Camp Jordan Park’s two canoe launches have reopened after a renovation that improves public access to South and West Chickamauga creeks while helping protect the waterways from erosion.
The project was led by the city of East Ridge in partnership with WaterWays and Tennessee American Water, with funding provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation through Tennessee American Water.
The launches, which had not undergone major improvements in an estimated 20 years, were already popular with canoeists and kayakers but had become difficult to use as creek banks eroded.
Contractors reshaped and stabilized the shoreline, improved access to the water and added native landscaping and a rain garden to slow stormwater runoff and reduce future erosion.
The launches are open to the public and provide access to paddling, fishing and other outdoor recreation along the creeks. City officials say the project also supports environmental education and stewardship while expanding recreational opportunities at Camp Jordan.
The city is also planning additional improvements, including paving a path to one launch to make it easier for visitors to transport kayaks and canoes to the water.
Erlanger pursues Prisma partnership
Chattanooga-based Erlanger Health has signed a non-binding letter of intent to enter a strategic partnership with Greenville, South Carolina-based Prisma Health, the organizations announced Wednesday.
If finalized, the agreement would bring $2 billion in planned capital investments to Erlanger to expand access to care, improve facilities and support clinical services across the health system.
Erlanger officials say the partnership would strengthen the nonprofit hospital system’s long-term financial sustainability while preserving key services, including its Level I Trauma Center, Children’s Hospital, transplant programs and safety-net operations.
Under the proposed agreement, Prisma Health would establish its East Tennessee regional headquarters in Chattanooga. Erlanger President and CEO Jim Coleman would serve as regional CEO for East Tennessee, and the Erlanger name would remain in use.
Officials say all employees and medical staff in good standing would be retained.
The letter of intent is non-binding, and the organizations will now begin due diligence and negotiate a definitive agreement. The transaction would require approval from the Erlanger board of directors, the Erlanger Health Oversight Panel, the Hamilton County Commission and state and federal regulators before it can be completed.
iFixit earns Tennessee environmental honor
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has named iFixit the recipient of the 2026 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Building Green, recognizing the company’s commitment to sustainable building design and environmental stewardship.
The award comes as the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards program celebrates its 40th year honoring individuals, businesses and organizations dedicated to preserving Tennessee’s natural resources.
iFixit opened its East Coast operations in Chattanooga in 2024 following a $24.2 million investment to redevelop a long-vacant 70,000-square-foot warehouse in the historic Onion Bottom Station area.
The facility achieved net-zero energy operations throughout 2025 through a combination of solar power, geothermal systems, energy-efficient upgrades and adaptive reuse, reducing its environmental footprint while revitalizing an underserved neighborhood.
The company also hosts community sustainability events and educational sessions, sharing its net-zero model with organizations interested in reducing their environmental impact.
Initiative targets revamp of Rossville Boulevard
Community leaders have launched Bring Back the BLVD, a joint initiative aimed at attracting new investment, supporting local businesses and restoring Rossville Boulevard as a commercial corridor.
As part of the effort, Hamilton County is recommending the corridor as its top priority for designation under Tennessee’s next round of federal Opportunity Zones 2.0, a move that would provide tax incentives to encourage private redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties.
The initiative builds on years of work by business owners, property owners and community partners to revitalize the historic corridor.
Supporters say an Opportunity Zone designation would encourage investment in existing infrastructure, create jobs closer to where people live and help transform Rossville Boulevard into a renewed center for commerce.
State invests $500K in Tennessee 211
United Ways of Tennessee announced a one-time $500,000 state investment to strengthen Tennessee’s 211 network, which connects residents with essential services, crisis support and disaster response resources across all 95 counties.
The funding, proposed by Gov. Bill Lee and approved in the fiscal year 2026-27 state budget, will help the newly formed Tennessee 211 Collaborative improve statewide coordination, resource accuracy, rural outreach and disaster preparedness by the end of 2026.
The 211 helpline links Tennesseans to assistance with food, housing, utilities, transportation, child care, health care, employment and other basic needs. Last year, the network handled 187,000 calls and made 193,000 referrals.
FASTSIGNS gets new ownership
FASTSIGNS of Chattanooga is under new ownership following its acquisition by Todd Helfer and Phil Warden, two established FASTSIGNS franchise owners whose existing locations ranked among the company’s top five in 2025.
The new owners say they plan to expand the center’s capabilities while investing in employees, strengthening customer service and growing the business throughout the Chattanooga region.
The center will continue operating from its current location on Powers Court, offering architectural signage, vehicle wraps, digital displays and wide-format graphics.
Helfer and Warden also plan to become active in the Chattanooga business community and support local schools, nonprofits and community organizations through partnerships and outreach.
Collegedale Police highlights Q2 activity
The Collegedale Police Department released its second quarter 2026 report, highlighting increased DUI enforcement, drug arrests and community engagement efforts from April through June.
The report shows DUI arrests rose from nine to 21 and drug and narcotics violations increased from 24 to 36 compared with the same period in 2025.
Officers also issued 1,007 traffic citations and warnings during the quarter, up from 333 a year earlier, while investigating 76 criminal cases and clearing 33.
United Way awards nearly $600K
United Way of Greater Chattanooga has awarded $598,741 through its Catalyst Fund to 21 local nonprofits testing new ways to help working families struggling to make ends meet.
The one-time grants support innovative programs for ALICE households – families that are employed but remain asset limited and income constrained. United Way says the competitive grant process included more than 40 volunteer reviewers and a committee of 16 local leaders.
Five organizations are receiving United Way funding for the first time.
Recipients include Bethel Bible Village, Chattanooga Autism Center, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, Creative Discovery Museum, The AIM Center, The Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga and others.
The Catalyst Fund is part of United Way’s broader $3.3 million community investment cycle supporting 52 organizations across the region.