David Glenn - Meteorologist

Chief Meteorologist David Glenn has been awarded the prestigious Seal of Approval for broadcasting from the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.

David was bitten by the "weather bug" at age eight when a fear of tornadoes turned into a fascination of weather. He actually served as a Weather Watcher for WTVC while attending Gordon Lee High School in Chickamauga. David is a graduate of Jacksonville State University, where he earned a BS Degree in Geosciences. David also attended graduate school at Mississippi State University, where he served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Climatology Lab.

David has been at Newschannel 9 since late 2006. David began his career in meteorology here in Chattanooga at another station from 1991-1998. David then served as Chief Meteorologist at WPMI-TV in Pensacola/Mobile from late 1998 to 2006. David was able to cover 11 tropical cyclones, including direct hits from Hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Katrina. His coverage of Hurricane Ivan earned him the Associated Press award for Best Weather Anchor in Alabama. Excerpts of his coverage of Hurricane Katrina were featured in National Geographic's: Inside Hurricane Katrina video.  During his time on the Gulf Coast, David also had the chance of a lifetime to fly with the US Navy Blue Angels.

David and his wife Rebecca have two sons, Jack and Carter.

When not predicting the weather, David is a huge sports fan. A lifelong baseball fan of the Braves & Lookouts.  During football season, it's the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans!  On frozen pond, David and his sons are big Nashville Predators fans.

Calvin Sneed - Anchor

Calvin Sneed anchors NewsChannel 9 at 5:00, 6:00 and 11:00. Calvin, born June 2 in Cleveland, Ohio, is the "Consumer Watchdog" of NewsChannel 9.

Calvin began his career in 1970 at WKPT Radio and TV in Kingsport, Tennessee while still in high school.   He worked at WTVC in the early 70's as a news reporter, news photographer and news producer. One of his favorite stories was reporting on how the city shed its "polluted air" image to become one of the cleanest environments in the South. Calvin joined the staff at WATE-TV, Knoxville in 1976 as an anchor and reporter, covering TVA, its nuclear program, the University of Tennessee, and the government's nuclear facilities at Oak Ridge.  He actually anchored a 6 o'clock newscast from inside one of the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant containment buildings just prior to the plant coming on line.  Later, Calvin became the co-host of "PM Magazine," featuring unusual people, places and things in the Tennessee Valley.   He then moved on to WTVN-TV (now WSYX-TV), Channel 6 in Columbus, Ohio in 1986 as consumer/investigative reporter. In 1992, Calvin made the move back home to Tennessee, and brought his unique brand of consumer reporting to Chattanooga and NewsChannel 9.

He has been instrumental in helping many area residents get positive results when they felt there was no hope. And with his investigative skills, he sifts through many issues important to Tennessee Valley residents, always looking for the truth that needs reporting.

Calvin, nominated for an Emmy, received an Associated Press Award for Enterprise Reporting by spending two days in Ohio's Boot Camp Prison for Youthful Offenders. Watching old Science Fiction movies from the '50's and growing plants are among Calvin's other interests. In his spare time, Calvin is active in his former neighborhood in Kingsport, and moderates a website for his former neighborhood school's alumni association there.  He can also be seen on many hiking trails enjoying the scenic beauty of Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.

Kim Chapman - Anchor

Kim Chapman, born October 6th, co-anchors at 5:00, 6:00 and 11:00 on NewsChannel 9. Kim brings 10 years of experience in broadcast journalism to NewsChannel 9.

Her career has taken her to several cities in the Southeast and she is happy to be calling Chattanooga home again! Before coming to back to Chattanooga, Kim was the morning anchor and a reporter for the ABC affiliate in Jacksonville, Florida. This is Kim's second tour of duty in Chattanooga. She worked here for three years before moving to Florida.

In her journalistic career, she has been recognized by the Associated Press for outstanding news coverage of different events. While in Jacksonville, the morning news was nominated for an Emmy for breaking news coverage. Kim is active in the Chattanooga community, but, as a member of the Board of Directors, Kim dedicates most of her time to the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee. She also is a member of the National Board of Directors of the Epilepsy Foundation of America.

Kim is a member of OLPH Catholic Church. She has and adopted "daughter," Dixie ... who has four legs and, at one point, was living at the Humane Society.

Latricia Thomas - Anchor

Latricia Thomas joined the Newschannel 9 team in 2008 after spending four years jumping around the country. Originally from Knoxville, Latricia says she couldn't wait to return to the Volunteer State.

Latricia spent her first year in the Scenic City anchoring the Newschannel 9 produced FOX61 First at Ten newscast. She now anchors and produces the 5:30 newscast and anchors the 5 pm show.

