Siskin Children’s Institute Launches Pediatric PT Program
Rezoning request withdrawn
Dalton Airport Breaks Ground Today
IRONMAN Brings Big Weekend Changes
Hamilton County launches career and technical education council
Controversial East Ridge student arrested again following domestic incident
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The East Ridge student who is in the middle of a controversy with a school resource officer (SRO) has been arrested again.
Tauris Sledge appeared in a viral video showing a scuffle, in which an SRO dragged Sledge by his hair and backpack.
However, in the evening hours of May 12, 2025, he was arrested after a fight with his girlfriend.
At 10:05 p.m., officers responded to an assault call at 1310 Reserve Way.
When officers arrived, police found Emerald Starling standing outside in distress.
She told police she asked her boyfriend, Sledge, to turn his music down.
Sledge then became enraged and began throwing things outside into the hallway of the residence.
According to the affidavit, Sledge grabbed her by the throat, pushed her down, and began to scream obscenities at her.
She told police she had difficulty breathing but did not loose consciousness.
Officers observed scratches and red marks on the right side of Starlings neck.
While talking to Sledge, officers said his statements made no sense.
Sledge was not able to make a clear statement as to what had happened that night.
He was then arrested and taken to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.
Sledge is being charged with Domestic Assault.
... Continue Reading
Weather Update: Wednesday May 14, 2025
Weather Update: Tuesday May 13, 2025
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Overnight: Sctrd. showers and occasional thunderstorms. Cool.
Lows: low 60’s. Winds: L&V.
Wednesday: Mostly Cloudy. Showers with thunderstorms. Mild. Clearing into afternoon and evening.
Highs: mid 70’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
Overnight: Partly cloudy. Mild. Humid.
Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: L&V.
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The report on the State of the Climate in Africa 2024 is the fifth in the series of the The annual African report, with a special focus on loss and damage. It is the result of collaboration between African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), African Regional Climate Centres, the African Union Commission, international institutions, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and other specialized agencies of the United Nations. The report provides informed climate analysis, describes notable hydro-meteorological events, impacts and risks, and identifies key climate policies and strategic elements to build a more sustainable and climate-resilience future for Africa.
https://library.wmo.int/records/item/69495-state-of-the-climate-in-africa-2024
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“In the dark and cold of winter, sea ice forms and spreads across Arctic seas. But in recent years, less new ice has been forming, and less multi-year ice has accumulated. This winter continued a downward trend scientists have observed over the past several decades. This year’s peak ice cover was 510,000 square miles (1.32 million square kilometers) below the average levels between 1981 and 2010. “
In 2025, summer ice in the Antarctic retreated to 764,000 square miles (1.98 million square kilometers) on March 1, tying for the second lowest minimum extent ever recorded. That’s 30% below the 1.10 million square miles (2.84 million square kilometers) that was typical in the Antarctic prior to 2010. Sea ice extent is defined as the total area of the ocean with at least 15% ice concentration.”
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The Globe at Night program is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen-scientists to measure their night sky brightness and submit their observations from a computer or smart phone. Light pollution threatens not only our “right to starlight”, but can affect energy consumption, wildlife and health. More than 200,000 measurements have been contributed from people in 180 countries over the last 14 years, making Globe at Night the most successful light pollution awareness campaign to date!
Explore the last 16 years of data in our interactive data map, where you can see how your area is doing by inputting your city’s name in the Location Box at the top of the map. Add a radius and tap or click “Search” to see the results. The Globe at Night website is easy to use, comprehensive and holds an abundance of background information. The database is usable for comparisons with a variety of other databases, like how light pollution affects the foraging habits of bats.
|
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“I have spent over 30 years studying meteorology and climate. We take a lot of physics, calculus, thermodynamics and other complex subjects. The atmosphere is a fluid within a rotating frame of reference. Such complexity is far beyond fourth grade lessons about cumulus clouds or cold fronts. As I look at the despair caused to those in the Southeast like farmers, homeowners and businesses, I wish we could control hurricanes. Many families lost loved ones or property. Many communities of color, poor rural areas and regions with high elderly concentrations receive a disproportionate punch from storms like Helene or Milton. Gosh, I wish we did have the technology to spare them such angst and despair. We don’t.”
Via Forbes Magazine (may require subscription to site)
Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a leading international expert in weather and climate, was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS) and is Director of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Atmospheric Sciences Program
| United States Drought Monitor Latest Statement |
Southeast Drought Summary
Southeast US
A historical winter weather event impacted the area early in the week with snow in many places throughout the region. The greatest precipitation amounts were in southern Georgia, Florida, and into southeast Georgia. The recent wet pattern in Florida allowed improvements in the northern and central portions of the state as well as into the Panhandle to moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions. Dryness was still lingering in southern Florida, where moderate drought was pushed eastward towards the coast this week. Moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions were improved in southeast Georgia while abnormally dry conditions were expanded slightly in the northern portions of the state. In North Carolina, moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions increased in the western part of the state while some moderate drought expanded in the northeast. In Alabama, abnormally dry conditions improved in the south and expanded slightly in the northern part of the state.
