Driving Our Economy Forward: Rock City
Chattanooga police officer charged with simple assault/domestic violence
Hamilton County to restore Fireman’s Fountain
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A longtime Chattanooga landmark will soon get a rehabilitation.The Fireman’s Fountain located across from the Hamilton County Courthouse will be restored by Hamilton County Parks and Recreation after receiving approval from the county commission.
The fountain was built to honor two firemen, Henry Iler and W.M. Peak, who were killed in the “Bee Hive” fire on June 9th, 1887 in downtown Chattanooga.
It has since gone on to honor other firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
It was recently announced the city of Chattanooga has transferred ownership of that fountain to the county so they can restore the fountain.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said, “I look out my window at it every day, and it’s got a great history. Fountain Square may be the most structurally intact part of our community. It’s one of those things where we got used to looking at this broken fountain.”
The fountain historically featured two alligators, but Mayor Wamp says they will not be bringing the reptiles back to that landmark.
Early voting for District 6 and District 8 runoffs begins today
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Early voting for the District 6 and 8 City Council runoffs starts today.
Early voting will run from March 19, 2025, to April 3 at the Hamilton County Election Commission located at 700 River Terminal Road.
Election Day will be held April 8.
Polls will be open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Below are the following candidates for District 6 & 8:
District 6:
- Jenni Berz
- Christian Siler
District 8:
- Anna Golladay
- Marvene Noel (Incumbent)
Several Walker County Schools experiencing water issues
UPDATE (3/19/2025): Ridgeland High School will be dismissing students at 12:00 p.m. March 19, 2025, due to water complications.
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) – Several Walker County Schools are experiencing water issues due to a water main break that happened yesterday and is currently affecting homes and business.
WCS Facilities and Operations Department is providing water for flushing and for cafeteria needs.
Bottled water is being distributed for students and staff.
The Walker County Water and Sewerage Authority is working on the situation.
... Continue ReadingScream Break at Dread Hollow
CFD receives their first surrender at their Safe Haven Baby Box
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Fire Department received their first surrender of an infant at their Safe Haven Baby Box at the fire station on Bonny Oaks Drive.
The baby was surrendered on Tuesday night. The baby is alive and healthy.
No other information was released due to the mother’s wishes.
The Safe Haven Baby Box became operational in Chattanooga in November 2024.
Read our previous article “Chattanooga Fire Department opens new baby box” to learn more about the device and program.
... Continue Reading
Weather Update: Wednesday March 19, 2025
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Overnight: More clouds. Chilly.
Lows: mid 40’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, dry, breezy.
Highs: mid 70’s. Winds: S @ 10-15 MPH, gusts 20-25.
Overnight: Cloudy. Showers. Windy.
Lows: low 40’s. Winds: S @ 10-15 MPH, gusts 20-25.
Thursday: Early showers. Cloud/Sun mix. Cooler.
Highs: low 50’s. Winds: W @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 20-25.
Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold.
Lows: low 30’s. Winds: L&V.
Friday: Sunshine. Dry. Mild.
Lows: low 60’s. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH.
| ||||
Upcoming #Skywarn storm spotter training sessions for the @WDEFNews12 viewing area. If you haven’t considered becoming a Skywarn spotter, please do so. The more storm spotters that are trained to watch during severe weather the better covered an area will be when it comes to more reports being filed with the local National Weather Service.
| ||||
Y
You, the viewers, asked for it. This year, the annual #WinterWeatherForecast returns on the WDEF-TV News12 What I Want To Know Show.
Encore presentations available on our social media pages, including News 12 YouTube, and here at our website.
| ||||
“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
| ||||
“We have a NEW Virtual SKYWARN spotter training! It consists of four interactive sections to complete, followed by a final exam that must be taken to receive credit. After finishing the exam, please be patient and understand that up to two weeks may pass between completing the exam and receiving your spotter ID card and certificate. ” – National Weather Service, Morristown TN
| ||||
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.
Chester Frost Park’s new Dog Paddle Park is officially open
Could an amphitheater be coming to Chattanooga?
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With warmer weather here, many are thinking about the shows they’re going to catch over the next few months.
Chances are however, Chattanoogans will need to hit the road to have that special moment with their favorite artists.
A music needs survey conducted last year by the Chattanooga Tourism Company showed that 76 percent of all concerts attended by Chattanoogans were outside of the Scenic City.
One Chattanooga resident, Leah, said, “I think the last two concerts I went to were in Atlanta or Nashville.”
With that money flowing out of the city, how does Chattanooga make its own kind of music?
Would an amphitheater change the tune of touring artists who currently fly over Chattanooga?
The CEO of the Chattanooga Tourism Company, Barry White, said, “The Music Venue Needs Assessment makes the case for an amphitheater to accommodate 6,000 people. That will not only drive visitation, but also enhance the lifestyle of our residents.”
Large outdoor amphitheaters have become a preferred venue for many touring acts.
Take the impact of the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville as an example, which recently opened in 2022.
The city of Huntsville says in 2023, the venue sold 187,000 tickets across 32 separate events, and attendees from out of state bought nearly half of the tickets.
The venue has attracted starpower such as Lana Del Rey, Snoop Dogg, and Weezer.
Other amphitheaters in the Nashville and Atlanta areas attract similar bigtime acts, of which many are not currently planning to pay Chattanooga a visit anytime soon.
Currently, the most prominent music venues that the city has are smaller venues such as Memorial Auditorium or The Signal, as McKenzie Arena and Finley Stadium do not host concerts on a regular basis.