Before moving to Chattanooga, Latricia spent three years in Albany, New York where she worked as a reporter and anchor. From covering the fall of New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer to the heavy winter snow storms of the Northeast, she says Upstate New York was definitely a learning experience.

Latricia also reported on the sandy beaches of Wilmington, North Carolina and worked for the Tennessee House of Representatives, operating the state's in-session camera system.

A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Latricia graduated magna cum laude and majored in communications and English.

When she is not telling the stories of the people of the Tennessee Valley, Latricia loves spending time with her husband Charlie, her young daughter Lila and her toy poodle, Tigger. Together, they enjoy spending time with family in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Oneida, Tennessee.

"It is such an honor to be a part of the Newschannel 9 Team," said Latricia. "Coming to Chattanooga was both a homecoming and an opportunity to become a part of a community that I grow to love more every day."

Latricia also enjoys donating her time to several charitable organizations including the March of Dimes, the Kidney Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Siskin Institute.

Sarah Jennings - Anchor

Sarah Jennings proudly calls Cleveland, Tennessee, home. Born in Nashville and raised in Bradley County, she realized her childhood dream to become a television news anchor and reporter at a very early age.

Sarah says, I remember sitting in my 6th grade class at Waterville Elementary School and telling my teacher, Mrs. Brock, that I wanted to be like Barbara Walters one day.

Sarah graduated in the top of her class from Bradley Central High School in 1995. She then went on to earn a Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, in 1999. She minored in political science and held a number of collegiate offices at UTK within professional and academic honor societies. She served as a student government leader, residence hall assistant and a charter class member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.

After graduating from Big Orange country Sarah made it back home to the Tennessee Valley. That's where she landed her first job out of college at Chattanoogas premier radio station US-101 - WUSY-FM. She worked hard as a spot news reporter and afternoon drive news anchor. Sarah was soon promoted to a larger and familiar radio market, working as a news anchor and reporter for another group of powerhouse radio stations, NewsTalk-99 and WIVK-FM in Knoxville. Her next big step came when she accepted a position with another group of radio stations in Savannah, Georgia, called the Adventure Radio Group.

Savannah was a wonderful place, but it wasnt home. Sarah soon returned to East Tennessee and began traffic reporting and general assignment news reporting for WTVC-TV - NewsChannel 9, in April 2003. In 2004 she was promoted to morning news anchor for "Good Morning Chattanooga." Since then Sarah has also assumed the role of producing and anchoring NewsChannel 9 Midday. In her spare time she has worked as an adjunct journalism professor in the College of Communication at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Sarah also stays busy as an active mom of three. She and her husband, Richie, have two boys and one girl; Camden (12), Kelsey (9) and Jacob (7). But, thats not all! Their family also includes two dogs, a 30 pound indoor cat, four bunnies, a turtle and a fish.

I am certainly blessed by God, Sarah says.

I have a wonderful and supportive family, loving friends and amazing viewers. I grew up watching Bob Johnson and Mary Ellen Locher on NewsChannel 9. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with them and hold a small place at the best television news station in the world, NewsChannel 9!

So, now that you know a little about me -- please feel free to take a moment and send me an email comment or suggestion. I would love to hear from you!

Darrell Patterson - Anchor

Darrell, who was born in Athens, Tennessee,  joined NewsChannel 9 as Sports Director and Anchor in 1975.

For 22 years, he hosted the annual Darrell Patterson Volunteer Challenge, a golf tournament which raises money for "Santa for All Seasons", a local charity which helps with the emotional and educational needs of hunderds of area foster children.

He's been recognized by two Tennessee Governors, Ned McWherter and Don Sundquist, for his work on this tournament.

Darrell was inducted into the Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

Dave Staley - Anchor/Reporter

Dave was born and raised in Northern Minnesota, outside of Hibbing, Minnesota, the heart of the "Iron Range."

After a stint in the U.S. Air Force, and finishing up school in  Minneapolis, Dave headed to Wyoming, for his first job in television. After a stop in Colorado, it was back to Wyoming, before coming to Newschannel 9 in early 1984.

Dave has worked as a Sports Anchor/Reporter ever since, adding on the duties of weekend news co-anchor in January of 2006.

Dave is probably best known in the Chattanooga area for his summertime weekly feature "Dave's Diamond Darlings." The series focuses on little kids learning how to play baseball. Dave has been fortunate enough to be nominted for four MidSouth Emmy's, winning the "gold lady" in 2003 for "Sports Program and Series."

