Oak Ridge Today

Breakfast Rotary, Altrusa award more than $20K in literacy grants

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Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotar and Altrusa International

Pictured from left to right front row are Ann Mostoller (Altrusa), Lisa Buckner, Kay Hall, Alana Hunsaker, Rhoni Basden,Gwen Harrell and Beck Hook. In the second row are Christina Young (ORBRC), Judy Trimble (Altrusa), Ginger Adams, Sheila Michaels, Terry Peck, Jill McMaster, Trudy Wideman, Liz Herdses, and Austin Lance (ORBRC). (Submitted photo)

 

The Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary Club and Altrusa International of Oak Ridge recently presented grant awards from the Literacy 4 Lunch Grant Award Program.

Lack of literacy skills continues to be a serious problem in the lives of many of our East Tennessee neighbors and for many throughout the world, a press release said.

“Non-readers and below-grade readers cannot realize their full potential in life, which in turn adversely affects our local and national economies and society in general,” the release said.

To address these needs, the Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary Club and Altrusa International of Oak Ridge co-sponsor an annual fundraiser, Lunch 4 Literacy. Proceeds from the March 2014 event that featured Denise Kiernan, author of “The Girls of the Atomic City,” provide the financial basis for these grants. [Read more…]

New film on former ORNL Director Weinberg has premiere on April 23

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Alvin Weinberg Poster

The world premiere of a new film on the life of former Oak Ridge National Laboratory Director Alvin Weinberg will be held on Thursday, April 23, at the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge. The film was written and directed by award-winning documentary filmmaker and Oak Ridge resident Keith McDaniel.

Although McDaniel has written and directed more than a dozen documentary films, he is generally best known for his films “Secret City: The Oak Ridge Story” and “The Clinton 12.”

According to McDaniel, the biographical documentary entitled “Alvin Weinberg” explores the life of the internationally renowned nuclear scientist.

“I didn’t know Dr. Weinberg very well although I did interview him a couple of years prior to his death,” McDaniel said. “His was a fascinating life. In making this film, I wanted to not only tell stories of his professional achievements but I also wanted to show what Dr. Weinberg was like as a person.” [Read more…]

Former Scott County deputy nabbed in TBI theft, misconduct case

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Cody Scott Yancey

Cody Scott Yancey

Special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have obtained indictments for a former Scott County Sheriff’s Department deputy accused of misconduct, authorities said. The deputy allegedly entered his department’s temporary evidence storage and removed multiple pieces of drug evidence, the TBI said.

At the request of Eighth District Attorney General Jared Effler, TBI special agents began investigating Cody Scott Yancey on October 16, 2014, a press release said.

“During the course of the investigation, agents developed information that on several occasions between September 22 and October 14, Yancey made illegal entry into his department’s temporary evidence storage and removed multiple pieces of drug evidence,” the release said. [Read more…]

After anonymous tip, Oak Ridge police arrest man wanted by U.S. Marshals

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Desmond Slater

Desmond Slater

After receiving an anonymous tip, the Oak Ridge Police Department arrested a man who was wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service on Tuesday morning, authorities said.

Desmond Slater was wanted for violation of his federal supervised release, a City of Oak Ridge press release said. His original charge was being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The ORPD received an anonymous tip on Slater’s whereabouts at about 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, the press release said. [Read more…]

Dog killed in Briceville fire

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Information from WYSH Radio

A dog was killed in a house fire on Friday afternoon in Briceville.

The fire at the home on Duncan Road was reported at around 3 p.m. Friday, and it was put out by crews from the Briceville Volunteer Fire Department.

The homeowner, Eric Harris, was the only human at home at the time of the fire, and he was able to get out safely. However, a dog was not able to make it out and died in the blaze.

Harris said that he had heard a loud sound outside his window and had looked out to find his front porch on fire. His wife told firefighters that they typically hung heat lamps on and underneath the porch for their outside dogs in cold weather, and firefighters, in turn, told deputies that the fire appeared to have started in that area.

Man charged with attempted first-degree murder in March 23 shooting

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Asante Devon Harris

Asante Devon Harris

Note: This story was last updated at 11:42 a.m.

