Local lawyer reacts to Georgia High School shooting
Hamilton County Schools touches on safety following GA shooting
Thompson pleads guilty to child sexual abuse charges
New interactive dining experience opens in Chattanooga
First-ever ‘Tourism Sentiment Survey’ launches in Chattanooga
Parent arrested after Soddy Daisy Middle School threats
Weather Update: Thursday – September 5, 2024
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Overnight: Partly to mostly cloudy. Mild.
Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: E @ 5 MPH, becoming calm.
Friday: Cloud/Sun Mix. Warm. Isolated showers/thunderstorms into Friday afternoon.
Highs: low 80’s. Winds: E @ 5 MPH.
Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Isolated showers/thunderstorms early, then diminishing. Mild.
Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: E @ 5 MPH, becoming calm.
Saturday: Warm, mostly sunny. Breezy at times. Dry.
Highs: low 80’s. Winds: N @ 5-10, gusts to 20 MPH.
Overnight: Mostly clear, cool. Breezy at times.
Lows: high 50’s to low 60’s. Winds: NE @ 5-10, gusts to 20 MPH.
Sunday: Warm, sunny. Dry.
Highs: low 80’s. Winds: N @ 5-10 MPH.
Overnight: Mostly clear, cool.
Lows: mid 50’s to low 60’s. Winds: NE @ 5-10 MPH.
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This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North andCentral Georgia..DAY ONE...Today and Tonight...Isolated thunderstorms are expected in portions of central Georgia, roughly along and south of a line from Columbus to Macon,this afternoon and evening. The main threats with any thunderstorms that develop will be heavy rainfall, gusty winds,and frequent lightning..DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday...Isolated thunderstorms are possible during the afternoon and evening on Friday and Saturday in central Georgia. The mainthreats with any thunderstorms that develop will be heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and frequent lightning.Periods of heavy rainfall are possible for portions of north and central Georgia on Friday into Saturday. Current rainfall totalsare forecast to be in the 1-3" range, with highest totals for areas south of a line extending from Columbus to Macon. Isolatedinstances of flash flooding are possible..SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...Spotter activation will not be needed through tonight.
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National Weather Service in Morristown is offering a free online Skywarn training course via their website.
In this virtual class, learn about hazardous weather and how to report significant weather to the NWS. Reliable reports help us fulfill our mission to protect life and property! Pass the Final Exam at the end to receive credit.
| ||||
“Come join us Saturday September 28, 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:
Watch a balloon launch from OAR/ATDD
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 Drought Summary for August 29, 2024
Summary
Widespread improvements to ongoing areas of abnormal dryness or drought continued across parts of the eastern United States this week as the remnants of Hurricane Debby moved. A high-pressure ridge continued across the southern Plains during this U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) week (August 14-20), bringing dry and very hot weather, especially to Texas. Pacific weather systems moving in the jet-stream flow brought above-normal precipitation to parts of the West Coast, the northern to central Rockies, and parts of the central to northern Plains, the Midwest, and Northeast. The rain was frequently hit-or-miss, with large parts of the Pacific Northwest to Plains, and Midwest to Northeast, receiving little to no precipitation. In addition, much of the Southwest, and southern Plains to Southeast, were drier than normal this week. An upper-level trough kept the Far West cooler than normal, while a large cold front brought cooler-than-normal temperatures to much of the Midwest to East Coast. The rain contracted drought and abnormal dryness in parts of the Rockies to central Plains, and a few parts of the Midwest and East Coast. But drought or abnormal dryness expanded or intensified in parts of the West that missed out on the precipitation, parts of the Great Plains, from the Tennessee Valley to central Gulf of Mexico coast, and parts of the Midwest to central Appalachians.
Southeast
Parts of the Southeast had 2 inches of rain this week, while other parts received little to no precipitation. Weekly temperatures were cooler than normal in the north and warmer than normal in the south, with anomalies ranging from about 2 degrees below normal in parts of North Carolina and Virginia to 2 to 4 degrees above normal in parts of Florida and Alabama. Abnormal dryness was reduced in Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama, and moderate to severe drought trimmed in Virginia. But the bigger story was continued dry conditions and hot temperatures along the Gulf Coast which increased evapotranspiration and resulted in expansion of drought and abnormal dryness, especially in Alabama and the Florida panhandle. Moderate drought expanded and severe drought developed in Alabama. According to USDA reports, 47% of the topsoil and 45% of the subsoil was short to very short of moisture. Abnormal dryness also expanded along Florida’s east coast.
– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
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”.
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.
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
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.
Weather Update: Saturday – September 7, 2024
Weather Update: Friday – September 6, 2024
| ||||
Friday: Cloud/Sun Mix. Warm. Isolated showers/thunderstorms into Friday afternoon.
Highs: low 80’s. Winds: E @ 5 MPH.
Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Isolated showers/thunderstorms early, then diminishing. Mild.
Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: E @ 5 MPH, becoming calm.
Saturday: Warm, mostly sunny. Breezy at times. Dry.
Highs: low 80’s. Winds: N @ 5-10, gusts to 20 MPH.
Overnight: Mostly clear, cool. Breezy at times.
Lows: high 50’s to low 60’s. Winds: NE @ 5-10, gusts to 20 MPH.
Sunday: Warm, sunny. Dry.
Highs: low 80’s. Winds: N @ 5-10 MPH.
Overnight: Mostly clear, cool.
Lows: mid 50’s to low 60’s. Winds: NE @ 5-10 MPH.
| ||||
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of North andCentral Georgia..DAY ONE...Today and Tonight...Isolated thunderstorms are expected in portions of central Georgia, roughly along and south of a line from Columbus to Macon,this afternoon and evening. The main threats with any thunderstorms that develop will be heavy rainfall, gusty winds,and frequent lightning..DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday...Isolated thunderstorms are possible during the afternoon and evening on Friday and Saturday in central Georgia. The mainthreats with any thunderstorms that develop will be heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and frequent lightning.Periods of heavy rainfall are possible for portions of north and central Georgia on Friday into Saturday. Current rainfall totalsare forecast to be in the 1-3" range, with highest totals for areas south of a line extending from Columbus to Macon. Isolatedinstances of flash flooding are possible..SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...Spotter activation will not be needed through tonight.
| ||||
National Weather Service in Morristown is offering a free online Skywarn training course via their website.
In this virtual class, learn about hazardous weather and how to report significant weather to the NWS. Reliable reports help us fulfill our mission to protect life and property! Pass the Final Exam at the end to receive credit.
| ||||
“Come join us Saturday September 28, 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:
Watch a balloon launch from OAR/ATDD
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 Drought Summary for August 29, 2024
Summary
Widespread improvements to ongoing areas of abnormal dryness or drought continued across parts of the eastern United States this week as the remnants of Hurricane Debby moved. A high-pressure ridge continued across the southern Plains during this U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) week (August 14-20), bringing dry and very hot weather, especially to Texas. Pacific weather systems moving in the jet-stream flow brought above-normal precipitation to parts of the West Coast, the northern to central Rockies, and parts of the central to northern Plains, the Midwest, and Northeast. The rain was frequently hit-or-miss, with large parts of the Pacific Northwest to Plains, and Midwest to Northeast, receiving little to no precipitation. In addition, much of the Southwest, and southern Plains to Southeast, were drier than normal this week. An upper-level trough kept the Far West cooler than normal, while a large cold front brought cooler-than-normal temperatures to much of the Midwest to East Coast. The rain contracted drought and abnormal dryness in parts of the Rockies to central Plains, and a few parts of the Midwest and East Coast. But drought or abnormal dryness expanded or intensified in parts of the West that missed out on the precipitation, parts of the Great Plains, from the Tennessee Valley to central Gulf of Mexico coast, and parts of the Midwest to central Appalachians.
Southeast
Parts of the Southeast had 2 inches of rain this week, while other parts received little to no precipitation. Weekly temperatures were cooler than normal in the north and warmer than normal in the south, with anomalies ranging from about 2 degrees below normal in parts of North Carolina and Virginia to 2 to 4 degrees above normal in parts of Florida and Alabama. Abnormal dryness was reduced in Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama, and moderate to severe drought trimmed in Virginia. But the bigger story was continued dry conditions and hot temperatures along the Gulf Coast which increased evapotranspiration and resulted in expansion of drought and abnormal dryness, especially in Alabama and the Florida panhandle. Moderate drought expanded and severe drought developed in Alabama. According to USDA reports, 47% of the topsoil and 45% of the subsoil was short to very short of moisture. Abnormal dryness also expanded along Florida’s east coast.
– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
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”.
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.
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
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.
Chattanooga Public Library set to host second annual authors fair
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Public Library announced their second annual Authors Fair.
The fair will be held this Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the downtown library.
Local and regional authors will be reading and signing books all throughout the day.
Different DIY crafts will be available for adults and children.
“As book lovers, we are thrilled to host so many great local authors this year,” said Will O’Hearn, Library Executive Director. “From science fiction to poetry and travel to finance, there is something for everyone at this year’s Authors Fair,” said Library Executive Director, Will O’Hearn.
Various workshops will be open about writing for children, character development, and more.
At the end of the fair, authors will do a meet and greet from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Student arrested for threats against Hunter Middle School
City councilman Darrin Ledford not seeking re-election
Can you help solve a Texas cold case in which the victim worked in Chattanooga?
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Investigators in Texas are hoping someone in Chattanooga may help them solve a cold case from 1984.
The remains of Roberta Mumma were found in a remote area near Wizard Falls in northern Texas 35 years ago.
She would have been 25 at the time, but officials have just recently identified her.
Mumma was last seen in the Chattanooga area where she worked at a local Red Lobster.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Roberta Mumma or the circumstances surrounding her death to come forward.
If you have any information on her, please contact the Jack County Sheriff’s Office at 940-567-2161 or [email protected].
Polk County lands grant for music and crafts at local events over the next year
BENTON, Tennessee (WDEF) – Polk County officials say they have landed a state grant that will bring more music to the area.
The money comes from the Tennessee Arts Commission to build artistic programs in local communities.
Polk County will invest the money into booking artists and heritage art demonstrations at several local events.
Specifically, the Copper Country Christmas, the Ramp Tramp and the Benton Christmas Tree Lighting.
They are looking for live musicians plus live demonstrations of crafts like quilting, basket weaving, and blacksmithing.
... Continue Reading
Travelling Motocross coach sentenced for child exploitation
ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF) – A travelling motocross instructor has been sentenced to forty years in prison on child exploitation charges.
Ryan Meyung went from town to town helping local people build motocross courses and teach the sport.
But federal prosecutors say he was also a child predator.
More than two years ago, Meyung was arrested after a stop here in Chattanooga.
He was accused of raping six children between the ages of 6 and 13 and then recording the acts.
They say he also abused other children and recorded those encounters.
Project Safe Childhood and Homeland Security investigators took over the case since it involved locations all over the country.
Meyung pleaded guilty to six counts of producing child pornography in April.
Now he has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison and required to pay almost $200,000 in restitution to his victims.
“This coach violated his position of trust and profound responsibility to protect and mentor those in his care,” said Homeland Security Investigations Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud. “HSI, alongside our partners at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Chattanooga Police Department, is fully committed to investigating and removing people who seek to harm our children. Our primary concern is ensuring justice for the victims and supporting their needs.”
Health officials raises awareness on suicide throughout September
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Health officials are raising awareness to lower the risk suicided ahead of Suicide Prevention Month.
“In our country, suicide is becoming more and more of a concern,” said Kristin Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor at Parkridge. “Obviously, I think that we have a lot of mental health resources specifically in our area, that people could take advantage of as long as they are willing.”
According to the National Institute of Health, 1 person die from Suicide every 11 minutes.
Suicide is considered to be one of the top leading causes of deaths in the United States.
Smith believes folk should take care of their mental health.
“When we are suffering with mental health issues. a lot of times, we do not view that as important or as sort of more emergent as other health issues, and so we sort of tend to let things get worse over time,” said Smith “As opposed to reaching out and getting the help that is available sooner rather than later.”
Smith says suicide can be caused by several factors.
“That could be depression anxiety or more complicated things like post traumatic stress disorder. But, people may have suicidal thoughts over a loss of a job, a loss of a loved one, a death in their life,” said Smith.
But, Smith says there are helpful resources available in order to prevent suicide.