Dave's also won numerous regional Edward R. Murrow Sports Reporting Awards, going on to win three consecutive Edward R. Murrow national Sports Reporting Awards. (2004-2006)

He is also an eight time winner of the Society of Professional Journalists "Award of Excellence" for sports reporting.

Dave has many passion's in life, with family, golf and mexican food being right at the top of the list. He's also an avid reader and a political "junkie."

Dave and Sports Director Darrell Patterson remain the longest-running sports team in Chattanooga, something both are very proud of.

John Madewell - Reporter

John Madewell has been with NewsChannel 9 since 1994. John started working as a one-man-band, reporter and photographer, on an overnight shift. After that, NewsChannel 9 shifted John to covering North Georgia. John grew up in Ringgold, Georgia.

Since 2000, he has been working out of the main station as a general assignment reporter. Typically, John covers crime and courts. Also, he loves chasing storms.

Before coming to Chattanooga he worked for four years at a television station in Savannah, Georgia. John found much attraction to the city's historic charm and nearby beach of Tybee Island.

John attended Dalton College and then the University of Georgia. He is an avid Dawgs fan.

In his spare time, John enjoys Ultimate Frisbee, golf, travel, cooking and reading. He attends Calvary Chapel.

A return to his hometown has been refreshing.

The people throughout NewsChannel 9's viewing area are very friendly. In addition, John finds Chattanooga's four seasons and central location very appealing. Working at NewsChannel 9 has been and continues to be a great experience.

Kelsey Bagwell - Reporter

Kelsey Bagwell joined the NewsChannel 9 team in May of 2013. She comes to us from WTVM News Leader 9 in Columbus, Ga.,  where she specialized in showcasing adoptable pets in need of rescue.

Kelsey was born and raised in metro Atlanta. She graduated from Georgia College & State University in May of 2012 with degrees in Broadcast & Electronic Media and Advertising.

After graduation, Kelsey worked with Jacobs Media Corporation (WDUN AM/FM and accessnorthga.com) in Gainesville, Ga. as a reporter. She also interned with FOX 5 News in Atlanta where she said her favorite experiences include "going on the set of The Walking Dead and spending time at the aquarium with Betty White."

In her spare time, Kelsey loves to be with her family, friends, and four (yes, we said FOUR) dogs. She is a diehard Atlanta Braves fan and a veteran adrenaline junkie, enjoying regular adventures of skydiving, whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning, and more. She also enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and "do it yourself" projects.

Beth Neuhoff - Anchor/Reporter

Beth Neuhoff has called Chattanooga home since 2003. She and husband, David, along with their two boys, Trevor and Cameron, moved here after 15 years in Boulder, Colorado. 

A Texas native, Beth started in her senior year in high school as a commercial/print model for a Dallas agency.  She went on to study art at the University of Oklahoma and was lucky enough to spend several years in Hawaii. After moving back to Dallas, she managed an art gallery, enjoyed traveling as a Delta flight attendant and met her husband. They made their home in Colorado where they raised two sons and she was able to sign on with a talent/modeling agency in Denver while staying involved in her art through the years.

Since moving to Chattanooga Beth has been very involved in the arts, film and TV serving as a founding board member of the Chattanooga Film Society, Community Advisory Board member andon the Board of Directors for WTCI/PBS and the Holmberg Alumni Committee for Allied Arts.  An on-air pledge talent for PBS, Beth also curates a large art installation within the WTCI/PBS building.

After working on a movie, web series and commercials, I set my sights on becoming a script supervisor for an encore career.  I was enjoying making that a reality when I was given the chance to get behind the radio mic and back in front of the camera as a traffic reporter/commercial talent with Brewer Media Group.  I was blessed with the chance to further that for WTVC-NewsChannel 9 in 2011 as the morning traffic personality and general assignments reporter for the evening. I feel like Im home and love being part of the news team here!

When not working, she enjoys running, water sports, hiking and any other exciting adventures she can find.

Bill Race - Meteorologist

Bill Race is on his second go-round on NewsChannel 9. His first stint began in 1987 after being a meteorologist in Jackson, TN. He graduated from St. Louis University with Bachelors of Science in Meteorology in 1982. Bill received his American Meteorological Society (AMS) Seal in 1996.

In 2002 Bill left the StormTrack Center to try his hand in the banking world. But weather was always in his blood and when the chance came to return to the airwaves, he answered the call.

WTVC-NewsChannel 9 Vice President and General Manager Mike Costa said, "Having Bill Race rejoin the Storm Track 9 Team demonstrates how serious WTVC is about giving its viewers the most reliable weather reports in the area. Bill is a true professional with a passion for meteorology. It is great to have him back in the NewsChannel 9 family."

