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TECH BYTE: Is Your Child ‘Phone Ready?’
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — It’s not unusual anymore to see an elementary-age student with a cell phone.
But how do you know when they’re ready for one?
AT&T’s Laurie Starcher says parents need to factor in their child’s maturity level.
“It does seem that it’s getting younger and younger,” Starcher said. “And I think it’s really based off of, you know, what you as a parent feel is right for your kid.”
Starcher says everyone’s different.
That’s why AT&T came out with a questionnaire, to see if your child is ready for that smartphone or tablet.
“We have several ways that you can get help online. There’s a lot of different quizzes, and things that you can do to kind of help guide you to make that right decision,” Starcher said. “We do have a phone ready quiz. It’s a 10-question quiz. It’s very easy to go through online, and it really can help with understanding which type of device – whether it just be more of a basic phone, or if your child is ready to kind of step into that smartphone lifestyle. It definitely will change your lifestyle as they’re in a smartphone and kind of see the responsibilities if they’re ready to take on that next step.”
The questions were developed by pediatricians from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and AT&T.
They include “How often does your child follow rules about other media in the home such as limits on TV, tablets, or video games?”
And “How often do you trust your child’s judgment when they make decisions when you’re not there?”
“But as a child, if it’s your first smartphone, you really want to think about the type of responsibility, and the type of if we’re going to say, quote unquote, ‘freedom’ that it gives you. And that’s something that as parents, we need to make sure that we’re really conscious of.”
If you take the quiz, and based on your answers, your child falls in the ‘Ready Zone,’ AT&T recommends setting parental controls on their cell phone.
One option is the AT&T Secure Family app.
“It will allow you to track your child’s location in real time, which is wonderful, as well as block anything on the Internet that you may decide that that’s not going to be right for them,” Starcher said. “So we at AT&T have that available, but there’s lots of different ways to also help with kind of the guardrails for your children, Apple devices, Android devices, each of them do have a way that you can select privacy settings and location settings as well.”
The tech company also recommends setting expectations about the tech your child uses, and talking to them often about what they see and experience online.
To take the quiz, and check out other resources for parents, go here.
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CARTA Approves Downtown Parking Rate Increase
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- If you plan to go downtown starting in a couple of weeks, you may want to start bringing some extra change.
CARTA’s Board of Directors voted on their first downtown street parking rate increase since 2015.
Downtown street meters will now charge $1.50 per hour.
This is an increase from just $1 per hour.
CARTA says this was the least impactful raise out of three different scenarios they could have chosen as the City Council has authorized them to raise rates up to two dollars an hour if they chose.
Corey Everett, the head of CARTA’s revenue finance committee and board member said, “We’re just basically coming into what the market rate is right now and escalating up to that two dollar limit seemed to be a bit of a pill to swallow.”
CARTA says the rate increase, which is the first one since 2015, is necessary to continue funding parking upkeep and shuttle service.
They say it will increase revenue by $940,000.
They also argue despite the increase, Chattanooga’s rates are still among the lowest among regional competitors.
Brent Matthews, CARTA’S director of parking and special projects said, “Nashville is $2.25 an hour, Knoxville is already $1.50 an hour, and we’re still at a dollar right now going to $1.50.”
For Danny Smith and others who frequent the Chattanooga Southside, the decision made by the CARTA Board of Directors was not one welcomed.
Smith said, “People are coming down here to spend money in our businesses and the parking situation in Chattanooga isn’t great as it is so I think it is a little sad they’re going to do that.”
CARTA said that in a 2018 parking study conducted by the agency, downtown does have enough parking.
Some don’t feel the same way, and want to see some changes.
Smith said, “I think a pass would be great. I think maybe a more designated structure or area would be really good too. Then there’s certain streets you can’t park on unless you live there and you have a pass. I think people would just like to know where they can park, where’s it safe, and where it is not going to cost them an arm and a leg.”
It is important to note that the parking rate increase only affects Chattanooga Parking Authority meters, which are typically green.
Private lots such as Bright Base and Bird Dog are not affected by the parking rate increase and are separate from the Parking Authority.
CARTA also announced they are adding several hundred parking spots along West Main Street near Finley Stadium.
Parking will still be free after 6 p-m and on Sundays.