“if you are not feeling great, or if you recognize that someone you love is sort of withdrawing from activities they normally like or is not as engaged with you, I would say just have a conversation, just sit down and try to figure out how they are feeling. If they need further assistance you can reach out to Parkridge Valley or other resources to kind of have them talk to a professional,” Smith concluded.
... Continue ReadingHealth officials raise awareness on suicide throughout September
Feeding america calls for collective action to eradicate hunger
CHATTANOOGA , Tenn. (WDEF) September marks hunger action month, and this year, feeding america is calling on people across the country to take actions to end hunger.
The chattanooga area food bank is spearheading efforts, working relentlessly to boost awareness and encourage.
“Right now, we know that 44 million people in America don’t know where their next meal is coming from. This month, we focus heavily on educating the community and raising awareness about what hunger looks like. It varies widely, from a student in school who relies on healthy nutrition development to a senior deciding whether to buy healthy food for their health or medication”said chief development officer Summer Simmons.
Throughout this month, the food bank is on a mission to raise both awareness and support. They’ve organized a series of events designed to get the chattanooga involved.
One of the key events is the nooga walk run, a 5K fundraiser happening this Sunday September 8th. It’s a wonderful chance for family and friends to have fun while supporting a vital cause.
“We’re going to have a tent set up with TVs for some family fun. There will be bins set out by the greenway area, and we’ll be collecting canned goods for anyone who wants to donate food. It’s going to be a great time for families to come together and raise awareness about food insecurity.”
The chattanooga area food bank wants the community to come together this September and make a lasting impact.
... Continue Reading
New school board members sworn-in, discuss school safety
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The new members of the Hamilton County School Board were sworn in to the new roles Wednesday morning at the Hamilton County Courthouse.
Five new members; Steve Slater, Jackie Thomas, Jodi Schaffer, Felice Hadden, and Ben Daughtery, along with returning member Jill Black, all took their oaths of office to be placed on the Hamilton County School Board.
This is over half of the seats on the school board as a whole.
They spoke to what they want to address as a body, including how to turn the tide on the issue of school safety.
Ben Daugherty, the new representative for District 2 said, “Parents should have total piece of mind when it comes to school safety, so my job is to listen and to address any gaps that may exist with that, so there’s going to be some conversations as a result of what’s happened within the past week and a half and we’re going to make sure we are going to put right processes in place to make sure it doesn’t happen.”
Over the first month of classes, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has reported 13 arrests on school campuses in the county.
Eight of those arrests were for threats of violence.
Out of the five other arrests, three firearms including a stolen gun were found inside of county schools.
This includes a student who was arrested for having a gun inside of East Hamilton Middle/High School on Tuesday, which is one of the schools newly elected member Jodi Schaffer of District 7 represents.
“As a parent with a child in a school where a weapon was recently found, I understand parent’s concerns, and I want to listen to those concerns and make sure we as a board address those concerns. Our most precious treasures are our children and they are the bedrock to our society. So we have a huge responsibility to keep them safe,” said Schaffer.
Those we spoke with say that school safety will be among their top priorities.
Felice Hadden, the new representative for District 10 said, “There are still some incidents that are happening and we have to figure out ways because it’s hard to prevent every single scenario that can happen in a school system. It’s hard to catch every little thing, so we have to work on that. I can’t say exactly how yet but it does have to be addressed so we will be addressing it.”
School facilities is also another key priority for incoming members as the county prepares to invest 250 million into several school project.
Their first meeting as a new body is scheduled for September 19.
New lights coming to baseball and softball fields at Howard
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission unanimously approved Mayor Weston Wamp’s proposal to fund new lights at Howard School.
These lights would be for their baseball and softball fields.
The funds are part of $10 million dollars going towards Howard as part of an ongoing commitment to the county to invest in the South Broad District during the construction of the new stadium.
This upgrade follows the recent addition of synthetic turf at Reggie White Field.
Howard’s baseball coach and dean of students Jon Johnson says this investment will be transformational for his players and children around Chattanooga.
“Sports is the reason for kids to come to school. They don’t come to take the ACT y’all. Kids don’t get fired up about going to school to take the test. But if we want them to do well on the ACT, then we better have a reason for them to come to school,” Johnson told the Commission.
The new lights will be installed before spring baseball and softball seasons begin.
... Continue Reading