The information floating around social media over the last 36 hours that Kingwood Pharmacy, a beloved institution in East Ridge, is closing, is false.

An official with Kingwood Pharmacy said Tuesday that she did not know how rumors circulating about the longtime business began but emphatically denied there were plans to close the Ringgold Road business.

“We are not closing,” said the woman, who did not give her name. “I’ve been working here for 37 years.” She said the store has been in continuous operation for 71 years.

The Kingwood official said that owner Joe Musick was not available for comment. He was in a meeting when this reporter went to Kingwood at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

The official said that Kingwood “was going through some changes.” She did not elaborate on what those changes were. However, she reiterated that the store at the corner of Kingwood Drive and Rinngold Road, and across the street from Kingwood Auto Sales was not shuttering its doors.

The beloved institution that is Kingwood Pharmacy was started by Tracy Parker, who for many years made his home in a modest house behind the landmark business. Kingwood is the largest independent pharmacy in the Chattanooga/North Georgia area.