TikTok influencers speak about the ban and its immediate comeback
HCSO locate two Soddy Daisy juveniles with help from the TBI and MNPD
Weather Update: Monday – January 20, 2025
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Overnight: NWS Huntsville issues #ExtremeColdWarning for Dekalb & Jackson Counties, NE Alabama from 7 PM Sunday to noon Monday, NWS Peachtree City GA issues same for all of northern Georgia @WDEFNews12 counties.
—
@WDEFNews12 counties in SE Tennessee will be under an Cold Weather Watch going into Sunday evening. Higher elevations could see sub-zero wind chills by Monday morning.
https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=HUN&wwa=extreme%20cold%20warning
—
Early flurries. Becoming partly cloudy.
Lows: low teens. Winds: NW @ 5-10 MPH. Gusts 20 MPH. Wind Chills in the lower single digits to below zero at times.
Monday / Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Sunny, dry, cold.
Highs: mid/high 20’s. Winds: N @ 5-10 MPH.
Overnight: Partly cloudy. Frigid. Dry.
Lows: mid/high teens. Winds: Near Calm.
| ||||
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.
| ||||
“After storing carbon dioxide in frozen soil for millennia, the Arctic tundra is being transformed by frequent wildfires into an overall source of carbon to the atmosphere, which is already absorbing record levels of heat-trapping fossil fuel pollution.
The transition of the Arctic from a carbon sink to a carbon source is one of the dramatic changes in the Arctic that are documented in NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card. Climatic shifts are forcing plants, wildlife and the people that depend on them to rapidly adapt to a warmer, wetter and less certain world. ”
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/arctic-tundra-becoming-source-of-carbon-dioxide-emissions
| ||||
“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
Light precipitation, generally totaling under an inch, fell across parts of Virginia and the Carolinas. Heavier rain fell across northern and west-central Georgia, as well as southern Alabama, the latter of which received 2 to locally 7 inches of rainfall. Weather across Florida, aside from the far western Panhandle and adjacent southeast Georgia, was mostly dry. Temperatures were mostly colder than normal this week, ranging mostly from 3-9 degrees below normal. Due to decreasing streamflow and growing short-term precipitation deficits, abnormal dryness and moderate drought increased in coverage in parts of South Carolina. Significant short-term precipitation deficits continued to build across the Florida Peninsula, along with decreasing soil moisture, leading to widespread expansion in short-term abnormal dryness and moderate drought. In northern Georgia, recent rainfall led to minor improvements. Widespread heavy rain in southern Alabama led to widespread improvements to abnormal dryness and drought as precipitation deficits lessened and streamflow and soil moisture increased.
– 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.
Chattacon returns for its 50th anniversary
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This weekend, our city hosted the 50th annual Chattacon, a premier science fiction and fantasy literary convention.
This weekend, the city was buzzing with excitement as Chattacon, one of the Southeast’s premier science fiction and fantasy conventions, returned for its 50th year.
“Chattacon is a Chattanooga staple, being the one of the first Science Fiction Conventions on the scene, beginning in 1976. From Irv Koch and his buddies gathering to chat about their latest Sci-Fi novel with friends, to the long-standing fellowship surrounding the love of Science Fiction Literature, Chattacon has never lost its purpose. We love books. We love Science Fiction. We love people. Our purpose remains, even when pushed to change; a focus on literary love. Read something every day!” (Chattacon)
From sci-fi enthusiasts to fantasy fanatics, Chattacon 50 is bringing together fans from all over to celebrate the genres they love. This year, the convention is bigger and better than ever.
Chattacon kicked off today at the DoubleTree Hotel Convention Center, drawing hundreds of attendees dressed as their favorite characters. It’s a vibrant display of creativity and passion, and for many, it’s an annual tradition.
The weekend was packed with activities, including panel discussions with award-winning authors, an expansive art show, and a bustling dealer’s room filled with unique collectibles and memorabilia. Guests of honor this year included award-winning authors and artists of all levels.
Chattacon is a unique event because it’s about the fans, the stories, and the connections people can make with each other. Whether you’re here for the books, the art, or just the community, Chattacon 50 offers something for everyone.
It’s a celebration of creativity and fandom that’s as timeless as the stories it honors.
... Continue ReadingFirefighter Allen Green Releases Children’s Book on Fire Prevention
Interactive Wargame Engages Visitors at Chickamauga Battlefield
Weather Update: Sunday – January 19, 2025
Dalton man arrested after standoff following domestic violence incident
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) – Yesterday evening, a Dalton man was arrested after a standoff lasting nearly two hours following a domestic violence report.
