Oak Ridge Today

First United Methodist announces two new staff members: Rev. Rachel Witt, Seth O’Kegley

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The Rev. Rachel Witt, new associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge. (Submitted photo)

The Rev. Rachel Witt, new associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge. (Submitted photo)

 

First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge has announced that two new staff members will be joining the church’s ministry team on July 1. The Rev. Rachel Witt will be assuming the position of associate pastor, and Seth O’Kegley will begin serving as music director. Their first Sunday in worship with the congregation will be July 3.

Originally from Kingsport, Witt has a bachelor’s degree in religion and a minor in music from Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia. She graduated in May with a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. She has served as a clergy intern at Church Street United Methodist in Knoxville and at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Waxhaw, North Carolina.

Her experience also includes working as a counselor at Buffalo Mountain Camp outside Johnson City and as a summer youth ministry intern with the Holston Conference United Methodist Church based in Alcoa. Witt will be sharing in preaching and pastoral care responsibilities and will also provide leadership in outreach to young adults as well as various other ministries, a press release said.

A native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, O’Kegley has a bachelor’s degree in music education from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. He graduated in May with a master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. [Read more…]

AC students team up with veterinarian, dogs to study, protect state reptile

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CRESO and DOE OREM Turtle Hunt with Boykin Spaniels 1

Pictured above at right is John Byrd, director and co-founder of the Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization, or CRESO. At center is Dr. Matt Allender, DVM (zoo veterinarian from University of Illinois). He operates the Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, or W.E.L. They worked with Boykin Spaniels and Anderson County middle and high school students to collect information about the state’s reptile, the Eastern Box Turtle, at the University of Tennessee Arboretum in Oak Ridge on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. (DOE photo/Lynn Freeny)

 

Anderson County middle and high school students contributed to long-term ecological field studies at the University of Tennessee Arboretum in Oak Ridge on Tuesday, using Boykin Spaniels to help a veterinarian and an education and research program collect information about the state’s reptile, the Eastern Box Turtle.

The Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization, or CRESO, is leading the “turtle hunts” with the students this week, from June 27-30 in Oak Ridge. More than 20 students will participate in the program and experience hands-on field research, a press release said.

Collecting information about box turtles is a priority for CRESO to learn how local human activity is affecting their health and habitat, the press release said.

The Boykin Spaniels involved in the turtle hunt are a dog breed that has an uncanny ability to sniff out turtles. Boykins can swiftly find four to 12 turtles in an hour compared to the human ability of finding one every four hours. The Boykin’s soft mouth and calm, easy temperament ensures the turtles are not harmed. [Read more…]

BBB-TV: Campbell stepping down as OS city manager

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Information from WYSH Radio

Our partners at BBB-TV have learned that Oliver Springs City Manager Becky Campbell will be stepping down at the end of the month.

Campbell has served as the Oliver Springs city manager since November 2014 after succeeding Tina Treece.

Campbell is wrapping up 18 years with the town. Much of her tenure was spent as an administrative assistant. [Read more…]

Clinton passes budget with no tax increase

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Information from WYSH Radio

On Monday, the Clinton City Council approved its budget on second and final reading, leaving the property tax rate at its current level of 94 cents per $100 of assessed value while providing 2 percent pay raises for city workers.

The new fiscal year begins on Friday, July 1.

Rogers Group patching parts of Illinois, Turnpike today through Thursday

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Rogers Group Inc., a contractor for the City of Oak Ridge, is expected to start patching parts of two state highways today. The two state roads are Illinois Avenue and Oak Ridge Turnpike.

The work is expected to last most of the week and be complete by Thursday, June 30, unless interrupted by weather or unforeseen problems, a press release said.

“Motorists should be aware of short-term temporary lane closures while this work is being completed,” the press release said. “Please take extra caution near Methodist Medical Center at the intersection of Oak Ridge Turnpike and Tennyson Road. Thank you for your cooperation and patience while this work is being completed.”

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Photos: Tennessee Paracycling Open in Oak Ridge, II

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Tennessee Paracycling Open June 26 2016

The Tennessee Paracycling Open was in Oak Ridge on June 25 and June 26, 2016. It was a three-race event for disabled cyclists. This year’s registration list included many national champions and U.S. National Team members, who used the event to prepare for the July 2 Rio Paralympic Trials. (Photo by Julio Culiat)

 

The Tennessee Paracycling Open held in Oak Ridge this weekend was a three-race event for disabled cyclists. Here are more photos by Julio Culiat.

It was Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, and there was a learn-to-race class on June 24 for new riders.

This year’s registration list included many national champions and U.S. National Team members, who used the event to prepare for the July 2 Rio Paralympic Trials, a press release said.