– 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.
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Wamp administration proposes $5.8 million boost to county road improvement fund
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Wamp administration is proposing a $5.8 million investment to continue its dedicated County Roads Improvement Fund that was first launched in 2024.
The renewed funding would support major road upgrades not covered by the county’s routine maintenance budget.
Mayor Weston Wamp said the initiative targets long-overdue infrastructure needs across Hamilton County.
“By committing these funds again, we’re setting a new standard/raising the bar for how Hamilton County invests in the roads our residents rely on every day. Continuing this initiative allows us to not just patch problems, but pave the way for the future.”
-Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp
The proposed investment includes proposed projects in high-traffic areas, such as:
- Design for the expansion of Hilltop Drive between Hunter Road and Volkswagen Drive
- Capacity upgrades to East Brainerd Road from Cherokee Valley Road to Bentwood Cove Drive
- A new roundabout at East Brainerd Road and London Lane
- A new roundabout at Thrasher Pike and Gann Road
- Capacity and safety improvements to Sam Powell Trail
- Bridge replacement on Boy Scout Road over North Chickamauga Creek
- Culvert replacement at Standifer Gap and Bill Reed Road
- Road reclamation for Fuller Road
- Road reclamation for Daisy Dallas Road
- Stormwater upgrades to Montlake Road
- Subgrade repairs to Thatch Road
“I appreciate Mayor Wamp’s commitment to improving the roads in my district and throughout Hamilton County. Investments like these are critical to relieving congestion, improving safety, and strengthening infrastructure throughout the county.”
-Commissioner Lee Helton, District 7
Since 2022, the county has paved 188 lane miles, backed by $19.4 million in local, state, and federal funds.
The Hamilton County Commission is scheduled to vote on the proposed allocation at the next meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
... Continue ReadingGoFundMe launched for family involved in fatal East Ridge I-75 crash
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A GoFundMe has been started for a family who was involved in the I-75 fatal crash Sunday.
Lane, Baleigh, Brynlee, and Sawyer were on their way home from a dance competition when the accident occurred.
Unfortunately, Lane did not survive the crash.
The GoFundMe said Baleigh, Brynlee, and Sawyer were all critically injured.
Baleigh and Sawyer are still hospitalized in Chattanooga, while Brynlee was airlifted to Nashville for further medical treatment.
Two people died and several were injured following the crash.
The semi-truck driver, Joseph Antoinier, has been arrested and faces several charges related to the incident.
If anyone would like to contribute to the family’s recovery process, click here.
... Continue ReadingFree Family Day at Woodcraft of Chattanooga
Community members frustrated with Dalton Police following mistaken arrest that could get college student deported
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- 19 year old Xiamena Aries-Cristobal was arrested last week in Dalton.
She had come with her parents illegally to the United States when she was four years old.
However, Dalton Police admitted Monday that her arrest was a mistake.
Dalton Police admitted Monday that the arrest of Xiamena Aries-Cristobal was due to a police officer identifying the wrong vehicle that made an improper turn on Thornton Avenue.
They say when trying to catch up to that vehicle, he pulled over Cristobal’s gray Dodge pickup truck, which was different from the gray Ford that actually committed the infraction.
She was ultimately arrested for driving without a license, as captured in 20+ minute body cam footage.
Diego: After watching that footage, I mean it just how livid it feels as a member of the community who used to be undocumented and got through the process and what it mean for this town.
Officer: So in the state of Georgia you know what happens when you drive without a license?
Cristobal: No sir.
Officer: You ever been to jail?
Cristobal: No sir.
Officer: Well, you’re going.
Cristobal then begs him not to take her to jail
Cristobal: I cannot go to jail. I have my finals next week and my family really depends on this.
Officer: Well you shouldn’t be driving!
Cristobal: I know.
Officer: You’ll get released!
Cristobal did not get released, and has ultimately been transferred to the custody of ICE, where she awaits a deportation hearing.
Dalton PD says they have contacted her attorneys to notify them of this situation.
Assistant Police Chief Chris Crossen said, “It’s a regrettable situation and a regrettable place we find ourselves in. The officer was trying to do his job. He was trying to enforce traffic law in an area that sees a lot of crashes.”
Dalton Police reiterated that they cannot influence what goes on at the federal level with ICE, which left some community members very frustrated.
One resident asked, “There is a perception that there is more presence in the community, is that true?”
As Cristobal awaits a deportation bond hearing next week, community members say that she has been a vital part of their community.