After 7:20 p.m., the Dalton Police Department responded to the apartment at 2250 Park Canyon Drive for a report of gunfire.
Law enforcement reports indicate that initial information suggests 29-year-old Mark Lee Sims was involved in a physical domestic violence incident with a woman at the apartment.
They state that Sims had threatened the woman with a gun and fired at least one shot before she was able to escape.
When the police arrived, they discovered Sims was alone inside the apartment and refused to come outside.
Due to Sims being armed and barricaded, the DPD requested assistance from the Georgia State Patrol’s SWAT team.
The GSP arrived at approximately 8:20 p.m.
After communicating with the suspect, the SWAT team entered the apartment shortly after 9:00 p.m. and arrested Sims without incident.
Sims is charged with aggravated assault, and more charges are possible.
This incident is still under investigation.
The defense began their side of the case on day six of Chen trial
GBI reported that a woman was found deceased in Ringgold
Weather Update: Saturday – January 18, 2025
| ||||
Overnight: Showers to snow showers, especially in the higher elevation areas. Colder.
Lows: around freezing. Winds: N @ 5 MPH.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, windy, colder. Showers and snow showers light, more likely in higher elevations. Some accumulations possible.
Highs: low/mid 30’s. Winds: NW @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 25 MPH.
Overnight: NWS Huntsville issues #ColdWeatherAdvisory for Dekalb & Jackson Counties, NE Alabama from 7 PM Sunday to noon Monday. NWS Nashville issues same advisory for Grundy County TN from 6 PM Sunday to noon on Monday.
https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MRX&wwa=cold%20weather%20advisory Early flurries. Becoming partly cloudy.
—
@WDEFNews12 counties in SE Tennessee, N Georgia and extreme western North Carolina will be under an Extreme Cold Watch going into Sunday evening. Higher elevations could see sub-zero wind chills by Monday morning.
—
Lows: low teens. Winds: NW @ 5-10 MPH. Gusts 20 MPH. Wind Chills in the lower single digits to below zero at times.
Monday / Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Sunny, dry, cold.
Highs: mid/high 20’s. Winds: N @ 5-10 MPH.
Overnight: Partly cloudy. Frigid. Dry.
Lows: mid/high teens. Winds: Near Calm.
| ||||
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.
| ||||
“After storing carbon dioxide in frozen soil for millennia, the Arctic tundra is being transformed by frequent wildfires into an overall source of carbon to the atmosphere, which is already absorbing record levels of heat-trapping fossil fuel pollution.
The transition of the Arctic from a carbon sink to a carbon source is one of the dramatic changes in the Arctic that are documented in NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card. Climatic shifts are forcing plants, wildlife and the people that depend on them to rapidly adapt to a warmer, wetter and less certain world. ”
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/arctic-tundra-becoming-source-of-carbon-dioxide-emissions
| ||||
“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
Light precipitation, generally totaling under an inch, fell across parts of Virginia and the Carolinas. Heavier rain fell across northern and west-central Georgia, as well as southern Alabama, the latter of which received 2 to locally 7 inches of rainfall. Weather across Florida, aside from the far western Panhandle and adjacent southeast Georgia, was mostly dry. Temperatures were mostly colder than normal this week, ranging mostly from 3-9 degrees below normal. Due to decreasing streamflow and growing short-term precipitation deficits, abnormal dryness and moderate drought increased in coverage in parts of South Carolina. Significant short-term precipitation deficits continued to build across the Florida Peninsula, along with decreasing soil moisture, leading to widespread expansion in short-term abnormal dryness and moderate drought. In northern Georgia, recent rainfall led to minor improvements. Widespread heavy rain in southern Alabama led to widespread improvements to abnormal dryness and drought as precipitation deficits lessened and streamflow and soil moisture increased.
– 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.
Chen messaged women on Tinder hours after allegedly killing Pace, trial reveals
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Friday was day five of the Jason Chen murder trial.
Chen is charged with first degree murder in the November 2022 death of Jasmine Pace.
There were two primary focuses of the testimony throughout the day on Friday.
One was evidence collected from Jason Chen’s finger prints.
Lt. David Franklin of the Chattanooga Police Department testified that fingerprints he analyzed on the garbage bags that Jasmine Pace was found contained inside of a suitcase on Suck Creek Road, matched Chen.
Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp asked Lt. Franklin, “And with those 20 ridges, you were able to look at and then match up a certain person’s fingerprints.”
He confirmed, “That’s correct.”
She responded, “And those were the fingerprints of Jason Chen?”
