What to know about raising backyard chickens
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- As egg prices continue to be high due to avian flu, many are considering raising backyard chickens.
The current average price of a dozen eggs in the United States is just short of six dollars.
Even with possible relief around the corner, the egg-flation has many considering getting their own backyard chickens.
But what should you know before doing so?
Evangelon James, an extension agent with the UT Institute of Agriculture, taught a class on Tuesday at t
he Cleveland-Bradley County Public Library to room full of prospective chicken owners.
James advised, “We impulse buy shoes. We impulse buy clothes, right? Concert tickets. We do not impulse buy animals, living creatures.”
Evaluating your ability to take care of these live animals is key before deciding to rule the roost.
James said, “But you need to ask yourself, what is my timeline, and how much effort and energy do I want to put into this? I’m assuming we all want to get chicks, but you may say to yourself, I want eggs right now. I want a producing hen. I don’t have the time or the wherewithal right now with my schedule to tend to chicks because these are live animals, it takes a lot of effort.”
It is also important to keep track of regulations in your area, as they vary between cities, counties, and states.
For example in Chattanooga, only those who own five or more acres or are zoned for agriculture can own chickens.
In Cleveland, any household can own up to 12 hens, but no roosters.
They also cannot publicly sell their eggs.
James said, “One city might be more lenient than the other, and I think we’re going to see more and more of those expectations change, just a theory, because more and more people are getting interested in having these and having chickens, and so there might be more leniency with some of those regulations as more and more people request that.”
James adds that for those getting their own chicken, to continue to monitor the spread of avian flu.
She says the spread will go down with hotter temperatures in the summer, but there is still risk to any birds.
James said, “They are recommending no free ranging because they get it from birds, and so the more they interact with birds, the more we’re likely to have transmission, that biosecurity issue, and that’s another reason why when we talk about setting up our coops and making sure that predators can’t get in, it’s also stopping birds from getting into your run because again they’re opportunistic and your birds are out in the wild, they’re in your backyard.”
She added that properly storing eggs after your hens lay them is important keep them fresh and edible.
James said they can last up to two months refrigerated, and advised to label them so you know how old they are.
A Wells Fargo study says that egg prices are expected to remain volatile through Easter.
UTC unveils Mobile MOC rural health service
Golden Apple Award: Kimberly Thurman, Sale Creek High School
Bradley County Sheriff’s Office drone team locates missing juvenile
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office’s (BCSO) drone team located a missing juvenile in a wooded area.
On the night of March 24, 2025, BCSO received a call from a resident regarding a missing/runaway child.
Upon arrival, deputies did a quick search of the wooded area, before calling for additional assistance from BCSO’s drone team.
BCSO stated when the drone team arrived, they quickly located the juvenile in a large, wooded area nearby, and were able to reunite him with his family.
“The success of this mission is a direct result of the numerous hours our drone team spends training for these exact situations. Their expertise and dedication made all the difference in bringing this child home safely.”
-Bradley County Sheriff Lawson
Weather Update: Tuesday March 25, 2025
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Tuesday: Sunny, dry, mild. Windy.
Highs: mid 70’s. Winds: W @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 20-25.
Overnight: Mostly clear. Chilly.
Lows: mid 40’s. Winds: NW @ 5 MPH.
Wednesday: Mild, windy, sunshine.
Highs: NW @ 5-10 MPH, gusts 20 MPH.
Overnight: Clear, dry, chilly.
Lows: low 40’s. Winds: NW @ 5 MPH.
Thursday: Sunny, Mild, Dry.
Highs: low 70’s. Winds: L&V.
| ||||
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
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“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
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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.
State trooper indicted on tampering with evidence during off-duty incident
Representative Kevin Raper to return to Tennessee House following liver transplant
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — State Representative Kevin Raper (R-Cleveland) will return to the Tennessee House of Representatives on March 27 after successfully undergoing a liver transplant.
Raper, who represents part of Bradley County, received the transplant on Feb. 23 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
According to the state, doctors say his recovery is ahead of schedule, with his new liver functioning fully and showing no signs of rejection.
“Each day is a gift and I am profoundly grateful to the Lord Jesus Christ for His grace and mercy. I give Him all the glory for blessing me with a successful procedure and a speedy recovery. The doctors, nurses and staff who helped me throughout this process provided excellent care for which I will be forever grateful. I’m incredibly thankful for the support and prayers from my family, fellow lawmakers, residents of House District 24, and people across Tennessee who have encouraged me and helped me on my way to a full recovery. I thank my community for their continued support and I look forward to getting back to the State Capitol to make life better for all Tennesseans.”
