Emily Crisman

Emily Crisman became a staff writer for the Chattanooga Times Free Press in 2009. She also writes for Chatter Magazine. Emily graduated with a degree in humanities from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2006.

Contact business reporter Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6508.

Hamilton County moves forward with water infrastructure at McDonald Farm

by Emily Crisman ·March 7, 2024

Hamilton County commissioners voted unanimously to increase the county's contract for engineering services at the former McDonald Farm in Sale Creek by nearly $500,000.

Staff photo by Robin Rudd / The former McDonald Farm is seen in July from Coulterville Road. Hamilton County commissioners Tuesday approved funding for the design of a water line extension that will provide sufficient water access for industry or other uses for the property that would require a high-capacity water line.

Homes away from home: Visit these historic abodes within driving distance of Chattanooga

by Emily Crisman ·March 4, 2024

Travelers interested in visiting architecturally significant homes within driving distance of Chattanooga are spoiled for choice, with options ranging from celebrity residences such as Elvis Presley's Graceland to the grand mansions of American industrialists to the plantation homes of former U.S. presidents. Here are a few of the best historic homes and house museums located a few hours away from the Scenic City.

Photo by Getty Images / Monticello is the home of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. Built in a neoclassical style of architecture, it is now a National Historic Landmark located outside of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Just add alcohol (or water) to these Chattanooga-made cocktail infusion jars

by Emily Crisman ·March 4, 2024

These cocktail infusion jars are the perfect thing for any home mixologist

Contributed photo / The Old Fashioned is the most popular dry cocktail infusion jar offered by Whippoorwill Woods.

Subscriber Exclusive

Whitfield County K-9 deputy and ‘America’s Top Dog’ star quits over dog care dispute

by Emily Crisman ·February 27, 2024

Former Whitfield County Sheriff's Office K-9 officer Eddy and his handler, former Deputy Todd Thompson, were the pride of the Sheriff's Office in 2019, when the duo competed on the reality TV show "America's Next Top Dog."

Contributed photo / Former Whitfield County K-9 Deputy Todd Thompson and K-9 officer Eddy are shown in front of Thompson's patrol car. Thompson quit his 20-year career at the Sheriff's Office due to a disagreement with management over breaks Thompson requested to go to his home to care for Eddy, who was forced to retire two years ago.

Subscriber Exclusive

Questions arise about how McDonald Farm development would affect wildlife that calls area home

by Emily Crisman ·February 25, 2024

Bordered by protected land owned by the state and the Chattanooga Audubon Society, the former McDonald Farm property in Sale Creek now owned by Hamilton County is teeming with wildlife.

Contributed photo / A pond is shown on the McDonald Farm property owned by Hamilton County.

Subscriber Exclusive

East Ridge sees unexpected decline in sales tax revenue

by Emily Crisman ·February 19, 2024

Border region sales tax revenue is millions short of projections

Staff photo by Robin Rudd / Bass Pro Shops employees get ready at the checkout before the doors open at 5 a.m. on Black Friday in 2022. The store anchors East Ridge's border region tax district, which generated about $2.2 million less than projected in revenue for the city this year.

East Ridge moves against ‘spot zoning’

by Emily Crisman ·February 18, 2024

Council resolves to support single-family residential neighborhoods

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / East Ridge Mayor Brian Williams speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony in December. Williams and members of the East Ridge City Council earlier this month voted to pass a resolution showing support for the city's residential communities.

Subscriber Exclusive

Foreign buyers spook Soddy-Daisy

by Emily Crisman ·February 10, 2024

US land is popular with investors who have few other options, real estate representative says

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / A plot of land in Soddy-Daisy between Lovell Road and Dallas Hollow Road is seen Jan. 24.

Hamilton County postpones vote on McDonald Farm rezoning

by Emily Crisman ·February 8, 2024

Hamilton County is postponing for 90 days a request to rezone parcels of McDonald Farm in order to consider other zoning options, according to a release from Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp's office.

Staff photo By Matt Hamilton / A portion of McDonald Farm in Sale Creek is shown in January, when residents expressed concern about Hamilton County's plans to rezone nearly half of the property for manufacturing. The rezoning request is being postponed for 90 days for officials to consider alternative zoning options for the county-owned property.

Coffee is the new ‘open bar’ drink of choice at many Chattanooga weddings

by Emily Crisman ·February 2, 2024

Bars have long been a staple -- some might say essential element -- of wedding receptions. But not everyone wants to serve alcohol on their big day, and many guests love having other options. In the past few years, specialty coffee bars have become an increasingly common presence at weddings, keeping the dance floor hopping into the night with caffeine and capitalizing on the rising popularity of specialty coffee drinks in general.