He confirmed, “That’s correct.”
The other major talking point of the day was Chen and Pace’s cell phone records, which forensic technician Mark Hamilton said painted a clear picture of Chen’s actions following the death of Pace.
Pace traveled to Chen’s Northshore apartment shortly before midnight on November 23, 2022.
She then sent a pindrop to her mother around 2:15 AM, the last known message she sent.
Starting roughly 8 hours later, records show Chen traveling around the city with both his and her phones.
During this, Hamilton says Chen stopped at multiple stores to buy cleaning supplies and visited Suck Creek Road three separate times.
Around 4 the afternoon after Pace was killed, Chen sent a message from his phone to her’s.
Wamp asked, “Are you aware of any activity that you found on both of their cellular records around this time (4:03 PM on November 23, 2022)?”
Hamilton confirmed, “Yes there was a text message sent around here.”
Wamp asked, “And who was that text message from and who was it to?”
Hamilton said, “It was from Jason Chen to Jasmine Pace.”
Wamp further asked, “Mr. Chen texted Jasmine, “Hey, are we still good for dinner tonight?””
Hamilton said, “That’s correct.”
That was far from the only message he was sending though.
Further cell phone records showed Chen messaging a group chat numerous times on November 24, 2022, the day after Pace died.
The purpose of these conversations were to set up playing video games with some friends.
Hamilton additionally showed that Chen was sending numerous messages via the dating app Tinder, just hours after the suspected death of Pace.
Wamp asked, “And do you see here at 9:52, does Jason send a message here on Tinder?”
Hamilton pointed out a specific message to one woman and responded, “He does. He says, “I guess we’re dating now?””
There were messages exchanged between Chen and at least four different women between Pace’s death and Chen’s arrest a week later.
Lead investigator Zackary Crawford also went a whole series of text messages between Chen and Pace, showing weeks of ongoing conversation leading up to Chen inviting Pace over to his apartment on the day that his defense attorney admitted during his opening statement that he killed her.
This trial will continue into the weekend on Saturday.
The Nashville based jury said they only want to take Sunday off.
Weather Update: Friday – January 17, 2025
| ||||
Overnight. Mostly cloudy, widespread showers.
Lows: low 40’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, showers.
Highs: mid 50’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
Overnight: Showers to snow showers, especially in the higher elevation areas.
Lows: around freezing. Winds: N @ 5 MPH.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, windy, colder. Showers and snow showers.
Highs: low/mid 30’s. Winds: NW @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 25 MPH.
Overnight: Early flurries. Becoming partly cloudy.
Lows: low teens. Winds: NW @ 5-10 MPH. Gusts 20 MPH.
Monday / Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Sunny, dry, cold.
Highs: mid/high 20’s. Winds: N @ 5-10 MPH.
| ||||
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.
| ||||
“After storing carbon dioxide in frozen soil for millennia, the Arctic tundra is being transformed by frequent wildfires into an overall source of carbon to the atmosphere, which is already absorbing record levels of heat-trapping fossil fuel pollution.
The transition of the Arctic from a carbon sink to a carbon source is one of the dramatic changes in the Arctic that are documented in NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card. Climatic shifts are forcing plants, wildlife and the people that depend on them to rapidly adapt to a warmer, wetter and less certain world. ”
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/arctic-tundra-becoming-source-of-carbon-dioxide-emissions
| ||||
“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
Light precipitation, generally totaling under an inch, fell across parts of Virginia and the Carolinas. Heavier rain fell across northern and west-central Georgia, as well as southern Alabama, the latter of which received 2 to locally 7 inches of rainfall. Weather across Florida, aside from the far western Panhandle and adjacent southeast Georgia, was mostly dry. Temperatures were mostly colder than normal this week, ranging mostly from 3-9 degrees below normal. Due to decreasing streamflow and growing short-term precipitation deficits, abnormal dryness and moderate drought increased in coverage in parts of South Carolina. Significant short-term precipitation deficits continued to build across the Florida Peninsula, along with decreasing soil moisture, leading to widespread expansion in short-term abnormal dryness and moderate drought. In northern Georgia, recent rainfall led to minor improvements. Widespread heavy rain in southern Alabama led to widespread improvements to abnormal dryness and drought as precipitation deficits lessened and streamflow and soil moisture increased.
– 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.
Chattacon celebrates 50 years over the weekend
Georgia House Speaker lifts ban against Colton Moore
Suspects crash into East Ridge home during pursuit
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The East Ridge Police Department (ERPD) has made an arrest after ending a pursuit with a stolen Mercedes Benz.