-State Representative Kevin Raper
As he continues to recover, Raper will remain in quarantine and limit his duties to floor sessions and committee meetings for the remainder of the legislative session.
A retired educator and former Bradley County Commissioner, Raper is currently serving his second term in the House.
... Continue ReadingPrep Public Schools names new administrative team
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Prep Public Schools has appointed Troy Kemp as Chief Executive Officer and Chad Everett as Vice President of Schools.
The Board of Directors introduced both leaders to the communities at Chattanooga Prep and Knoxville Prep.
Kemp brings 34 years of experience in education, having served as a teacher, coach, administrator, and nonprofit leader.
He spent 27 years at McCallie School, where he held roles ranging from math teacher and coach to associate headmaster for enrollment and marketing.
Kemp also helped establish the National Center for the Development of Boys and currently works at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta.
“I am thrilled to lead the efforts of Prep Public Schools because this is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative, increase the expectations, and improve the outcomes for Black and brown boys in Chattanooga and Knoxville. Challenges in the past may have pushed us back on our heels, but we are shifting our stance and playing from our toes.”
-Troy Kemp, incoming CEO of PREP Public Schools
Everett has served as Chief Operating Officer of IOTA Community Schools, overseeing a network of 2,100 students.
His career includes roles as an English teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, campus president, and principal.
“I am excited for the opportunity to cultivate the environment I wanted as a scholar and that every scholar deserves – an environment where every scholar has the freedom to discover curricular truths, as well as truths about themselves; an environment where excellence is the expectation and the brilliance of scholars and teachers is embraced bell-to-bell, every class, every day. I am excited to lead at Prep Public Schools.”
-Chad Everett, VP of Schools of PREP Public Schools.
Both Kemp and Everett have passed all necessary background checks without issue.
Micah Bess, who has served as Interim CEO since October 2024, will return to her previous role as Chief Operating Officer.
... Continue ReadingCHA Ballet throws a “Curveball” onto the UTC Fine Arts Center stage
Dutch Maid Bakery’s sweet debut on the big screen
Plan Hamilton Sparks Growth Debate
K9 Faith Sniffs Out Retirement Bliss
Chattanooga police arrest suspect on attempted murder charges
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga Police have arrested a man less than 24 hours after an alleged shooting incident.
On March 23, 2025, at 4:12 a.m., officers responded to a person shot call at Chattanooga Fire Station 4510 Bonny Oaks Drive.
When officers arrived, firefighters were already treating the victim’s injuries when EMS arrived to transport them to a local hospital.
According to Chattanooga police, the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute in the 4800 block of Tomahawk Trail.
The suspect, Dana Key, allegedly forced the victim into his vehicle after the shooting.
The victim managed to escape when the vehicle stopped near Bonny Oaks Drive, running to the fire station for help.
On March 24, 2025, a Neighborhood Policing Officer located Key at the Tomahawk Trail residence.
Key attempted to flee in a stolen vehicle, leading police on a brief chase before crashing into trees on Tunnel Boulevard.
He was uninjured and taken into custody at the Hamilton County Jail.
Key is being charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Firearm During a Felony, and Kidnapping.
Authorities say additional charges related to auto theft and evading arrest will be added.
What’s Right With Our Schools: Whitwell Middle Level 5 Status
WHITWELL, TN (WDEF) – One Marion County school has reached the pinnacle of success. We traveled to Whitwell Middle School to learn how their accomplishment is more than just a status on this week’s ‘What’s Right With Our Schools’.
Dr. Joshua Holtcamp is the Principal at Whitwell Middle School.
He explains, ” That’s a status we’ve never achieved before. When I got into this position, I wanted that status because I know students are learning.
He also told us about the importance of being a Reward School, ” And a reward school is a designation by the Department of Education that highlights a school’s achievement, high achievement and growth.”
Students at Whitwell achieved both a level 5 in achievement and growth. Dr. Holtcamp attributes that success to a lack of turnover and connection with the students.
He says, ” We just had to look at data. I am not a data person, but I turned into a data person to find out where our weaknesses were, and that’s how we determined how to do better, to determine which strategies to use.”
A large number of students who scored well were placed onto an achievement wall.
Dr. Holtcamp says, ” It’s become a motivating factor for our kids this year. They want their name on a wall as well, so that wasn’t the intent of it. The intent to celebrate the students like William, and these will go home with them during Awards Day, but a lot of students come up to me and ask, ‘How do I be up there?’ ”
The students celebrated with a dance party.