Bill says, "Weather is a passion for me and it has been so important throughout my life. I really hope that I can continue to help people as they prepare for their day."

Over the last five years, Bill has also served in many capacities for the Southeastern Tennessee Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and is a past president.

Don Welch - Anchor

Don is host and co-producer of "ThisNThat" a daily show airing at 12:30 pm with current topics, weather conditions and local events.

Don, born March 10 in Dayton, Tennessee. As host and producer, Don must stay on top of news and events, booking guests that will inform and entertain his morning audience.

WE LOVE TV

By Don Welch

I love TV because of about a zillion changes in the industry in the short time I've been a part of it. For instance, my first year was the last of local black and white television. Color TV for local news and programs had arrived. We had to learn how to light people and sets for color instead of black and white.

News film was color which meant photographers had to learn what a light meter was. In those days, from the time an event occured until film could be ready to go to air, an hour and a half to two hours had passed. Now, we can be on the air, at an occurrence, and go "live" almost instantly. WOW!

I started doing TV weather in the 70s. Boy, was that a hoot! I had two maps and had to draw fronts on them. Later, I thought I had reached "the big time" when I used a map with magnetic symbols, like raindrops, clouds, suns, etc. Now we have satellite cloud movement, instant radar showing storms, snow or rain, and the newest Doppler radar which can show rainfall amounts and severe winds as well as severe storms.

And do you remember when it was six to twelve hours or longer before you saw a major story from another country? Today, satellites take us to Moscow, Cuba, or China while events are occurring. I can't wait to see how our business changes in the next ten years. If it's half as exciting as the last ten, it will be an extravaganza!

In spite of numerous changes in our business, one thing remains constant. It's still about people! Who do you feel comfortable letting into your home to tell you the day's happenings? Whether drawing on a weather board in the 70s or hosting "ThisNThat," people I don't know invite me into their homes on a daily basis, and for that I am very grateful. Because without those viewers, I don't exist.

I was born and raised in our viewing area, and from my NewsChannel 9 window, I've witnessed all kinds of changes, some good -- some not so good. But watching people change, and people making changes, makes my job exciting and challenging. Do I love TV? Yeah!!!!!

Favorite Things: Meeting People

Pie: Lemon Icebox

Person: Willie Nelson

Collectible: Ball caps

Natalie Jenereski - Anchor/Reporter

Natalie Jenereski grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania, a city just north of Pittsburgh. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Television/Radio from Ithaca College in May, 2009, interning at both FOX News and NBC studios in Los Angeles, California.

After graduation, Natalie headed back home to the steel city to teach tennis at a local country club. A few months later, she officially began her broadcasting career at the CBS affiliate in Binghamton, New York where she produced and anchored the weekend newscasts while doubling as a general assignment reporter three days out of the week.

While at WBNG-TV, Natalie covered many noteworthy subjects including the impact of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in the twin tiers of NY and PA, as well as a mass shooting at a local community center that left 13 people dead.

Natalie decided to head south to escape the cold winter months in February, 2011. That's when she joined the Good Morning Chattanooga team as a traffic reporter, while general assignment reporting for the evening newscasts. Natalie now co-anchors the weekend newscasts alongside Dave Staley while general assignment reporting on the weekdays.

Although Natalie says she gets an adrenaline rush from the occasional breaking news story, she ultimately loves telling the heartwarming stories of the people around her.

"My job is to make sure everyone's voice is heard, no matter how small their concern may seem," she said. "To them, it matters, which means it probably matters to others in the community as well."

Jason Disharoon - Meteorologist

Jason Disharoon is proud to be a member of the StormTrack 9 Weather Team. A graduate of Georgia Tech with a Bachelor's in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Jason is a native of Georgia. He was born and raised in metro Atlanta and started his on-air career in Macon, Ga. before joining NewsChannel 9.

Jason's passion for weather started at an early age and stayed with him throughout his life. Growing up in Atlanta exposed him to a variety of weather phenomenon, from blizzards and ice storms to hurricanes and tornadoes that only helped to fuel his enthusiasm.

When not engulfing himself with the latest weather trends, you can either find Jason relaxing with friends (most likely at the pool in summer) or jet setting off to his next trip.

An avid traveler, Jason counts Beijing, New York City, London and Paris as his favorite destinations so far. He hopes to have visited every continent within the next few years.

Drew Bollea - Reporter

Drew joined the NewsChannel 9 team as a reporter in September of 2012.