The athletes, many of whom were disabled veterans, competed in several classes, on handcycles (for those with amputations or paralysis), tandem bicycles (with visually impaired stokers on the back, and sighted pilots on the front, and both powering the bike), and upright bicycles, for those with amputations of one or more limbs, neurological deficits, or other disabilities. [Read more…]

Photos: Tennessee Paracycling Open in Oak Ridge, I

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Tennessee Paracycling Open June 26 2016

The Tennessee Paracycling Open was in Oak Ridge on June 25 and June 26, 2016. It was a three-race event for disabled cyclists. This year’s registration list included many national champions and U.S. National Team members, who used the event to prepare for the July 2 Rio Paralympic Trials. (Photo by Julio Culiat)

 

The Tennessee Paracycling Open held in Oak Ridge this weekend was a three-race event for disabled cyclists. Here are photos by Julio Culiat.

It was Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, and there was a learn-to-race class on June 24 for new riders.

This year’s registration list included many national champions and U.S. National Team members, who used the event to prepare for the July 2 Rio Paralympic Trials, a press release said.

The athletes, many of whom were disabled veterans, competed in several classes, on handcycles (for those with amputations or paralysis), tandem bicycles (with visually impaired stokers on the back, and sighted pilots on the front, and both powering the bike), and upright bicycles, for those with amputations of one or more limbs, neurological deficits, or other disabilities. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge Community Band concert, fireworks on July 4

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Oak Ridge Community Concert Band in July 4 Concert

The Oak Ridge Community Band is pictured above during the July 4, 2014, concert. (Photo by Larry Perry)

 

The Oak Ridge Community Band will have its annual Independence Day concert at A.K. Bissell Park on Monday evening, July 4. The 7:30 p.m. concert will be followed by the city’s annual fireworks show, which starts at 10 p.m.

“Oak Ridgers and area residents who are looking for a great way to celebrate the July 4 holiday on a ‘high note’ should be making plans to attend,” a press release said. “This year’s July 4 concert marks the 72nd anniversary of the Community Band’s first concert, which was held on July 4, 1944, in the historic Jackson Square area of town. Large crowds are expected on Monday evening, so come early, bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor seating, and enjoy the music and fireworks!”

There is no admission fee for the concert. However, donations are welcomed to help offset band expenses, the press release said. Razzleberry’s Ice Cream Lab will be in the park to help people stay “cool” with refreshments. [Read more…]

Photo: Tai Chi at Jackson Square fountain

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Tai Chi at Jackson Square Fountain June 25 2016

Tai Chi at the Jackson Square fountain on Saturday morning, June 25, 2016. (Photo by Ray Evans)

Manhattan Avenue road reconstruction complete 

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Roadway reconstruction on Manhattan Avenue is now complete and re-opened to through traffic.

“We would like to thank the residents affected by this project for their patience, in addition to the cooperation of all citizens and visitors during the road reconstruction,” a City of Oak Ridge press release said.

For more information about the city, visit www.oakridgetn.gov.

Learn what’s being done to address addiction, recovery at July 14 storytelling event

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Drug Addiction Recovery at Princess Theatre in July 14 2016

A community storytelling event on July 14 will share information on what’s being done to address addiction and recovery in East Tennessee. National Public Radio, which has been covering Roane County Recovery Court, will serve as the master of ceremonies, a press release said.

The storytelling event is titled “Roane is Better Together!” It’s scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Princess Theatre in Harriman.

It’s sponsored by Russell Johnson, district attorney general of the Ninth Judicial District, and Roane County Public Defender Kim Nelson, a press release said.

The press release said the Roane County Recovery Court launched in January, and NPR has shared several video and audio clips with its listening audience. [Read more…]

Clinton’s Fourth of July includes fireworks, family activities, food vendors, music

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Clinton Fourth of July Celebration 2016

Clinton’s annual Fourth of July event will include fireworks, family activities, food vendors, and music.

The event starts at 5 p.m. Monday, July 4, and it ends at 10 p.m., when fireworks start, a press release said. The activities are at Lakefront Park.

You can bring the whole family and enjoy these activities, a press release said:

Backyard Bouncers will have a bounce house, bungee run, home run baseball game, Spaceball 2000 human gyro, 68-foot army boot camp obstacle course, 22-foot two-lane tsunami water slide with slip-and-slide, race car combo with water slide, 75-foot Zorb Ball, and pirate bounce house. They are available for the public and free, the press release said. (Important notice: You must have a wrist band to ride.)

There is also laser tag for those kids up for the challenge, and it’s also free, the press release said. So are video games. These activities are sponsored by Faith Promise Church—Anderson Campus, the press release said. [Read more…]