Oak Ridge Today

Free small business start-up seminar on Friday

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Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce is pictured above.

A free Friday workshop will give small business owners and entrepreneurs a better understanding of how to start a new business.

The workshop is from 11:30 a.m.– 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 30, at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce at 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike. The workshop is offered by the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at Roane State Community College.

Registration is required. To see more details, and to register, please visitwww.roanestate.edu/tsbdc. For questions, contact Jutta Bangs at (865) 483-2668 or jbangs@tsbdc.org.

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center advises and assists entrepreneurs and small business owners at no cost to them.

Spotlight: DOE, advisory board recognize service of student representatives

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Gracie Hall, Susan Cange, and Julia Riley

Susan Cange from the U.S. Department of Energy in Oak Ridge presents plaques of appreciation to Julia Riley, Hardin Valley Academy, left, and Gracie Hall, Oak Ridge High School, right, for their service as student representatives to the Oak Ridge Site Specific Advisory Board. (Submitted photo)

 

The Oak Ridge Site Specific Advisory Board and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Office recognized outgoing student representatives Gracie Hall and Julia Riley at the April board meeting.

ORSSAB is a federally chartered citizens’ panel that provides recommendations to the DOE Oak Ridge Environmental Management Program, which is responsible for the cleanup of the Oak Ridge Reservation. Each year it provides seats for two non-voting student representatives from area high schools. In addition to participating at board meetings, students can be members of the board’s working committees.

“We appreciate the insight the student representatives provide during their tenure on the ORSSAB, so it’s always sad to see them leave when they complete their terms,” said Susan Cange, deputy assistant manager for the DOE Oak Ridge Environmental Management Program and the board’s deputy designated federal officer. “We are thankful to them for dedicating time during their busy senior year of high school to help provide valuable input in support of environmental cleanup in Oak Ridge.”

Gracie will graduate from Oak Ridge High School in May. For the last couple of years, she has been training in martial arts and has a blue-purple belt in Filkenjutsu. She plans to continue training and teaching various forms of martial arts.

Gracie also likes to sing and will be singing in her last Sound Company show in May. Sound Company is a local group of young singers and dancers.

She will be attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville this fall in the honors program with an undeclared major. She is considering environmental science or criminal justice. She does plan to minor in Spanish.

Julia will graduate from Hardin Valley Academy in May. During her senior year, she has been active as president of Hardin Valley’s Venture Crew. She has been involved in blood drives at Hardin Valley as assistant to one of her teachers who coordinates the drives.

Julia will attend Clemson University this fall in the honors program studying environmental science with a wildlife biology minor.

Two new students from Oak Ridge High School and Hardin Valley Academy will be seated in May.

For more information about ORSSAB, visit the board’s website at www.energy.gov/orssab or call (865) 241-4583 or (865) 241-4584.

Oak Ridge Schools honor Memorial Day by participating in ‘Jeans for Troops’

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Submitted by Oak Ridge Schools

The Oak Ridge School District honored Memorial Day and the men and women who have died defending our country by raising funds for military veterans and their families.

On May 22, teachers took part in the 2014 “Jeans for Troops” fundraising drive benefiting the GI Go Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans returning home find employment, go to college, access their health care and financial benefits, and link to housing.

During the drive, which has schools and companies from all across the country participating in, Oak Ridge Schools gave their employees the opportunity to wear jeans to work in exchange for a $5 donation to the GI Go Fund.

“For generations, America’s teachers have been responsible for educating America’s children,” said GI Go Fund Executive Director Jack Fanous. “They have always been individuals that mothers and fathers could rely on to set a positive example for their children. This Memorial Day, teachers around the country have set the example to our nation’s children that this holiday is more than just the first weekend of summer, and more than the year’s first barbecue. It is a day to remember the men and women who have fought and died to preserve our liberties, our freedoms, and the American way of life.” [Read more…]

Oak Ridge Public Library celebrates 70 years, offers Amnesty Week

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Oak Ridge Public Library

The Oak Ridge Public Library is pictured above.

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To thank our community for 70 wonderful years, we are inviting our patrons to enjoy our week-long birthday party by offering Amnesty Week, exciting public programming, a library staff cookbook give-away, and cake!

When you return an overdue item—either in person or in the book drop—between Tuesday, May 27, and Saturday, May 31, enjoy fine forgiveness on those items.

Not sure if you have any overdue items? Need more information about amnesty rules? Come by the main desk with your library card.

During our regular 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning preschool storytime, we will offer a topic of “Classic Tales.” This program will highlight bestsellers through the years and some titles that have been in our collection since the 1940s.

On Thursday, May 29, we will begin giving away copies of our 2014 Library Staff Cookbook and serving our birthday cake at 1 p.m. in the Library Auditorium. Come in, get a slice of cake, and stay for the adult programs we are offering afterward. [Read more…]

Sewer rehab work continues this week

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More rehabilitation work of the city’s sewer collection pipes is scheduled to continue this week.

The work is being done by Hurst Excavating and Morgan Contracting under contract with the City of Oak Ridge. It includes rehabilitating sewer collection pipes within city easements in yards and in roadways, a press release said.

Residents should already have received color-coded letters and door hangers (orange for Hurst Excavating and purple for Morgan Contracting) providing general information and each contractors’ contact information. [Read more…]

Anderson Chamber announces ‘Tribute to Business’ award winners

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Oak Ridge High School String Quartet

Rising juniors from the Oak Ridge Schools Orchestra Program will be providing live music for the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce’s 3rd Annual Tribute to Business on Friday, June 6, at the Museum of Appalachia. From left to right are Megan Peters, cello; Brittany Rowe, violin; Evelyn Pieper, violin; and Lucas Potter, viola.