He comes to the Tennessee Valley after working as an anchor at WRWR in Warner Robins, Georgia. While in Middle Georgia, Drew had the unique opportunity of helping launch a start-up television station. Drew took on several duties including news director, anchor, producer, and reporter. He covered topics from budget cuts facing Robins Air Force Base to issues surrounding the local school system. Drew also did play-by-play for the Div. I Mercer Bears basketball team.

Drew grew up in Northern Virginia before attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. While at Miami, Drew was a member of the Redhawks swim team, water polo team, and the Sigma Nu fraternity. He also worked on the student run news show The Redhawk Report, and co-hosted a sports radio talk show. While in college, Drew interned at WKRC in Cincinnati.

Drew says, "I got involved in news because of my passion to deliver a balanced, accurate story in a creative and captivating way."

He enjoys meeting new people and following breaking news throughout the city.

In his free time, Drew loves to play with his dog Rio, work out, travel, attend community events, and watch sports.

Jerry Askin - Reporter

Jerry Askin joined the NewsChannel 9 Team in November of 2011. He comes to us after working as a reporter at WCTV Eyewitness News in Tallahassee, Florida.

While working in Florida Jerry covered everything from the aftermath of the Deepwater Oil spill along the Gulf coast to the local and state impact of the Casey Anthony trial.

Before working at WCTV, Jerry worked in New York City at Pix 11 News as a field producer and intern by way of the International Radio & Television Society (IRTS) Summer Fellowship Program.

He is a graduate of Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. While in college, Jerry wrote articles for the "Signal" campus newspaper and reported for WRAS 88.5 FM. He also interned at WSB-TV and Fox 5 News in Atlanta. Jerry is currently working on his Master's Degree in Communication and Leadership Studies.

He is a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists, the International Radio and Television Society, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

Jerry values community service, family, friends, and his relationship with God. If you have a story idea, please feel free to

Alyssa Spirato - Reporter

Alyssa is a native of sunny South Florida where she attended The King's Academy in West Palm Beach, FL.

She made her way up to Northeast Florida where she received her Bachelors Degree in Communications from the University of North Florida in December of 2011.

Ever since she was a little girl, Alyssa had a love for being on stage acting and performing. She knew very early on that she wanted to pursue her talent and dream of being a TV News Reporter/Anchor. She began anchoring in 6th grade for her middle school TV broadcasting class. She thought about becoming a veterinarian but always knew her personality was too large for that type of career. Besides, all her principals and teachers convinced her that her true talent was in Broadcasting. Alyssa has a true love for animals, though, especially dogs.

"Ever since I sat down at that anchor desk when I was 13, I knew that's the career path I would take. I love the chance to meet all different kinds of people and to personally relate to my community through all the stories that are so important to the well being of the areas where I live."

Alyssa began her career as a Broadcaster/Talent at Radio Disney at the age of 13. During college, she was hired as the youngest employee for a local television news station as an Associate Producer. After college, she was hired at WOKV Newstalk Radio in Jacksonville, FL as a Reporter. While at WOKV, Alyssa reported on everything from wasteful government spending, military homecomings, city events, to presidential primaries. Alyssa had the honor witnessing and reporting, nationally, on the CNN debate at her alma mater in 2012.

In her free time, Alyssa loves to dance! She enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, shopping, and visiting with family and friends in Jacksonville, Florida.

She loves her Chihuahua, Bella, and loves visiting the local animal shelters to play with the rescues anytime she gets.

Mikaya Thurmond - Reporter

Mikaya Thurmond joined NewsChannel 9 in October 2012! She began as a Video Journalist-- shooting, writing, and editing her own stories. Mikaya quickly moved through the ranks and was promoted to a General Assignment Reporter position in February 2013. 

She comes to us after working as a member of the Gannett Talent Development Program for WXIA-TV in Atlanta, GA.

Born and raised in Atlanta to Georgia's former Labor Commissioner, Michael Thurmond, and Chattanooga native, Zola Thurmond, she grew up in and around the media. She earned her bachelor's degree in both Broadcast Journalism and Spanish from The University of Georgia.

While in her undergraduate career, Mikaya was crowned Miss Georgia International 2010 and went on to win the International Pageant title in 2011. She labels her 5-week service trip to South Africa and appearance on Good Morning America as the highlight of her reign.

In November 2012, Mikaya was featured in JEZEBEL Magazine as one of The 50 Most Beautiful Atlantans.

She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and credits God, as well as incredible parents, for molding her into the woman that she is still becoming.

You can connect with Mikaya on Twitter or send her an email: mmthurmond@newschannel9.com!