Dalton resident Diego Alvarado Ruiz said, “After watching that footage, I mean it just how livid it feels as a member of the community who used to be undocumented and got through the process and what it mean for this town… Putting it bluntly here this has put a black stain on our community, both the Hispanic and larger community. There’s such a large black stain because of that situation. You have Xiamena, there’s nobody in this community that didn’t have some type of connection with her and now her life is essentially ruined because of an unnecessary officer’s mistake.”
Weather Update: Monday May 12, 2025
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Overnight: Sctrd. showers and thunderstorms. Cool.
Lows: low 60’s. Winds: L&V.
Tuesday: Mostly Cloudy. Showers with thunderstorms. Mild.
Highs: mid 70’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
Overnight: Sctrd. showers and occasional thunderstorms. Cool.
Lows: low 60’s. Winds: L&V.
Wednesday: Mostly Cloudy. Showers with thunderstorms. Mild. Clearing into afternoon and evening.
Highs: mid 70’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
Overnight: Partly cloudy.
Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: L&V.
| ||||
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“In the dark and cold of winter, sea ice forms and spreads across Arctic seas. But in recent years, less new ice has been forming, and less multi-year ice has accumulated. This winter continued a downward trend scientists have observed over the past several decades. This year’s peak ice cover was 510,000 square miles (1.32 million square kilometers) below the average levels between 1981 and 2010. “
In 2025, summer ice in the Antarctic retreated to 764,000 square miles (1.98 million square kilometers) on March 1, tying for the second lowest minimum extent ever recorded. That’s 30% below the 1.10 million square miles (2.84 million square kilometers) that was typical in the Antarctic prior to 2010. Sea ice extent is defined as the total area of the ocean with at least 15% ice concentration.”
| ||||
The Globe at Night program is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen-scientists to measure their night sky brightness and submit their observations from a computer or smart phone. Light pollution threatens not only our “right to starlight”, but can affect energy consumption, wildlife and health. More than 200,000 measurements have been contributed from people in 180 countries over the last 14 years, making Globe at Night the most successful light pollution awareness campaign to date!
Explore the last 16 years of data in our interactive data map, where you can see how your area is doing by inputting your city’s name in the Location Box at the top of the map. Add a radius and tap or click “Search” to see the results. The Globe at Night website is easy to use, comprehensive and holds an abundance of background information. The database is usable for comparisons with a variety of other databases, like how light pollution affects the foraging habits of bats.
|
| ||||
“I have spent over 30 years studying meteorology and climate. We take a lot of physics, calculus, thermodynamics and other complex subjects. The atmosphere is a fluid within a rotating frame of reference. Such complexity is far beyond fourth grade lessons about cumulus clouds or cold fronts. As I look at the despair caused to those in the Southeast like farmers, homeowners and businesses, I wish we could control hurricanes. Many families lost loved ones or property. Many communities of color, poor rural areas and regions with high elderly concentrations receive a disproportionate punch from storms like Helene or Milton. Gosh, I wish we did have the technology to spare them such angst and despair. We don’t.”
Via Forbes Magazine (may require subscription to site)
Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a leading international expert in weather and climate, was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS) and is Director of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Atmospheric Sciences Program
| United States Drought Monitor Latest Statement |
Southeast Drought Summary
Southeast US
A historical winter weather event impacted the area early in the week with snow in many places throughout the region. The greatest precipitation amounts were in southern Georgia, Florida, and into southeast Georgia. The recent wet pattern in Florida allowed improvements in the northern and central portions of the state as well as into the Panhandle to moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions. Dryness was still lingering in southern Florida, where moderate drought was pushed eastward towards the coast this week. Moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions were improved in southeast Georgia while abnormally dry conditions were expanded slightly in the northern portions of the state. In North Carolina, moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions increased in the western part of the state while some moderate drought expanded in the northeast. In Alabama, abnormally dry conditions improved in the south and expanded slightly in the northern part of the state.
– 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.
Dean Arnold Reflects on Chattanooga
Celebrating National Salvation Army Week
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -This week marks the start of National Salvation Army Week, a time to honor one of the nation’s most recognized service organizations. Here in Chattanooga, the local Salvation Army is using the occasion to celebrate its impact and invite the community to get involved.
It’s a week of gratitude and reflection for The Salvation Army of Chattanooga, as National Salvation Army Week kicks off across the country. First declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, the week-long celebration highlights the organization’s long-standing mission to serve people in need through the help of Donors and Volunteers.
Here in Chattanooga, the mission is alive and well. Over the past year, The Salvation Army has provided critical support to more than 10,600 individuals and families, offering everything from food and shelter to case management and crisis relief.
Their emergency financial assistance program helped nearly 300 families stay afloat during hard times. During the holiday season, the Angel Tree program brought joy to thousands by distributing over 8,700 toys and gifts to children who might otherwise have gone without.
