Good morning, East Ridge.

The Hamilton County Clerk’s Office issued business licenses from Aug.

31 to Sept. 4 to local companies including Canine Care Grooming and Taco Bell #043226, which shows steady business growth in the community.

Bob Culkeen, president of WTCI-PBS since 2020, left the station to assume a new leadership role at another public broadcaster, the board said Sept.

8 and named Shaun Townley as interim president while a search committee looks for his permanent replacement.

Hickory Ridge Road (between Standifer Gap Road and Birch Drive) remains closed for a necessary bridge replacement as survey and engineering work began September 1; construction is set for 2027 pending approvals.

NBA guard Ace Bailey is returning home this week to host a youth camp in East Ridge & offer local kids a chance to learn basketball skills from a rising star.

UTC men's basketball unveiled its 32-game 2026-27 schedule yesterday; the slate features a nonconference opener at Louisville (KFC Yum!

Center) on Nov. 2 and home conference play starting with Mercer on Dec. 19, while Coach Dan Earl said the roster is largely rebuilt with new players and transfers.

Former Red Bank all-state quarterback Marty Lowe passed away earlier this week after battling kidney cancer; he was 54 and is remembered for winning TSSAA Mr. Football (1990) before playing at Louisville and in the Arena League.