaHS?

CoCoRaHS is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals.  The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water), insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor & recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit our Web site and use our data.

https://cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=application



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One of NOAA’s missions is to save life and property by providing critical environmental intelligence, including weather forecasts and warnings, to our partners and the general public. NOAA wants everyone, from communities across the country, businesses, and the public at large to be ready, responsive, and resilient to extreme weather, water, and climate events.  Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors (WRN Ambassadors) are formally recognized by NOAA as organizations committed to collaborating with NOAA, sharing preparedness messaging in outreach to the public, and serving as examples themselves by implementing resilience best practices. Apply to become an Ambassador here.

Categories: Featured, Local News, Weather Update
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Annual Red Kettle Campaign Seeks Volunteer Support as Fundraising Efforts Continue

This holiday season, The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga is gearing up to launch its volunteer recruitment for the Red Kettle Campaign. Since 18-91, the Red Kettle Campaign has been a beloved tradition, helping those in need during the holiday season. Officials say it relies heavily on the dedication of volunteers. “Every year, we conduct… ... Continue Reading

Reported price increase in Gateway project causes controversy at commission meeting

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A report over the weekend from the Chattanooga Times Free Press claimed the cost of the Gateway school project had doubled to $80 million dollars. It had been initially proposed to be roughly $40 million as part of a $250 million dollar bond issue to fund several school projects across the county.… ... Continue Reading

Erlanger discusses future after Health Department acquitision

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  Erlanger is thinking about what its future looks like beyond the acquisition of the Hamilton County Health Department. Announced Tuesday, Erlanger will acquire the 60 year old building on third street to expand their downtown campus. The hospital’s CEO, Jim Coleman, says they are currently in the exploratory phase of what to… ... Continue Reading

Driving Our Economy Forward: Peak Symposium

The 10th annual Peak Performance Symposium took place recently at the Pie Innovation Center in Cleveland, Tennessee. The symposium gives manufacturing professionals a chance to share ideas through technology and workforce development. Tonight we take a look at how the event continues to Drive Our Economy Forward. “Is just the tip of the iceberg you… ... Continue Reading
Former Sylvania High School teacher being sued for sex crimes

Former Sylvania High School teacher being sued for sex crimes

DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) —  A lawsuit has been filed against a former Sylvania High School (SHS) teacher who was convicted of sex

crimes.

The lawsuit was filed by one of the victims father’s, seeking compensation against Dustin Dalton.

Dalton was a sixth-grade teacher SHS who was charged on two dozen counts of inappropriate behavior in 2021.

According to the lawsuit, the victims are seeking compensatory damages against Dalton for his

Dustin Dalton

actions.

WHNT reports during or around the 2016 school year, one of the victim’s mother found her child wearing Dalton’s class ring.

It was later discovered the victim and Dalton were in contact via a social media app.

The mother reported these actions to the principal but never received a follow-up.

The lawsuit also states a former football coach has also expressed concerns about Dalton’s behavior with students to the principal.

It was later determined no action was taken to investigate the claims made.

In October of 2020, a victim shared his experiences with a friend, and later reported the issue to the school counselor.

Dalton was charged with the following in June of 2021:

  • First-Degree Sodomy (3 counts)
  • Disturbing Obscene Material (10 counts)
  • Soliciting a Sex Act (2 counts)
  • Child enticement (2 counts)
  • Being a School Employee Engaging in a Sex Act with a Student (5 counts)
  • First-Degree Sexual Abuse
  • Second-Degree Sex Abuse
  • Attempted Sexual Abuse
  • Producing Pornography with a Minor

He pleaded guilty to the charges November 1, 2021, and was required to register as a sex offender.

Dalton was sentenced to 10 years in a state prison.

He’s required to serve at least three years before being eligible for release, following five years of probation.

Categories: Crime, Featured, Local News
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New parental leave policy proposed for Hamilton County employees

New parental leave policy proposed for Hamilton County employees

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has proposed a new parental leave policy for Hamilton County government employees.

This new policy includes eight weeks of paid maternity leave and two weeks of paid paternity leave.

“As a father of five, I know firsthand how crucial those first several weeks are for parents to bond with their newborn, and employers have responsibility to provide young families with this important time,” said Mayor Wamp.

To be eligible for full maternity or paternity leave, employees must be full time with regular status, and have been employed with Hamilton County for a consecutive year.

Employees must also have worked at least 1,250 hours in the year prior to the start of their leave.

