Ellen Gerst

Ellen Gerst is the breaking news editor at the Times Free Press. She has served as the paper's public editor, overseeing the opinion section, and covered crime, local news, growth and development since joining the paper in 2022. She previously reported on criminal justice and local government for the Casper Star-Tribune in Wyoming.

Contact Ellen Gerst at egerst@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6319.

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Signal Mountain wants area-specific changes to Plan Hamilton

by Ellen Gerst ·August 29, 2025

Signal Mountain leaders want county officials to consider their area's particular needs when passing a comprehensive growth plan.

Staff photo by Abby White / Then-Hamilton County Regional Planning Deputy Director Karen Rennich speaks during the panel. Signal Mountain and Walden residents gathered June 17, 2025, at the Walden's Ridge Emergency Services Community Room to discuss overdevelopment on Signal Mountain. Rennich is now the planning agency's interim director.

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Hamilton County commissioner blocks residents from his personal Facebook page

by Ellen Gerst ·August 27, 2025

When Hamilton County Commissioner Lee Helton, R-East Brainerd, blocked four county residents on Facebook last week, he said he was reacting to a pattern of nasty posts and comments.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Commissioner Lee Helton talks Aug. 13, 2025, at the County Courthouse about proposed changes to Plan Hamilton. Helton reportedly blocked four people from his Facebook page, preventing them from commenting on posts related to the plan.

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Preservationists talk strategies for Chattanooga buildings

by Ellen Gerst ·August 23, 2025

A television screen above Todd Morgan's head flashed with images of Chattanooga buildings past and present, each one labeled "LOST," THREATENED" or "PROTECTED."

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Todd Morgan, executive director of Preserve Chattanooga, speaks Aug. 21, 2025, during a town hall at Second Presbyterian Church.

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Chattanooga land bank approves first project

by Ellen Gerst ·August 21, 2025

Chattanooga's land bank made its first donation official Thursday.

Staff photo by Abby White / A planning notice sign is seen June 26, 2025, on Oakland Avenue. The plot of land was transferred from the Chattanooga Land Bank Authority to Wind River Built for the development of a small home.

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Amendments to Plan Hamilton changes get commission OK

by Ellen Gerst ·August 20, 2025

A set of changes meant to compromise on how much and where future development can go in unincorporated Hamilton County were narrowly passed by county commissioners Wednesday.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Greg Lewis speaks about Plan Hamilton before the Hamilton County Commission. The commission discussed the complexities of Plan Hamilton during the panel's meeting Aug. 13, 2025, at the county Courthouse.

Collegedale vice mayor to challenge Eversole for commission seat

by Ellen Gerst ·August 19, 2025

Collegedale's vice mayor will run for a spot on the Hamilton County Commission, she announced in a press release.

Contributed photo / Tonya Sadler, the vice mayor of Collegedale, has announced her campaign for the Hamilton County Commission, challenging Commissioner Jeff Eversole.

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Heavy rains caused Chattanooga area sewer systems to overflow

by Ellen Gerst ·August 16, 2025

When brown water flooded parts of Chattanooga and East Ridge last week , about 1% of it may have been sewage.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / On Aug. 12, 2025, Gunbarrel Road flooded just south of Shallowford Road due to heavy rains. The downpour, which created what some experts said was a 200-year flood, caused some area sewer systems to overflow.

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Home builders, residents debate changes to Plan Hamilton

by Ellen Gerst ·August 13, 2025

There was a familiar scene at the Hamilton County Courthouse on Wednesday morning.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Commission Chair Jeff Eversole, center, holds a press conference about Plan Hamilton. Joining Eversole is Commissioner Chip Baker, left, and Commissioner Steve Highlander. In the background are members of a citizens committee. The Hamilton County Commission further discussed the complexities of Plan Hamilton on Aug. 13, 2025, during a meeting at the Hamilton County Courthouse.

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Plan Hamilton: Home builders say they’ve compromised on changes

by Ellen Gerst ·August 12, 2025

A small group of people gathered in an old classroom, trying to see if they could move the needle.

Staff photo by Ellen Gerst / A meeting of four Hamilton County commissioners, concerned unincorporated county residents, a county official and representatives of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Chattanooga was held Aug. 11, 2025, at the Harrison Center.

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Planning board votes down East Brainerd foster care transition home

by Ellen Gerst ·August 11, 2025

Plans to operate a transitional home for young adults coming out of foster care are uncertain after planning commissioners recommended denying a permit Monday.