East Ridge Vice Mayor David Tyler

The East Ridge Police Department would like to inform our community of recent reports regarding increased coyote sightings in residential neighborhoods. While coyotes are naturally shy animals, they can become more visible and bolder in their search for food, especially during the fall and early winter months.

🔹 What You Need to Know:
• Do not feed coyotes. Feeding wild animals makes them less afraid of humans and more likely to approach homes.

• Keep pets safe. Always supervise small pets outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.

• Secure garbage and food sources. Keep trash bins tightly closed and avoid leaving pet food or bird seed outside.

• Make noise if approached. Make yourself big. Clap, shout, or use a whistle to scare coyotes away. Do not run.

Report aggressive behavior. If a coyote is acting unusually bold or threatening, contact the East Ridge Police Department immediately.

We encourage all citizens to be cautious but not alarmed. Coyotes are a natural part of our local ecosystem, and with a few precautions, coexistence is possible and safe.

For non-emergency wildlife concerns:
East Ridge Police Department – (423) 622-1725
For emergencies or aggressive animal behavior:
Dial 911
Stay aware, stay informed, and help keep our community safe.

I remember it was a Tuesday.

I remember getting a phone call from my mom telling me to turn on the news.

I remember seeing the second plane hit as I turned on the tv.

I remember the pain we all felt.

I remember when we came together as a nation and stood up against the forces of evil.

I will never forget 9/11.

Imagine this: Opening the door into Venue 1921 at East Ridge — the Future of community gatherings in #EastRidgeTN! ✨ Construction is moving full speed on our brand-new 12,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose event center: ✅ Storefront glass installation this week ✅ Ceiling framing complete ✅ Drywall hanging underway ✅ Patio roofing started August 19 ✅ EPB transformer is set, electrical rough-in ongoing ✅ West sidewalks are in progress 🚶‍♀️ 👷‍♂️ Next Up: Landscaping begins in about 6 weeks 🌳 🗓️ We’re on track for completion this fall! When complete, Venue 1921 will be more than just a building — it will be a centerpiece for East Ridge! ✨ Weddings & family celebrations ✨ Business conferences & trade shows ✨ Concerts & community festivals ✨ Receptions, reunions, and more! Named in honor of East Ridge’s incorporation year, Venue 1921 is designed to connect our history with our future creating a modern hub for memories, growth, and community pride. We can't wait to welcome you in! 🤍

Big News!

Announces New Driver Services Self-Service Kiosk at City Hall ✨

Need to renew your existing license, update your address, or renew your REAL ID? You can now take care of it right here in East Ridge! No long drives and no long lines!

The City of East Ridge is excited to announce the brand-new Driver Services Self-Service Kiosk in the City Hall lobby, made possible through our partnership with the Tennessee Dept. of Safety & Homeland Security – Driver Services Division.

With just a few taps, you can:

✅ Renew or replace your Driver License, REAL ID, or Photo ID

✅ Update the address on your license

✅ Pay reinstatement fees

✅ Upgrade to an Intermediate Unrestricted License

…and more all in minutes!

📍: East Ridge City Hall Lobby
1517 Tombras Avenue

🕒: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

“This kiosk gives our residents a faster, more convenient way to take care of many driver services without having to visit a full Driver Services Center,” said City Manager Scott Miller.

Note: New REAL IDs must be issued at an existing Driver Services Center. If you have not obtained your initial REAL ID, you must complete this process in person. All renewals and change of addresses can be completed at the kiosk following this process.

For full details on services, visit 👉🏼 www.tn.gov/safety

Important information for those impacted by flooding. Please share this with any East Ridge residents who were impacted.

📢 Press Release in ! 📢

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Wednesday, August 13, 2025

City of East Ridge Issues Damage Assessment Notice Following August 12th Flash Flooding

EAST RIDGE, TN – The City of East Ridge, in coordination with the East Ridge Police Department, City of East Ridge Fire Rescue, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Hamilton County Mayor’s Office and the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security is conducting a comprehensive assessment of damages resulting from the severe weather and flash flooding on August 12, 2025.

This assessment applies to all properties within the corporate limits of the City of East Ridge including residential homes, commercial properties, businesses, and other structures that experienced water intrusion into primary living or working spaces or sustained storm related damage.

Official Notice:

All individuals, property owners, business owners, and tenants affected by the August 12 storm damage are strongly encouraged and required to promptly report their damages to their insurance company. This official City of East Ridge flood damage assessment process does not replace or supplement any claims submitted to private insurers. Information collected through this process will be used by local and state intergovernmental agencies to evaluate the overall extent of damage for the potential allocation of recovery resources.

📋 Reporting Instructions:

Provide the following information:

✅ full address, phone number, and email address.
✅ Include a brief description of the damages and, if possible, photographs.
✅ Submit reports via email to Amanda Bowers, Administrative Office Assistant, at [email protected], or call East Ridge City Hall at 423-867-7711.

City officials and partner agencies remain actively engaged in response and recovery efforts. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

💻 Stay Informed:

Official updates will be posted on the City of East Ridge website at www.eastridgetn.gov and through verified City of East Ridge – Government social media channels.

# # #

I appreciate the swift action taken by ERPD and ERFD in response to yesterday's flash floods. Given the forecast for additional rainfall today, I urge everyone to prioritize their safety and refrain from non-essential travel. My sympathies go out to those impacted. Follow the City of East Ridge - Government page for up to date information on road closures

⚠️ WEATHER ALERT & UPDATE — EAST RIDGE, TN ⚠️

The City of East Ridge experienced significant flash flooding yesterday, August 12, 2025. Please review the latest update.

Current Conditions:

Heavy rain bands are positioned northwest of Chattanooga and Hamilton County for today (August 13, 2025). This line is training and not moving much to the east. This heavy rain could cause issues west of town possibly far northwest Hamilton County. Our area is in a spot of most concern for flash flooding and rain totals up to 5”. Additional rounds of heavy rain are expected through this evening, with rainfall rates reaching 2–3 inches per hour in some storms.

The line and additional rain is now expected to shift into Chattanooga as early 10/11am, but could be later.

Safety Reminder:

🚫 Avoid Flooded Areas: Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Unseen hazards like washed-out roads, drains, or deep ditches can be deadly.

⚡️ Stay Alert: Monitor official weather alerts and be prepared to act quickly.

⏱️ Plan Ahead: If you must travel, allow extra time and use caution on all roadways.

East Ridge Police Department & City of East Ridge Fire Rescue, in coordination with the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, are assessing damage from yesterday’s flooding and are actively monitoring conditions today.

Please remain vigilant, stay informed, and put safety first.

Report Emergencies:

📞 Call 911 for any immediate hazards or rescue needs. All other non-emergency calls can be directed to dispatch at 423-622.1725.

Traffic Conditions:

Per Tennessee Department of Transportation, all I-24 East lanes are now open. Trapped traffic on I-24 West has been cleared and all lanes on I-24 West are now open.