Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Chattanooga’s fire department change your neighborhood in 2026?

And check out Neon New Year Ft. Neon Moon: The Ultimate 90's Country Tribute Band on the Chattanooga Patch calendar

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Good morning Chattanooga! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Chattanooga’s fire department change your neighborhood in 2026?
  • How serious is Chattanooga’s flu surge this winter?
  • What Chattanooga drivers risk if they skip a sober ride tonight

Also on today's calendar: Neon New Year Ft. Neon Moon: The Ultimate 90's Country Tribute Band and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Chattanoogafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Playing golf is bad for your brain. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Chattanoogafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Sunny and not as cool, with a high of 59 and low of 34 degrees.
  • Friday: Cloudy, a shower in the p.m., temps: high: 56, low: 46.
  • Saturday: Occasional morning rain, with a high of 57 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Chattanooga Fire Department Celebrates Year Of Accomplishments, Preps For Busy 2026 (chattanoogan.com) — Chattanooga’s fire department is wrapping up 2025 with major growth, from a new chief and expanded training facilities to higher firefighter pay and added coverage in East Brainerd. Officials highlight more than 22,000 calls handled this year and preview new stations, trucks, and health initiatives coming in 2026 that aim to strengthen protection for neighborhoods across the city.
   

• Flu Activity on the Rise Across the Tennessee Valley as Hospitals Prepare for Busy Winter (wdef.com) — Flu cases are climbing in Chattanooga, with Erlanger Health System seeing more patients battling fever, cough, and body aches as multiple flu strains circulate locally. Doctors urge residents to get vaccinated, wash hands often, stay home when sick, and watch symptoms closely as hospitals brace for a busy winter.
   

• Planning ahead for a safe New Years celebration (newschannel9.com) — As Chattanooga residents get ready to toast the New Year, local voices are urging you to plan a safe ride home before you start drinking. A DUI defense lawyer and Hamilton County 911 highlight how life-changing — and expensive — a DUI can be, stressing Uber, Lyft, designated drivers, or staying over with friends as smarter options.
   

📸 Around Chattanooga

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Chattanooga

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📣 Chattanooga Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I've had this little dog for a few days now.
    I don't know who he belongs to. If anyone can give me information about his owner, please let me know. (Nextdoor Bella Vista)
  • This beautiful cat has been visiting my porch and eating my cat’s food for a while now.
    I’d like to find its human and get it back to its home. Does anyone recognize him/her? (Nextdoor Southside Historic District)
  • Three Chattanooga Police Department officers are on paid leave in accordance with policy after a man who allegedly shot and wounded an officer near... (X: TimesFreePress)
  • DO YOU KNOW THEM? The Dalton Police Department is asking for the public’s help to identify who was driving a car that struck a parked vehicle before... (X: wdefnews12)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Chattanooga. Apply here.
  • Tennessee Staffing posted a job opening for Housekeeping in Chattanooga. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Chattanooga here.

🗞 Nearby News

Red Bank

  • Reader roundup: These are the 9 most-viewed NewsChannel 9 web stories of 2025 (newschannel9.com)
  • No data centers in Hamilton County, please, and more rants (timesfreepress.com)

East Ridge

  • Things to do in the Chattanooga area this weekend include New Year's celebrations, winter-themed festivities (timesfreepress.com)
  • Affidavit: Jogger in East Ridge saw laser near his feet before gunfire; Suspect arrested (newschannel9.com)
  • Tennessee sees significant drop in traffic deaths in 2025, state says (fox17.com)

Ok Chattanooga! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I just heard a golfer say he had four strokes on the first hole!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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