Tennessee High School Seniors able to Apply to Colleges for Free
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee high school seniors in the process of applying for college have an opportunity to save money this week.
College applications at the majority of Tennessee schools both public and private have waived their application fees.
Some schools such as UT-Knoxville, Vanderbilt, and UTC all have waived their fees through tomorrow, while some schools have their fees through this weekend or even through the end of the month.
If students apply to multiple schools, they could save hundreds to thousands of dollars.
One high school counselor, Kelly Martin, said “It adds up quickly. Now, if someone can qualify, a lot of schools will waive application fees, so they’re very good to work with students with limited funds but it is a process to get those fees waived. It can take time, there’s forms, so this right here is just a real gift.” All Tennessee students qualify for these application fee waivers.
This is a part of Tennessee’s College Application and Exploration Month.
A link to which schools are participating is here.
... Continue ReadingChattanooga Zoo Earns Quarter Century Award
Jasmine Pace autopsy reveals 60 stab wounds
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office released the autopsy report for Jasmine Pace on Wednesday.
In that report, it revealed that she had 60 stab wounds. Those wounds were on her head, neck, upper back and right arm.
Additionally, the coroner’s report stated that authorities found Pace’s body in a fetal position, wrapped in three trash bags and inside a suitcase near Suck Creek Road. This was in December of 2022.
It stated that her right and left ankles were handcuffed to her right arm.
The report shows that Pace had no drugs in her system at the time of her death. She did not have any alcohol in her system either.
Pace was 22 years old at the time of her death.
Authorities charged Jason Chen with the murder of Jasmine Pace in November, and a jury indicted him in March.
Chen’s hearings have been pushed back multiple times.
Recently, his defense attorney argued problems with the case. But the indictment still stood.
According to the Hamilton County Jail’s website, Chen is scheduled to appear in court next on October 4.
Pedestrian fatally struck by car in Rock Spring
ROCK SPRING, Ga. (WDEF) — Early Thursday morning, a pedestrian died after being hit by a car in Rock Spring.
According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), it happened just before 7 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and Georgia Highway 95.
They identified the pedestrian as Lance Tofte of Ringgold, Georgia.
Tofte was attempting to cross Highway 27 while a gray Acura was traveling southbound on the same road.
He walked out in front of the Acura, which then struck him in the left southbound lane.
The Walker County coroner pronounced Tofte dead at the scene.
The GSP says they are still investigating this incident.
Hazmat Spills Shut Down I-24 Twice in One Day
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga first responders stayed extra-busy on Wednesday. (9/20/23) The Chattanooga Fire Department issued this release around 10 p.m.
... Continue ReadingChattanooga Fire and other agencies responded to a second hazmat incident Wednesday night on Interstate 24. The first incident involved a chemical spill involving organic peroxide at the Germantown Road exit. Once emergency crews cleared that scene, they were called to a wreck at 8PM on I-24W at the 4th Avenue exit after a van collided with a tractor trailer transporting industrial floor cleaner, prompting another hazmat response and forcing the temporary closure of the interstate in both directions. It appears that a Chevy Astro van came up the wrong way on 4th Avenue exit ramp and pulled in front of the tractor trailer, causing a head-on collision. Due to the patient being pinned in the vehicle and their position in the wreckage, firefighters performed a complicated extrication operation. The patient was cut out of the mangled car by skilled firefighters and then transported to the hospital with serious injuries. His condition is unknown at this time. He was the only passenger inside the van. The driver of the tractor trailer was transported to the hospital with leg pain. A small leak was coming from the tractor trailer of a product called ZEP, which is a floor stripping material. A private environmental company is handling the cleanup. I-24E has reopened for traffic. Traffic on I-24W is being diverted down the off-ramp and back up the on-ramp to take traffic around the wreck site for the time being as law enforcement authorities conduct their investigation. Thanks to our Mutual Aid partners for providing coverage at our fire halls while CFD personnel were on this scene.
Weather Update: Thursday Morning – September 20, 2023
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Overnight: Clear. Cool. Lows: mid to upper 50’s. Winds: Light/Variable.
Thursday: Sunny. Mild. Low humidity. Highs: upper 70’s to lower 80’s. Winds: SE 5 mph.
Overnight: Clear. Cool. Lows: low/mid 60’s. Winds: SE @ 5, then becoming light.