Throughout the week, the local unit is hosting events and outreach opportunities, all aimed at celebrating volunteers, thanking donors, and educating the public about how they can be part of the mission. To learn more about how you can help out visit CSarmy.org or call (423)-756-1023.
... Continue ReadingDalton woman mistakenly pulled over, charges dropped, still in ICE custody
Truck driver identified, facing charges in fatal I-75 crash
UPDATE: We are learning more from witnesses who saw the immediate aftermath of the tragic Mother’s Day crash on I-75 in East Ridge.
Dawn Schwartz says her family was traveling just behind when they noticed the initial explosions.
She described, “I was looking ahead on the road, seeing how light traffic was, and all of a sudden noticed a puff of smoke.”
Meanwhile, good samaritans like Chuck Staubs say they sprung into action immediately to save whoever they could.
He in particular attended to a white Jeep that had caught on fire, which an East Ridge affidavit says the driver died, and a 7 year old girl and 18 month old infant suffered burn injuries.
Staubs recalled, “It was like a bomb going off… The first thing, when I got to the Jeep, you could see the infant in the car seat, it was pinned to the roll bar, and like I’m screaming “We’ve got to get this kid out!”, and I ripped the car seat out.”
This crash has raised frustrations on the design of the interstate junction that some blame for the crash.
East Ridge Police Chief Clint Uselton said, “This could’ve happened anywhere on any section of interstate, it’s simply that at that time, on that section of interstate there was a slowdown and indications are that truck did not slow down.”
He says this crash is a reminder of how critical every moment is on the road.
Chief Uselton said, “We preach that when you are operating a vehicle, that is the most important thing you are doing, that is your job.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————
(UPDATE 5/12/2024): EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The truck driver involved in the fatal I-75 crash on Sunday has been identified.
East Ridge police confirmed to News 12 that the driver was 65-year-old Joseph Antoinier.
Antoinier currently faces the following charges:
- Reckless Homicide (2 counts)
- Felony Reckless Endangerment (7 counts)
- Reckless Aggravated Assault (3 counts)
Around 5:20 p.m. Sunday, May 11, 2025, authorities responded to a multi-vehicle crash on I-75 with entrapment.
Upon arrival, authorities found six passenger vehicles and one semi-truck involved in the crash.
Officers also found a white Jeep and white Ford pickup truck fully engulfed in flames.
According to the affidavit, fire personnel extricated three occupants from the Jeep:
- A woman with lacerations on her face
- The woman’s 7-year-old daughter who had sustained burns to her leg
- An 18-month-old child with severe burn injuries
All three were transported to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment.
The drivers of the white Jeep and white Ford pickup truck were pronounced dead on scene.
Eight patients in total were transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Witnesses on scene told authorities Antoinier was driving erratically prior to the incident.
Video evidence revealed Antoinier was traveling at a high rate of speed and didn’t break as traffic slowed.
He was also transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Upon medical clearance, Antoinier was arrested and taken into custody.
“This is a horrible tragedy, and our thoughts are with all those involved. We’re cooperating with all investigations.”
–Amber Plunkett, Amazon spokesperson
Amazon confirmed that the carrier involved in the crash was apart of their Relay Program.
... Continue Reading“Amazon Relay is our online portal that allows authorized third-party carriers to haul freight loads on behalf of Amazon. This enables thousands of small- and medium-sized businesses to pick up freight on their schedule. Whether it be one-off loads or more frequent, Relay offers flexible options for third-party carriers. We have rigorous safety criteria for carriers, and suggesting otherwise is inaccurate and would be intentionally misleading.”
–Amber Plunkett, Amazon spokesperson
What’s Right With Our Schools: Stone Creek Elementary
Hamilton County man among six arrested in North Carolina child sex crime investigation
JACKSON COUNTY, Nc. (WDEF) — A Hamilton County man is among six that were arrested in an online child sex crimes investigation in North Carolina.
“Operation Up the Creek” was a multi-day operation conducted by the Internet Crimes Against Children unit, along with several local agencies.
At the end of the operation, six were arrested.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) says there may be additional suspects facing charges at a later date.
Below is a list of who was arrested, along with their charges:
Brandon Scott Severt 32, of Rowan County, NC:
- Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <= 15
- Solicitation of a minor by Computer
- Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <= 15
- Solicitation of a minor by Computer
- Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
- Attempted Statutory Sex Offense with Child <=15
- Indecent Liberties with Child
- Solicitation of a minor by Computer
- Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
- Indecent Liberties with Child
- Solicitation of a minor by Computer
- Carrying Concealed Weapon
- Attempted First Degree Statutory Rape
- Attempted Statutory Sex Offense with Child <=15
- Indecent Liberties with Child
- Solicitation of a minor by Computer
- Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
- Attempted Statutory Sex Offense with Child <=15
- Indecent Liberties with Child
- Solicitation of a minor by Computer