Officers with ERPD got a hit via a License Plate Reader (LPR) on a stolen Mercedes Benz, January 17, 2025.
Authorities located the vehicle in the 1000 block of South Seminole.
According to ERPD, it was observed that the suspect was with another party in a dark SUV, which was parked by the stolen vehicle.
As the suspects were leaving in the SUV, ERPD attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
The SUV driver accelerated and rammed into the patrol car, nearly striking the officer.
Shortly afterwards, patrol units initiated a pursuit.
Officers attempted to deploy road spikes near Bennett Road and John Ross.
The suspects overcorrected upon viewing the spikes.
The SUV left the roadway, and crashed into a home at Connelly and Bennett Road.
After crashing, the driver fled on foot, but was apprehended shortly there after.
The passenger of the SUV was taken into custody.
The stolen vehicle was recovered from the original location.
... Continue Reading
Father-son duo arrested in multi-county burglary investigation
LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF) — A father-son duo was arrested Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in connection to a string of burglaries across several counties in Georgia.
On Sunday, January 12, LaFayette Police responded to a burglary at a Dollar Tree in a Walmart shopping center.
Officers discovered the store’s safe was broken into, with approximately $3,000 stolen.
The hard drive for the store’s surveillance system was also stolen.
Two nearby businesses were also entered, though no items were reported missing.
Further leads connected the LaFayette burglary to a similar incident in Chattooga County.
Another strip mall business was targeted that same night.
Investigators in Chattooga County obtained surveillance footage that revealed the suspects and their vehicle.
The suspects were identified as Clifton Mitchell, and his son Richard Mitchell.
Both were already on probation for prior burglary convictions.
Key evidence came from Clifton Mitchell’s court-mandated ankle monitor.
The ankle monitor tracked his movements to the locations of the LaFayette and Chattooga County burglaries.
GPS data also tied him to other strip mall locations in Rome, Georgia, where additional commercial burglaries were reported.
A search warrant was obtained for the Mitchell’s residence.
The search uncovered tools used in the crimes and clothing matching the surveillance footage.
Both suspects are currently being held at the Walker County Detention Facility.
Both are being charged with second-degree burglary.
Additional charges are expected in Chattooga and Floyd Counties for crimes in those jurisdictions.
They also face charges for violating their probation.
Smoke alarm saves Sale Creek homeowner from major house fire
SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) — A smoke alarm likely saved a homeowner from a devastating fire early this morning in Sale Creek.
At approximately 2:35 a.m., January 17, 2025, the Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) responded to reports of a house fire at 16919 Andy Thomas Road.
A homeowner was awoken by the sound of her smoke alarm and immediately noticed smoke coming from the ceiling and smoke detector.
When crews arrived, firefighters noticed heavy smoke coming from the roof.
It was discovered that the fire was located in the attic.
Crews were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the house.
According to the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management, no injuries were reported from this incident.
Fire officials determined the cause of the fire was electrical, with damages estimated at $20,000.
Chattanooga is working “9 to 5” to celebrate Dolly Parton’s birthday
Local Republican Party reacts to State senator Colton Moore arrests
WALKER COUNTY, Ga (WDEF)- Walker County Republican Party reacts to the arrest of North Georgia State Senator Colton Moore on Thursday.
“This is what tyranny looks like. This is literally what tyranny looks like. I am. I am shocked. We are shocked and appalled that this could happen in the United States of America, and especially in northwest Georgia,” said Jackie Harling, Walker County Republican Party.
State senator Moore arrived at the House chamber to attend Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State address.
Upon arriving, Moore was taken into custody after being banned for making comments about a deceased colleague last year.
Harling considers Moore’s arrest a big deal.
“Senator Moore can not do his job that we elected him to do if he can’t be involved with the joint session. It is ridiculous and I’m embarrassed. I guess I am torn between being angry and embarrassed. It is silly,” Harling said.
State Senator Moore, formerly a House member, serves Dade, Walker, and Catoosa Counties.
In light of Moores arrest, Harling believes it’s important that Georgians come together and be united.
“We are about to inaugurate a new president. We need to just kind of put petty little personality differences aside and get our eyes on the prize, and that is getting this country back to where it needs to be,” harling said.
According to Georgia House officials, this is the first time a state senator has been banned from entering the house.
Harling says her message to Georgia lawmakers is simple..
“This is a silly silly school yard fight. That is really something we never want to see, again, we want to be able to disagree with each other, and still be respectful and still keep the laws,” Harling concluded.
... Continue Reading