This led to 75 percent of respondents in that music needs survey saying that the city needs a new outdoor venue.
However, don’t expect a new venue anytime soon.
White said, “Our next step is to bring awareness of that, to communicate, to try to find investors. I have spoken with a developer that did some work down in Huntsville, but that’s going to be our next step is to try to take these studies and try to accomplish what’s recommended in each one.”
For the time being, both Moon River and the long running Riverbend Festivals will not happen this year.
Residents hope that one day events like that can return to the Scenic City.
Leah said, “Yeah I think that can be a really great idea for an overall sense of community which is a really high priority for Chattanooga as a collective.”
We will host the World Bluegrass Festival this September along with Riverfront Nights and Nightfall.
Office of Family Empowerment celebrates milestone
Billy Massengale charged in connection to Big Rock Road death
MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Billy Massengale has now been charged in connection to the death on Big Rock Road.
Special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) began investigating the death of Danny Durham.
According to the TBI, on March 9, 2025 deputies found the man deceased in a residence in the 100 block of Big Rock Road.
Upon further investigation, authorities gathered information leading them to Massengale as the person of interest in Durham’s death.
Massengale was originally wanted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for Aggravated Assault and False Imprisonment.
Authorities located and arrested Massengale on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Massengale was booked in the Marion County Jail, and is being charged with Criminal Homicide.
Former Chatt Prep basketball coach sentenced for domestic assault
Weather Update: Tuesday March 18, 2025
Golden Apple Award: Amy Carter, Heritage Middle School
Dunlap couple arrested in FL for stolen vehicle reported in Hamilton County
POLK COUNTY, FL. (WDEF) — A Dunlap couple was arrested in Polk County, Florida on Friday for vehicle theft and drug possession.
Around 1:00 p.m., March 14, 2025, Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies located a stolen 2009 white Nissan Murano.
A traffic stop was conducted, and the occupants were identified as Aaron Waters and Brooke Leon.
Both Waters and Leon are from Dunlap, Tennessee.
According to PCSO, the stolen Nissan was also from Tennessee.
The vehicle had been reported stolen to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
It was later discovered that Leon had two active warrants out of Tennessee.
PCSO stated the state was “not interested in having her extradited.”
Leon and Waters were arrested by PCSO, and are being charged with the following:
- Motor Vehicle Theft
- Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia
UAW alleges VW ignored them in NLRB complaint
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We have learned more about the charges the UAW is levying against Volkswagen in a NLRB complaint.
This is after Volkswagen announced voluntary layoffs and production cuts last week.
In the complaint, the union alleges that VW has violated federal law by making those sweeping changes without consulting them and going directly to employees.
They state, “In the past six months, the employer has violated the NLR act by making unilateral changes to the terms and conditions of employment of the bargaining unit employees without bargaining. Additionally, the employer circumvented the union and directly dealt with members of the bargaining unit. 10j relief is requested.”
They are asking the NLRB to put a pause on these changes until the case is resolved.
... Continue Reading
Cherokee County authorities arrest man on child exploitation charges
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Nc. (WDEF) — Cherokee County authorities have arrested a man for child exploitation charges.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip from Snapchat, reporting that someone named Logan Michael Massey, had uploaded child sexual abuse material.
An Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) detective along with Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) personnel reviewed the tip and confirmed the images met the criteria for child sexual abuse material under North Carolina Law.
According to CCSO, the investigation linked the upload activity to an IP address associated with Massey’s residence.
On August 3, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Massey’s residence.
Authorities seized various electronic devices including an iPhone, iPad, and laptop.
Massey was also interviewed by detectives during the search.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) conducted a forensic analysis and were able to identify multiple files on the devices containing child sexual abuse material.
CCSO stated Massey was later indicted on September 9, 2024, and eventually turned himself in March 17, 2025, and was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond, set by a North Carolina Magistrate.
Massey has been charged with the following:
- Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (3 counts)
- Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (3 counts)
Weather Update: Monday March 17, 2025
| ||||
Overnight: Clear, dry, chilly.
Lows: mid/high 30’s. Winds: L&V
Tuesday: Sunny, dry, warmer.
Highs: low 70’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
Overnight: More clouds. Chilly.
Lows: mid 40’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, dry, breezy.
Highs: mid 70’s. Winds: S @ 10-15 MPH, gusts 20-25.
Overnight: Cloudy. Showers. Windy.
Lows: low 40’s. Winds: S @ 10-15 MPH, gusts 20-25.
Thursday: Early showers. Cloud/Sun mix. Cooler.
Highs: low 50’s. Winds: W @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 20-25.
Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold.
Lows: low 30’s. Winds: L&V.
Friday: Sunshine. Dry. Mild.
Lows: low 60’s. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH.
| ||||
Upcoming #Skywarn storm spotter training sessions for the @WDEFNews12 viewing area. If you haven’t considered becoming a Skywarn spotter, please do so. The more storm spotters that are trained to watch during severe weather the better covered an area will be when it comes to more reports being filed with the local National Weather Service.
| ||||
Y
You, the viewers, asked for it. This year, the annual #WinterWeatherForecast returns on the WDEF-TV News12 What I Want To Know Show.
Encore presentations available on our social media pages, including News 12 YouTube, and here at our website.
| ||||
“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
| ||||
“We have a NEW Virtual SKYWARN spotter training! It consists of four interactive sections to complete, followed by a final exam that must be taken to receive credit. After finishing the exam, please be patient and understand that up to two weeks may pass between completing the exam and receiving your spotter ID card and certificate. ” – National Weather Service, Morristown TN
| ||||
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.