Employees that don’t meet the requirements may still qualify for partial leave.

To qualify for partial leave, employees must have worked for at least six consecutive months and have logged 625 hours at minimum.

The partial leave policy provides four weeks of paid maternity and one week of paid paternity leave.

This new policy aligns with the new Hamilton County Center for Thriving Families will act to benefit and support new families.

Hamilton County Commission will vote on the new policy Wednesday, November 6 2024.

Categories: Government & Politics, Hamilton County, Jobs & Economy, Local News
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Ringgold searching for volunteers to help with Veterans Day flags

Ringgold searching for volunteers to help with Veterans Day flags

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) —  The city of Ringgold is searching for volunteers to help assist with Veterans Day flags.

The city is asking for assistance in raising and lowering Veterans Day flags to honor the deceased veterans of Catoosa County.

There will be 2,105 flags flying throughout the city this year.

Flags go up November 4, 2024 beginning at 10:00 a.m. and will come down November 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

The city of Ringgold is also hosting a TAPS ceremony in front of Ringgold City Hall on Veterans Day at 6:00 p.m.

All members of the public are invited to attend.

If anyone has questions about volunteering, please contact Ringgold City Hall, (706) 935-3061, or Pete Pedigo, (706) 866-9089.

Categories: Featured, Local News, Ringgold
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Demystifying Death Conference offers lessons of death and grief

News 12’s Amelia Greer previews the Demystifying Death Conference with Sherry Campbell. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The upcoming Demystifying Death Conference is an opportunity for people to learn about death and how to handle grief. The event was brought together by Welcome Home of Chattanooga and will be at the First Baptist Church of Chattanooga… ... Continue Reading

Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair returns with even bigger treats

President of the Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair, Karen Shostak, joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the fall favorite event. HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Be prepared for great music, food, rides, and the world’s largest Little Debbie Christmas Tree cake at the Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair. The fair returns for its second… ... Continue Reading

New plans for the Chattanooga Zoo

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Various members of the community came together Tuesday for Chattanooga’s weekly City Council Meeting. As many important topics were discussed, one topic of interest was the passing of the new expansion plan for the Chattanooga Zoo and Friends of the Zoo Incorporated.    The Chattanooga Zoo is planning to add the 19,296 square… ... Continue Reading

Hamilton County sells health department building to Erlanger; to relocate to Engel Stadium site

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-The future of the Hamilton County Health Department was announced this morning. However, that future will impact a historic Chattanooga site. Built in 1930, Engel Stadium served as the home for the Chattanooga Lookouts for nearly seven decades. However, as the team has moved on to new ballparks, this site has sat nearly… ... Continue Reading

Chattanooga’s 4th Street to receive beautification

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It took 8 years and three different government entities… “This is a gateway groundbreaking for the first of what will probably be many TDOT projects across the state to beautify the interchange,” said Chattanooga Mayor, Tim Kelly.   Now, the 4th street beautification project kicked off with the help of Chattanooga, Hamilton County,… ... Continue Reading

Golden Apple Award: Andrew Barnett, St. Jude

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Teaching second graders can be extremely challenging and extremely rewarding. Andrew Barnett meets that challenge every day at St. Jude Elementary School in Chattanooga. We spent a little quality time in Mr. Barnett’s classroom for this week’s Golden Apple Award. Joshua Overton is the Principal at St. Jude. He describes Mr.… ... Continue Reading
South Chickamauga Creek Greenway closing for wastewater improvements

South Chickamauga Creek Greenway closing for wastewater improvements

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The South Chickamauga Creek Greenway will soon be closed temporarily for wastewater improvements.

The City of East Ridge said they were notified by the Chattanooga Wastewater Department of a “significant infrastructure project to improve wastewater.”

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The project will consist of the construction of two 1.5 million gallon above ground storage tanks.

These tanks will be located at 6000 Cornelison Road, which is adjacent to Camp Jordan.

The South Chickamauga Creek Greenway will be closed from the access point at Camp Jordan to the Brainerd Road Trailhead, located at Greenway View Drive.

“This project will only close about 900 linear feet of the South Chickamauga Greenway at its very south end, where the greenway crosses under I-75.  All portions outside of that will remain open, over 10.5 contiguous miles from the Riverwalk to the I-75 underpass,” said Mark Heinzer, Administrator of the Wastewater Department.

This closure will last from November 18, 2024 until the Summer of 2027.

The City of East Ridge will close and lock the gate over the bridge at Camp Jordan Park.

Categories: Local News
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