A 23-year-old Oak Ridge man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder for an alleged shooting in the Scarboro neighborhood on March 23.

Asante Devon Harris allegedly used a handgun to shoot at his ex-girlfriend on South Dillard Avenue at about 9:45 a.m. Monday, March 23, according to an arrest warrant filed in Anderson County General Sessions Court.

The warrant said the ex-girlfriend was not hit, and the Oak Ridge Police Department said last week that no injuries were reported. [Read more…]

Spring Jamboree at Windrock to include ATVs, side-by-sides, music

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Windrock Spring Jam Mud Bog

The mud bog at a Spring Jamboree at Windrock Park. (Submitted photos)

 

This year’s Spring Jamboree at Windrock Park north of Oliver Springs will include rides and competitions for ATVs and side-by-sides, and concerts, including one featuring Janelle Arthur, a top five performer on American Idol’s Season 12.

The Spring Jamboree is scheduled from April 16 through 18.

“The Spring Jamboree is a weekend full of adrenaline-pumping fun for everyone,” said Kira Smith-Ludwig, marketing manager for Windrock Park. “The jamboree’s numerous competitive events and guided rides are geared toward ATV and side-by-side riders, but anyone can come and watch the competitions and check out the shooting range and the concert.”

The competitive events include the ATV Rodeo; Windrock Wide Open, which is a three-lap race; drag races; the Windrock Challenge, which is an obstacle course race; a mud drag; a poker run; and a dash for cash just for the ladies. The competitive event rules can be found at www.windrockpark.com under events. [Read more…]

Roane County Budget Committee meets Monday

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The Roane County Budget Committee will at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 6, in the first floor conference room at the Roane County Courthouse in Kingston.

The meetings are open to the public.

The Budget Committee includes Ron Woody, Steve Kelley, Bobby Collier, Randy Ellis, and Ron Berry.

Easter services at Grace Evangelical Lutheran include Sunrise Service, Breakfast

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Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church will provide four services on Easter Sunday, including a 7 a.m. Sunrise service, in addition to its regular services at 8:30, 9:30, and 11:15 a.m. The men of the church will provide breakfast following the first three services, a press release said.

Also, there will be a Good Friday service at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 3.

“Everyone is welcome,” the release said.

Easter is Sunday, April 5.

The church is located at 131 West Gettysburg Avenue in Oak Ridge. Call (865) 483-3787 for more information.

Charges upgraded in Roane shooting

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Jeremy Alexander Gambrell

Jeremy Alexander Gambrell

Information from WYSH Radio

The former police officer accused of shooting his ex-wife Saturday, March 21, has had the charges against him upgraded from aggravated assault to attempted second-degree murder, according to Roane County District Attorney General Russell Johnson’s office.

Jeremy Alexander Gambrell, who goes by “Alex,” will still face an aggravated assault charge in connection to him allegedly firing a gun at a second person at his ex-wife Jenny Gambrell’s home. That person was not struck by the gunfire, but Jenny Gambrell was hit several times and, as of last week, was recovering in the hospital.

Alex Gambrell—a 41-year-old former Lenoir City and Tennessee Valley Authority police officer—remains in custody on a $50,000 bond, but that amount is expected to increase following his arraignment on the upgraded charge.

ORFD: Sign up for CodeRed Severe Weather Alert System

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Oak Ridge Fire Department

The Oak Ridge Fire Department is encouraging home and business owners to commit to being a leader for weather readiness by signing up on the CodeRed Severe Weather Alert System.

The system is designed to help spread the word about severe weather and make employees and members of the community better prepared, a press release said.

“Know the risks, take action, and be an example by signing up,” a press release said. [Read more…]

Pet of the Day: Flash

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Pet of the Day: Flash

Submitted

Flash is an awesome guy that has been in the shelter too long, and it is his turn to shine. He is a super sweet guy that has not an aggressive bone in his body. He is approximately 2-3 years old, and he gets along great with other dogs.

Flash is sweet, kind, and in need of a good home. Come see him down at the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter!

As an added bonus, he is also sponsored at 50 percent off!

[Read more…]