Category Archives: Local News

Whitfield County educator named finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year

Whitfield County educator named finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year

WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  One of the ten finalists for teacher of the year in Georgia is from Whitfield County Beth Taylor teaches K-thru-5 at Varnell Elementary. The state school superintendent flew in to the school by helicopter to present her with her nomination. From here, she will be interviews by a panel of…MORE

Two arrested after leading Murray County deputies on a pursuit

  MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  Two suspects were arrested in Varnell, Georgia after leading Murray County deputies on a pursuit a couple weeks ago. On March 11, 2025, deputies with the Murray County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) attempted to conduct a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 76 and 225. The vehicle being stopped,…MORE

Two Murray County suspects arrested on child exploitation charges

  MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  Two individuals have been arrested and charged in connection to a recent investigation involving child exploitation. On March 12, 2025, personnel with the Murray County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) received intel from the Floyd County Police Department (FCPD) about two individuals attempting to meet a 14-year-old girl for sexual purposes.…MORE

Chattanooga police officer arrested for domestic assault, placed on leave

Chattanooga police officer arrested for domestic assault, placed on leave

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga police officer has been arrested and charged with domestic assault. Deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a domestic assault call around 1:50 a.m. on March 24, 2025, at a residence near the 3900 block of Weathervane Loop. The altercation reportedly began as a verbal argument before…MORE

Yellowhorse Powwow Celebration honors a member of the local Native American community

Tammera Hicks with Native American Services of Tennessee gets ready for a special Powwow this April and dedicates the celebration to her husband who passed away in 2019. COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Learn and experience Native American culture with the upcoming Yellowhorse Powwow Celebration at Founders Hall at The Commons in Collegedale. The event is…MORE

Huge fires on Daus and Smith Mountain

SEQUATCHIE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Plumes of thick smoke blanketed the skies above Daus Mountain and Smith Mountain as fire crews rushed to the scene. Firefighters worked tirelessly to put out the flames—battling heavy smoke, intense heat, and steep terrain—while concerned neighbors watched from a distance. Charlie Pecht, a local community member, explained, “It was just……MORE

Collegedale Springs Into Community Fun

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Spring has officially sprung in Collegedale today as families gathered for the annual Spring Fling at The Commons. The annual Spring Fling at The Commons brought the community together for a day full of family-friendly activities.  The event brought the community together with Easter egg hunts, pony rides, and plenty of…MORE

Firefighters were called to a fire on Caribou Lane

CHICKAMAUGA, GA. (WDEF) – Saturday afternoon, firefighters were called to a fire on Caribou Lane in Chickamauga. News 12 was at the scene, watching as thick plumes of smoke clouded the sky. We watched as first responders worked for over an hour, putting out the fire. The family says they wish not to comment but…MORE

10 Years of Sweet Success for Clumpies Ice Cream

St. Elmo, Tenn. (WDEF) – Today Marks 10 Years of Sweet Success for Clumpies Ice Cream The local parlor celebrated a decade of serving the Chattanooga community with various local vendors offering arts and crafts, tasty treats, a stylish clothing sale, and beautiful floral arrangements. Known for their unique flavors and small-batch styles, Clumpies has…MORE

Three suspects who committed an armed robbery in East Ridge

Three suspects who committed an armed robbery in East Ridge

CPD EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Three suspects who committed an armed robbery in East Ridge didn’t get far, thanks to the quick actions of CPD K9 Sully and Neighborhood Policing Officers. On March 20, around 8:00 p.m., three teenagers robbed a convenience store in East Ridge and fired shots at the store clerk, who…MORE