Daily editionThursday, September 17th, 2026
Good morning, East Ridge.
The 5AM East Ridge Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of September.
Community
The city hosts its fifth annual East Ridge Fall Festival at Camp Jordan Amphitheater on Sept. 19-20.
Families enjoy free admission, food, vendors, games, and live performances including a petting zoo and inflatable rides.
NewsChannel 9Read more
Business
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett warned business owners today of a mail scheme using official-looking letters that falsely claim a certificate is needed and offers documents for a high fee.
He urged owners to get paperwork directly from his office (or call for help) if they receive such mail.
NewsChannel 9Read more
Education
Lookout Valley Middle High School is upgrading its old bleachers with new aluminum, ADA compliant seating for next football season after safety concerns halted use of the original 1957 structure + temporary bleachers and grassy areas are supporting fans this season while officials complete installation.
Local 3 NewsRead more
Environment
Tennessee American Water will soon inspect service lines in East Ridge and nearby communities to test for lead and copper per updated EPA rules; crews will dig test holes, post door hangers with results, and restore disturbed areas + service will not be interrupted.
Local 3 NewsRead more
Government
Secretary of State Tre Hargett warned that a third party is sending official-looking mail asking new business owners for excessive fees for a non-required certificate and urged owners to report any suspicious mail.
Local 3 NewsRead more
Rock City officials say that new sound data shows the Lookout Mountain gondola by Doppelmayr Group will operate at noise levels similar to a quiet neighborhood (about 38.8 decibels) and be quieter than a modern refrigerator.
The project continues to address local residents’ concerns about noise and traffic.
NewsChannel 9Read more
Hamilton County commissioners approved extra funding on Wednesday for the Standifer Gap Road culvert replacement—raising the Talley Construction contract to $218,103—to address August flash floods that damaged Scenic City Golf Carts, including 15 golf carts and nearly $60,000 in merchandise. The shop plans to rebuild following cleanup.
Local 3 NewsRead more
Health
Bradley Medical Center, Vitruvian Health and Children’s Hospital at Erlanger launched the Pediatric Readiness Collaborative to help hospitals earn a Seal of Excellence by completing three readiness pathways.
Bradley Medical Center completed the Pediatric Emergency Ready step today + the move improves access to quick pediatric care close to home.
Local 3 NewsRead more