Category Archives: Local News

Catoosa County deputy arrested following GBI investigation

Catoosa County deputy arrested following GBI investigation

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A former Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant has been arrested following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) inquiry into allegations of financial misconduct involving an off-duty security job. According to the GBI, former Lieutenant Keith Cantrell, was hired by a local church to provide security but Keith Cantrell submitted invoices…MORE

Chatt Prep teacher faces a dozen child sexual exploitation charges

Kenya White CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher is facing a laundry list of charges related to child exploitation. According to the indictment, the incident occurred on or about February 15, 2023. White is listed on Chattanooga Preparatory School’s website as a 6th grade Guided Reading Teacher. The charges are listed below:…MORE

Extend the season of love with Rock City

Rock City’s Pepper Raper joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the nearly month long events and offers happening for couples in need of a getaway at Rock City. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and Rock City is extending the season of love. For those looking for a…MORE

Roadway collapses in Polk County leading to emergency closure

Roadway collapses in Polk County leading to emergency closure

POLK COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Polk County 911 Emergency Communication District is warning Courtesy: FB @ Polk County Sheriff’s Office drivers to avoid the 2000 block of Highway 30 near Sage Hill Rd and Kimsey Mountain. The highway is blocked due to a roadway collapse. SR 30 closed after road breakage. Image shared by…MORE

Weather Update: Thursday – February 13, 2025

Weather Update: Thursday – February 13, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Cloudy, showers, some thunder, heavy rain possible. Lows: high 40’s. Winds: S @ 5 veering W after midnight. Thursday: Cloudy with rain early. Clearing into PM. Highs: mid 50’s. Winds: NW @ 5-10 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear. Dry. Cold. Lows: mid/high 20’s. Winds: N @ 5…MORE

Honoring Dr. Fannie Hewlett: A Trailblazer in Black History Month

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  This Black History Month, we honor trailblazers who broke down barriers and reshaped history. One such individual is Dr. Fannie Hewlett, whose name will forever be tied to Belmont University. Dr. Hewlett’s journey began in a small Alabama town, where, after finishing junior college, she received a life-changing letter: a brochure…MORE

Mayor Tim Kelly Votes as Early Voting Opens for Chattanooga’s Municipal Election

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Early voting for the City of Chattanooga Municipal Election began today. One of the first to cast their ballot was Mayor Tim Kelly, who is running for re-election. Kelly emphasized his focus on affordable housing, public health, and improving the local economy. “All these fine people behind me and their organizations…MORE

Driving Our Economy Forward: Catoosa 911 Center

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) –Dispatchers at the Catoosa County 911 center work tirelessly to help those in need.  Employees at the center strive to have a standard of excellence in public safety communications every day.  We talked to the director of operations about what it takes to be a part of this public safety program…MORE

Mayor Wamp discusses county level DOGE, responds to pastor after controversial sermon

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  Tuesday, we spoke with the pastor of Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Steve Caudle, whose sermon went viral after controversial comments regarding Elon Musk and DOGE. Wednesday, we are learning more about why Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp wants him to resign from the Regional Planning Agency. Mayor Wamp said, “It…MORE

Realtors, Homebuilders oppose proposal to limit growth in rural Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Dozens of homebuilders and realtors opposed a plan to limit growth at Wednesday’s Hamilton County Commission meeting. One proposal would halt new construction from Ooltewah to Birchwood. The other would base permits on buildable land, not total acreage. This is in the wake of Plan Hamilton, the RPA’s strategy for future growth…MORE