Dr. Holtcamp explains, “I think you have to know middle school students. Middle school students care a lot about grades. They care about free time. There’s not a lot of enticement or extrinsic things that middle school students need. If you give them time, time on the phone, time to dance, that’s all they need to cut loose. Their time is valuable, and when you give them time, they take that and treat it as their own.”
Above any test scores, Dr. Holtcamp says he wants his students to know just one particular thing.
Dr. Holtcamp tells us what that is, “That you are loved, and remember to always.”
... Continue Reading
People’s choice voting opens soon for TVFCU’s Idea Leap Grant
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — People’s choice voting for Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union’s (TVFCU) Idea Leap Grant will soon be open.
Starting March 31, 2025 at 8:00 a.m., people’s choice vote opens for the community.
Voting will close on April 4 at 5:00 p.m.
The Idea Leap Grant is TVFCU’s annual program that awards funds to entrepreneurs within their service area.
Finalists chosen from the people’s choice vote, will participate in one of the upcoming pitch competitions in which, TVFCU will give away $75,000 in the Chattanooga, Northwest Georgia, and Ocoee regions.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the 31 semifinalists and share in the excitement leading up to the finalist announcement and competitions. With $225,000 in funding available for selected small business owners across our 17-county service area, we want the community to be part of the journey. That’s why we’ve introduced People’s Choice Voting—giving everyone a voice in deciding which entrepreneurs receive this valuable support.”
-Tommy Nix, Vice President of business and commercial services.
TVFCU says semifinalists across all three regions are competing for 15 grants totaling $225,000.
The Chattanooga-region semifinalists are:
- Bird Fork FarmCommunity Voting Opens Soon for TVFCU’s Idea Leap Grant
- Carving Rock Kitchen
- Cha Cha Masala Chai
- Dynamic Labels
- Hinton & Co
- Hi-Tech Tire & Wheel Auto Repair, Inc.
- Jordan Ariel Agency, Inc.
- Scenic City Therapy
- Tiny Tigers Learning Center
- Unveiled Bridal Studio
The Ocoee-region semifinalists are:
- Athens Movie Palace
- Bigfoot Outfitters
- Downtown Beauty Lounge
- Fitted Stitches
- Flory Custom Woodworking LLC
- Frazier’s Fabrication
- Positive Reach
- The Alderman Group
- Theme Fusion
- Visionary Motorsports & Fabrication
The Northwest Georgia-region semifinalists are:
- ALL Family Care
- Bobbi Jo Brooks Fine Art & Photography
- Gowin Valley Farms
- Jessie Thornton’s United Karate
- KB Pressure Washing
- Mariscos El Cuhhhmaron
- North Georgia Center for Educational Excellence
- Red Eyed Rooster Coffee Co.
- Rosie Mae’s
- Shankly Elite Training
- Top End Fabrication
Voting will be available to the community here, once it opens.
Man arrested, charged for drive by shooting
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Authorities have arrested a man facing multiple Attempted First Degree Murder charges.
On January 13, 2025, at 3:36 p.m., officers responded to 1819 Foust Street for a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located a woman with a gunshot wound to her leg.
She was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Investigators determined it was a drive-by shooting, and surveillance footage showed two suspects in a vehicle, and one firing at the victim.
The victim told police she was trying to get her children inside when she was shot.
The suspects were later identified as a 17-year-old male and 18-year-old Gloire Mutubwa.
On March 23, 2025, at 12:26 a.m., officers responded to 703 Chestnut Street to serve a warrant.
According to the affidavit, police received a call regarding shots fired in the area.
Upon arrival, officers located Mutubwa and verified he had outstanding warrants.
He was taken into custody, and transported to the Hamilton County Jail.
Mutubwa faces four counts of Attempted First Degree Murder and one county of Reckless Endangerment.
... Continue Reading
Weather Update: Monday March 24, 2025
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Overnight: Mostly clear, dry, cold.
Lows: mid 40’s. Winds: NW @ 5 MPH.
Tuesday: Sunny, dry, mild. Windy.
Highs: mid 70’s. Winds: W @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 20-25.
Overnight: Mostly clear. Chilly.
Lows: mid 40’s. Winds: NW @ 5 MPH.
Wednesday: Mild, windy, sunshine.
Highs: NW @ 5-10 MPH, gusts 20 MPH.
Overnight: Clear, dry, chilly.
Lows: low 40’s. Winds: NW @ 5 MPH.
Thursday: Sunny, Mild, Dry.
Highs: low 70’s. Winds: L&V.
| ||||
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.
