Category Archives: Local News

Whitfield County house fire claims life of 88-year-old

Whitfield County house fire claims life of 88-year-old

WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A house fire in Whitfield County claimed the life of an 88-year-old Monday morning. At 8:45 a.m., March 3, 2025, the Whitfield County Fire Department (WCFD) responded to a house fire on Tunnel Hill Varnell Road. According to the Whitfield County Coroner’s Office, one death was confirmed as a result…MORE

Chickamauga man arrested for cock fighting, animal cruelty

Chickamauga man arrested for cock fighting, animal cruelty

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Chickamauga man has been arrested and charged with 27 counts of animal cruelty. On March 1, 2025 a deputy with the Walker County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) was investigating a vehicle blocking a driveway at a residence on Garretts Chapel Road. According to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, 26 dead roosters…MORE

UTC breaks ground on business school expansion

UTC breaks ground on business school expansion

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- UTC will soon be expanding their offerings for business students. The groundbreaking for the expansion of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business was held Monday morning. A group of representatives breaking ground on the expansion to the UTC Gary W. Rollins Business School. This will double the size of that college.…MORE

Chattanooga firefighters respond to Elena Drive house fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga firefighters were on the scene of a house fire this morning in a neighborhood between Amnicola Highway and Riverside Drive. Crews responded to the 2100 block of Elena Drive after receiving reports from a neighbor who spotted flames coming from the house. Upon arrival, crews with the Chattanooga Fire Department…MORE

One man arrested after leading authorities on pursuit in stolen vehicle

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A man has been arrested and charged after leading authorities on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle. At 8:20 p.m., March 2, 2025, deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) tried to conduct a traffic stop for a suspected stolen Hyundai Elantra on Banks Road. When the driver refused…MORE

Tasty Donuts is ready for Fat Tuesday!

Final days of Mardi Gras and Tasty Donuts has the best dessert to celebrate, King Cake! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tasty Donuts owner Tony McInnis and operation manager A.J. McInnis are all “dough-ed” up for Mardi Gras! One of the busiest days of the year, the family business is taking hundreds to thousands of orders…MORE

Bridal Fair brings wedding dreams to life in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 and The Chattanoogan teamed up to host the Tennessee Valley Bridal Fair, bringing future brides and wedding enthusiasts together for a day full of inspiration. From stunning wedding gowns to custom floral arrangements, the event offered everything needed to plan the perfect day. Future brides filled the aisles at…MORE

For the Culture: Free Haircuts Making a Difference

CHATTANOOGA , Tenn. (WDEF) Janaria McIntosh, also known as Jay, is the passionate founder of For the Culture, an organization dedicated to giving back to the community in ways that are both practical and uplifting. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday, Jay and her dedicated team of volunteers provide free haircuts, hairstyles, and even nail services…MORE

Chattanooga Celebrates 36th Annual Arbor Day

Chattanooga celebrated its 36th Annual Arbor Day at the Washington Hills Community Center, where volunteers planted 36 trees along Oakwood Drive and the community center grounds. Mayor Tim Kelly spoke proudly of the city’s environmental efforts, saying, “This event highlights what we already know about Chattanooga—we’ve been working toward becoming a National Park City, and…MORE

Harrison Elementary Hosts Annual Black History Month Living Wax Museum

Chattanooga , Tenn. (WDEF)Harrison Elementary School recently hosted its highly anticipated annual Black History Month Living Wax Museum, where students took on the roles of legendary Black figures, from civil rights leaders to sports icons, bringing their stories to life. The event gave students a chance to embody historical figures they admire, while educating their…MORE