Shannen Sharpe

I am a Communications and Media Expert with experience in copywriting, content creation, management, and strategic planning, specializing in crafting impactful messaging and leading projects that drive engagement and align with organizational goals.

Published Work

These are articles I've written in my previous roles in local TV newsrooms. They were not required in the positions I held. This shows my willingness to work beyond my job description to meet a common goal of my team.

WTVC •

'Twosday' palindrome date 2-22-22 draws dozens of couples to the Ringgold Wedding Chapel

RINGGOLD, Ga. — A once-in-a-lifetime date draws dozens of couples to tie the knot across the country. At the Ringgold Wedding Chapel, they had nearly 30 weddings booked. NewsChannel 9 was there when one of the first couples took their vows. Pastor and Officiant Jimmy Harper says this is the biggest day the Ringgold Wedding Chapel has seen in a long time. Tuesday, 2-22-22, is a palindrome date that won't happen again (on a Tuesday) for another 400 years.
WTVC •

'Every life is important:' Chattanooga man donates 70th gallon of blood over three decades

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A Chattanooga man reached a significant milestone Tuesday in donating blood and platelets reaching 70 gallons over three decades. That's the equivalent of two bathtubs filled to the brim. Stacey Seals started donating blood and platelets in 1992 when his neighbor's daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer. Since then, he just hasn't quit. And worth something, it certainly is. Seals says he's unsure how much blood he's actually donated over the years.
WTVC •

Hamilton Co. commissioner's plans to use left over discretionary funds spark debate

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — Wednesday’s Hamilton County Commission meeting took a turn into a topic that hasn’t been debated since 2015: discretionary funds. Previously, each Hamilton County commissioner received varying amounts to spend as they saw fit. That was part of the countywide budget. In 2015, the commission did away with those discretionary funds. Some of the commissioners didn’t want to see them go, and that’s what brings us to Wednesday.
WTVC •

Dog's death after boarding in Chattanooga prompts investigation, but citations dropped

A 2-year-old Great Dane named Quincy died shortly after a 6-day stay at a pet spa on Reggie White Boulevard. We learned that prompted an investigation into the Ark Pet Spa by the McKamey Animal Center. The Laman family says when they came to the Ark to retrieve Quincy, they found her lethargic, having breathing issues and dehydrated. She was in such bad shape, in fact, that the Laman family was forced to put her down just hours later.
WTVC •

Future of downtown jail up for discussion with River City Company & Hamilton County

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — The Hamilton County Commission discussed plans for the old county jail building at its meeting Wednesday morning. Commissioners are considering entering an agreement with the River City Company to help planning this process. River City would research the facility, which may include bringing in an engineering team to assess the structure. River City says it would cost the county no money unless there's a need for an environmental assessment.
WTVC •

TVA to require all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 22nd

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will follow President Joe Biden's recent executive order requiring all federal employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine. According to TVA, employees have until November 22, 2021 to become fully vaccinated. TVA says they are currently working on developing the specific processes and procedures needed to implement the new vaccination requirement.
WTVC •

Etowah City special education teacher suspended over allegations of abusing a student

ETOWAH, Tenn. — Etowah City School Director Dr. Mike Frazier says a special education teacher is now suspended without pay after allegations of abusing a student.According to Dr. Frazier, they learned of an alleged incident on September 17th. The district then reported the incident to the Tennessee Department of Children's Services and the Etowah Police Department.Dr. Frazier would not confirm the teacher's identity and the teacher is not currently facing any criminal charges.Depend on us to upd...
WTVC •

Blood Assurance in critical need for blood, Erlanger Health executives step in to donate

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Blood Assurance says they are in critical need for donations. On Tuesday, they received assistance from one group they often serve. Erlanger Health System executives rolled up their sleeves to donate blood. Chief Operating Officer Robert Maloney says any shortages of low supplies directly impact patients at Chattanooga-area hospitals. He says he was more than happy to help make sure people continue to get the care they need.
WTVC •

Dalton woman charged with buying $85k in gift cards with crisis center's credit card

DALTON, Ga. — A Dalton woman now faces a felony theft charge after investigators say she used the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center's Kroger credit card to buy unauthorized gift cards. According to Dalton Police, Amanda Cunningham charged about $85,000 worth of gift cards to the Crisis Center's account. Police say someone at the center noticed irregularities on their account and asked officers to investigate.
WTVC •

Colonial Chemical plans Marion County expansion with $13.8 million investment, more jobs

MARION COUNTY, Tenn. — Colonial Chemical has plans to expand its Marion County facility with a $13.8 million investment and 44 new jobs over the next five years. According to a press release from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the expansion will include renovations of its existing 25,000-square-foot warehouse and the addition of a stand-alone employee facility.
WTVC •

Hamilton Co. School Board members get in yelling match over immigrant children education

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — The Hamilton County School Board met Monday evening. It started out as a discussion about the upcoming budget, but it's what happened when the board chairman brought up immigrant children potentially coming to Hamilton County Schools that stood out. During the discussion, Chairman Steve Highlander says he found out about unaccompanied minors in the area through the media.
WTVC •

Corporations pull campaign cash after Capitol attack, affecting Tennessee Congressmen

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — The fallout from Wednesday's insurrection at the U.S. Capitol is hitting some Chattanooga-area members of Congress in their wallets. Late Wednesday night, after the Capitol was cleared of everyone who wasn't supposed to be there, Republican Representative Chuck Fleischmann, who represents Tennessee's Third Congressional District, still voted against certifying election results for Arizona.
WOAI •

Tennessee woman celebrates 104th birthday with a drive-by celebration

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — In a pandemic, it can be hard to celebrate birthdays like we are used to doing. For one Chattanooga woman, all she had to do was go out on her front porch to get some love. Members of the New Bethel Church planned a drive-by birthday celebration for the now 104-year-old Mary Tull. Chattanoogans lined up in their cars outside Tull's house, played music, honked their horns, and yelled well wishes to her.
WTVC •

Woman sees piano in the rubble at Chattanooga church, decides it needs to be played

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WTVC) — During our live coverage of the EF-3 tornado that tore through Hamilton County, we were surprised with the sound of music. Josh Roe was live for our newscasts at Faith Community Wesleyan Church on Shallowford Road. It is one of the many buildings destroyed by the Easter storms. Tracy Coats saw the piano in the rubble and told Josh that she felt it just needed to be played.