Category Archives: Local News

Family, Sheriff pleading with public to help with search of missing man

Family, Sheriff pleading with public to help with search of missing man

LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF)- It’s been two weeks since anyone has seen Tim McSears. He is a 65 year old Lafayette resident who has vanished without a trace. This has both the family and Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson alarmed. Pictures of Tim McSears, who has been missing since March 6 and was last seen at…MORE

Expert witness at center of debate in upcoming Roberts trial

Expert witness at center of debate in upcoming Roberts trial

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The man soon to face trial in the murder of a Chattanooga businessman was back in court Friday afternoon. Darryl Roberts is charged with first degree murder in the September 2023 shooting death of Christopher Wright. Patten Towers surveillance footage of the last few moments a man identified as Darryl Roberts walks…MORE

Groundbreaking held for 16 sober living apartments

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The return to sober living will become easier for some recovering addicts. The Council for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Services (CADAS) held a groundbreaking for 16 sober living apartments. These are made possible due to two grants totaling to one point one million dollars from the Tennessee Departments of Housing and…MORE

Dunlap wreck claims life of driver, injures passenger

DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A wreck in Dunlap Thursday claimed the life of one and injured another. On March 20, 2025 at 3:38 p.m., the Dunlap Fire Department (DFD) responded to a single vehicle accident on Highway 127 near Seminole Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters found a driver and passenger occupying the vehicle. They were both…MORE

TVA workers rescued from Raccoon Mountain’s pump storage facility

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Two TVA workers had to be rescued from Raccoon Mountain’s pump storage facility. On Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) were dispatched to the pump storage facility. According to CFD crews were doing necessary maintenance when their man basket malfunctioned 150 feet down and…MORE

Weather Update: Friday March 21, 2025

Weather Update: Friday March 21, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly clear, dry, cold. Lows: low 40’s. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH. Saturday: Sunny, dry, mild. Highs: high 60’s to low 70’s. Winds: W @ 10-20 MPH, gusts 25 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear, dry, cold. Lows: low 40’s. Winds: W @ 5 MPH. Sunday: More clouds.…MORE

TBI charges man with Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

TBI charges man with Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

SEQUATCHIE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has charged a man in relation to a child sexual exploitation case. Michael Williford, TBI special agents arrested Michael Williford back in October of 2024. He was initially charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. After further investigation into Williford’s digital devices, authorities say…MORE

Bradley County deputy reunites with woman he rescued from fire

Bradley County deputy reunites with woman he rescued from fire

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. — The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) recently welcomed a survivor back for a reunion with the first responder who helped save her life. In December of 2024, authorities were dispatched to a structure fire on Sourwood Trail. Upon arrival, crews found a detached garage with an apartment above it was fully…MORE

GBI takes over investigation into Chattooga County commissioner

GBI takes over investigation into Chattooga County commissioner

CHATTOOGA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  An investigation into a northwest Georgia official has taken another twist. Andy Allen The case involves the head of Chattooga County government, commissioner Andy Allen. A truck driver says the commissioner assaulted him over a road blockage on Little Sand Mountain Road. The cattle hauler was blocking the road as…MORE