The Anderson County Chamber of Commerce has announced its Tribute to Business Awards, and they will be honored during a June 6 celebration at the Museum of Appalachia.

Here are the winners:

  • Small Business—Samuel Franklin,
  • Mid-Sized Business—All Occasion Party Rentals,
  • Large Business—Techmer PM,
  • Woman-Owned Business—Temp Systems Inc., and
  • Lifetime Achievement Award—The Fox Family. 

“Everyone is invited to join us in honoring these businesses for their contribution to the economic growth of Anderson County,” a press release said.

The Friday, June 6, celebration will start at 6:30 p.m. with valet parking, social hour, photos, and live music, the press release said. Dinner on the Lawn begins at 7:30 p.m. with a brief live auction and awards ceremony. The Museum of Appalachia is at 2819 Andersonville Highway near Norris. [Read more…]

K-25 demolition project receives American Nuclear Society award

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K-25 Building Demolition March 2014

Demolition work at the K-25 Building in west Oak Ridge is complete, and cleanup work is expected to be complete this summer.

 

The successful demolition of a former gaseous diffusion facility in Oak Ridge has been honored by the American Nuclear Society.

The American Nuclear Society’s Decommissioning and Environmental Services Division selected the K-25 demolition project to receive its Project Excellence Award. The K-25 building, located at East Tennessee Technology Park, was built as part of the Manhattan Project in the 1940s. The facility was shut down in 1964 after two decades of producing enriched uranium for defense and commercial purposes. As the massive, mile-long building began deteriorating, its demolition was considered one of the highest priorities for the environmental cleanup program in Oak Ridge.

UCOR, the U.S. Department of Energy’s cleanup contractor in Oak Ridge, completed the demolition project on Dec. 19, 2013. The demolition was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

UCOR is a partnership between URS and CH2M Oak Ridge LLC. [Read more…]

Council to discuss Friendship Bell repairs, National Park designation

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Oak Ridge City Council

The Oak Ridge City Council is pictured above during an August 2013 meeting. (File photo)

The Oak Ridge City Council will discuss possible repairs to the structure housing the International Friendship Bell at Alvin K. Bissell Park as well as a potential National Park Service designation during a non-voting work session this evening (Tuesday evening).

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the Central Services Complex on Woodbury Lane.

See the agenda here.

More information will be added as it becomes available.

Two TWRA officers slightly injured but safe after Norris Lake boating accident

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By Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

SPEEDWELL—Because they wore their life jackets, two Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers are slightly injured but safe after a single-vessel boating accident on Norris Lake on Friday.

Officers Jerry Short and Harrison Cornett were on patrol on Norris Lake around 10:30 p.m. last night (Friday night) near Blue Springs Dock when they apparently struck a large piece of floating debris. The impact caused both officers to be ejected from the vessel and into the water. Short was able to swim back to the vessel and use the radio to contact the TWRA dispatcher and other wildlife officers for assistance.

Both officers sustained minor injuries and were transported to Claiborne County Hospital in Tazewell. They have been treated and released. [Read more…]

Sitel has charity concert for injured vets Saturday, announces 100 new jobs

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Travis Rice Country Concert at Sitel

Sitel is having a fundraising concert to benefit Wounded Warriors and veteran charities this evening (Saturday evening) and offer 100 new full-time jobs in Oak Ridge.

The free event starts at 5 p.m., and it will raise funds and awareness for the needs of injured service members, a press release said. It will also include a variety of family activities.

The festivities start at 5 p.m. Saturday (today) in Sitel’s lot at 1089 Commerce Park Drive at the Tech 5 Building in Oak Ridge. A number of local country bands will provide the music, followed by headliner Travis Rice at 7 p.m., with patriotic songs honoring America’s brave service men and women, the press release said.

Attendees will enjoy barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, and other foods, along with face painting and additional fun activities. Sitel will also give away multiple prizes, including: [Read more…]

Photo: Double rainbow in Oak Ridge

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Double Rainbow

Double rainbow (Photo by the Rev. Sharon Youngs)

 

Submitted

Hail, Double Rainbow!

“Notice that the colors in the rare secondary rainbow are reversed from those of the primary rainbow,” said Herb Krause, retired Oak Ridge National Laboratory physicist. “The primary rainbow is caused by a single reflection of sunlight in each raindrop, and the secondary rainbow is caused by a double reflection.”

Honors: Anderson County EMS recognizes EMT, paramedic, officer of year

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Nathan Sweet

Nathan Sweet

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Anderson County EMS is proud to present the annual awards for EMT-IV, paramedic, and officer of the year. Each year we receive nominations from peers, and supervisors alike in regards to each award. These awards are truly tough to decide, as there are so many deserving providers here at Anderson County EMS.

It is amazing to look at all of the worthy providers and see how blessed we are to have them here! Anderson County should know that they are in good hands with their EMS service, as the EMT-IVs, paramedics, and officers that serve them every day are top-notch and making a difference.

EMT-IV of the Year

Gage Whitman is a well-regarded EMT-IV among his peers and supervisors. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence stand out. He always gives his personal best in his job. EMT-IV Whitman shows a genuine respect for all others, and exhibits outstanding customer service at all times. He is currently enrolled in the paramedic program at Roane State Community College and will undoubtedly make a great paramedic!

Paramedic of the Year

Keith Alred is truly deserving of this award for so many reasons. His performance is outstanding, and he is always willing to help others and the service wherever there is a need. His patience with students and new hires has brought him high praise from those who have had him as a preceptor. He has a lot of experience at many levels in EMS, and uses his knowledge and wisdom to make our service better. Paramedic Alred is a field training officer and also serves in other capacities on committees in our organization. [Read more…]