Friday/Last Day Of Summer: Sunny. Mild. Low humidity. Highs: low/mid 80’s. Winds: SE 5 mph.
Overnight: Clear. Cool. Lows: low/mid 60’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH, then light.
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None of any note or strength expected for the next several days.
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The Climate Prediction Center 6-10 Day Outlook for Saturday, September 23nd – Wednesday, September 27th, features near to above normal temperatures and slightly above normal precipitation through this period.
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Got #weatherpix to share for our @WestShoreHome #WeatherWindow #PictureOfTheDay? E-mail them to [email protected].
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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.
Weather Update: Thursday Evening – September 21, 2023
Weather Update: Friday Morning – September 22, 2023
Hamilton County Coalition hosts recovery event at Miller Park
Homes evacuated as precaution during East Ridge hazmat response
UPDATE:
Cleanup crews are working to stabilize the hazardous cargo on I-24 eastbound. I-24 westbound is now reopen.
The Chattanooga Fire Department says an organic peroxide spill happened around 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
A driver noticed a FedEx tractor trailer had fluid leaking out of the back of the truck and the driver called 911.
Authorities closed down the interstate and evacuated a 1,000-foot radius around the truck as a precaution.
A tote carrying the organic peroxide had a pinhole leak.
Firefighters say the truck was carrying a mixed load. It was carrying other chemicals on the trailer as well, but they were not affected.
Marion Environmental assisted multiple fire and police crews in cleaning up this scene. Authorities say they are transferring the organic chemical to a new tote for further transport.
Authorities evacuated 38 homes and one apartment complex as a precaution, CFD said.
Evacuated residents went to the Brainerd Rec Center, which is staffed by American Red Cross.
No one was injured as a result of this incident.
Fire officials say they are working to reopen I-24 eastbound as soon as possible.
PREVIOUS:
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Another hazmat situation happened in East Ridge on Wednesday, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department.
A FedEx box truck leaked hazardous materials onto the Germantown Road off-ramp from I-24 eastbound, firefighters said.
Authorities shut down I-24 eastbound at 4th Avenue. They shut down I-24 westbound at the 24/75 split as well.
So far, they have not reported any injuries.
However, first responders evacuated homes in the nearby area.
The Chattanooga and East Ridge Fire Departments undertook a hazmat response.
The fire department said they were still working to find out what those hazardous materials were, just before 5 p.m.
Driving Our Economy Forward: The Gathering of Angels
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The best ideas in business need backing before they can *ever* make it to market. For more than 25 years, The Gathering of Angels has been helping young entrepreneurial companies plant the seeds of success. They recently moved their headquarters from Atlanta to Chattanooga.
Tarby Bryant explains, “It’s called the Chattanooga Gathering of Angels, and this was the launch of that event. It’s going to be a monthly event here at the UTC Innovation Center from 4:30 to 7:00. And we usually have four young companies like we did tonight, looking for seed and early-stage capital.”
Paul Allen is the CEO and Founder of SOAR.
He explains, “Networking is a huge factor in the successful outcome of startup companies. The journey of being an entrepreneur can be lonely, but if you surround yourself with people who have experience, who have network, who have wealth, the journey can be much more fulfilling and much more successful.”
Tarby Bryant continues,” Since we started the Gathering of Angels 26 years ago, we’ve helped over 450 young companies find money ranging from 10,000 at the low end to 12.5 billion at the upper end. And I coach all of the presenters before they present. So, they know what the angel investors hot buttons are. They know that they’ve got to cover the management team. They’ve got to cover the customers that they have. They’ve got to have a reasonable and defensible valuation. They’ve got to have financial projections for five years.”
Jeff Coffey is the founder of PIVIT.
He says, “Yeah, we’ve made some good new relationships here, and we got some great coaching kind of coming into how to do this. They’re in the room and they actually fill out a little form. That ten evaluation points. You get that right off the back and go, okay, now I know how I need to tune my story or craft different slides, or how communicating with the audience am I connecting?”
Tarby Bryant concludes, “Well, I hope that they also pick up a relationship with investor as an advisor and as a coach. The investors have an opportunity to use their skills that they’ve developed over 30, 40, 50 years sometimes and help the young companies grow and keep.”
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CPD searching for endangered teen
UPDATE: CPD searching for endangered teen
