Oak Ridge Today

Free admission, meals for veterans, military on Veterans Day

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The Museum of Appalachia is offering free admission to veterans and active-duty military today, Veterans Day, and many restaurants and stores are offering free meals and discounts.

“We appreciate those who risk their lives for our country,” said Elaine Meyer, president of the Museum of Appalachia. “This is one way to recognize these people and show that we appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made.”

The deals offered to veterans and stores and restaurants is included in a list forwarded by Anderson County Commissioner Steve Mead and Mary Murphy, the county commission’s chief deputy. It’s available here: Veterans Day Deals 2013. [Read more…]

Civic Center announces pool closure days, times for swim meets

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The Oak Ridge Civic Center indoor pool will be closed on Nov. 14 and 21, Dec. 5 and 12, and Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. for Oak Ridge High School swim meets.

The Civic Center indoor pool will also be closed on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the Special Olympics swim meet and on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. for an Atomic City Aquatic Club swim meet.

For more information on these closures or any Recreation and Parks Department programs, contact the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department at (865) 425-3450 or visit www.orrecparks.org.

Thursday night fire destroys vacant mobile home in Marlow

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Pine Ridge Road Mobile Home Fire

A fire destroys a vacant mobile home on Pine Ridge Road in Marlow on Thursday night. (Photos by Tom Scott)

A fire destroyed a vacant mobile home on Pine Ridge Road in Marlow on Thursday night.

The fire was reported at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday at 221 Pine Ridge Road.

About 20 firefighters responded from the Marlow and Oliver Springs fire departments. Anderson County Emergency Medical Services and Anderson County Sheriff’s Department also responded.

Here are three more pictures from photographer Tom Scott: [Read more…]

Special recycling on Saturday includes old computers, TVs, cell phones

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Keep Anderson County Beautiful is having a special recycling program at the Potter’s Clearance Center on Oak Ridge Turnpike on Saturday.

During the special recycling event, volunteers will collect old computers and peripherals, televisions (no cabinetry), cell phones, rechargeable and button batteries, fluorescent light bulbs (tubes and compact), used books (but not textbooks), and eyeglasses.

Personal document shredding will also be offered courtesy of ORNL Federal Credit Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a press release said. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge Senior Center has open house today

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The Oak Ridge Senior Center is having an open house from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today (Friday).

Several changes have taken place at the center, a press release said. They include recovering the game room’s billiards tables and adding new programs and activities.

“Come in to see all the exciting changes and find out how you can be a part of the Oak Ridge Senior Center either as a participant or a volunteer,” the release said. [Read more…]

Obama announces more key DOE nominations

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President Barack Obama

Barack Obama

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Thursday, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate two people to key administration posts in the U.S. Department of Energy.

The two nominees are Madelyn Creedon for principal deputy administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, a separate DOE agency, and Ellen D. Williams for director of DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy.

“I am grateful these accomplished individuals have agreed to join this administration, and I’m confident they will serve ably in these important roles,” Obama said. “I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years.” [Read more…]

Venomous snakes seized by TWRA, charges filed

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LAFOLLETTE—Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers have seized numerous venomous snakes from a LaFollette pastor after an investigation Thursday morning, a press release said.

Officers received information that Andrew Hamblin, pastor of the Tabernacle Church of God in LaFollette, was illegally possessing venomous snakes. Two TWRA Officers visited Hamblin’s home Thursday morning to inquire about the snakes, and Hamblin admitted to being in possession of them at his church, the release said. Hamblin then led officers to the church where the snakes were being held. [Read more…]

ORHS Masquers present ‘Emma,’ company’s first English comedy

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ORHS Masquers Jacob Moreno and Meghanne Hill

Pictured above are Jacob Moreno as Mr. Knightly in the ORHS Masquers’ production of “Emma” and Meghanne Hill as Emma Woodhouse. (Submitted photo)

By Dianna Williams, ORHS English teacher

The Oak Ridge High School Masquers will present “Emma,” a play adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma,” a beloved British novel published in 1815. Emma is the company’s first English comedy.

The play presents the story of Emma Woodhouse, a mischievous young woman bent on matchmaking whose efforts backfire when she sets her mind to finding a husband for her friend, Harriet Smith.
 Junior Meghanne Hill plays the starring role and senior Mackensie Russell will play Jane Austen herself, who comes alive as the narrator of the onstage version of the story.

“My favorite part of this production is that I’m finally getting to prove myself as an actor with as challenging a role as Jane Austen,” Russell said. “It’s hard to make a narrator a noticeable character.” [Read more…]

Reminder: Lake City Council to vote on Rocky Top name change today

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Information from WYSH Radio

The Lake City Council will meet at 5 p.m. today (Thursday) to discuss and vote on the proposal to change the city’s name to Rocky Top as the first step toward turning the small town into a tourist destination.

Developers have proposed a $20 million first phase of the project that could include attractions like a theater, a water park, and a large restaurant. The name change is widely expected to be approved during today’s meeting.

If it is, the measure will be sent to the General Assembly in Nashville for its approval when the next legislative session begins in January. If state lawmakers sign off on the change, it will be sent back to the City Council for ratification. [Read more…]

Parade of Trees to benefit Girls Inc. on Nov. 16

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Girls Inc. Parade of Trees

Helping to decorate gift bags for the Girls Inc. Parade of Trees are, from left, Carolyn Singer, Ella Stewart, Savannah Russell, Samantha Asbury, and Bailee Lane. (Submitted photos)

The festive spirit of a New York Christmas holiday will transform the Pollard Center for an evening of glitz and glamour on Saturday, Nov. 16. It’s the 19th Annual Parade of Trees, a benefit for Girls Inc. of Oak Ridge.

“Beautifully decorated and lighted trees, wreaths, centerpieces, and of course, mistletoe, will enhance the magical atmosphere of a night in Manhattan,” a press release said. “In addition, this year’s ‘Park Avenue’ gift shop will feature unique hostess gifts and items to make your holiday table sparkle. Jams, jellies, and baked treats (tastings will be available) can be purchased in gift bags ready to deliver to a special friend. Don’t need a new Christmas tree? Then plan to take home a bag of beautiful ornaments to freshen your existing tree!” [Read more…]

Dr. William Culbert to speak on Affordable Care Act on Thursday

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William Culbert

William Culbert

William Culbert Jr., MD, a family practice physician who is an advocate of the Affordable Care Act, will be the guest speaker at the Thursday meeting of the Anderson County Democratic Women’s Club.

“The ACA, an Idea Whose Time Has Come,” is the topic of Dr. Culbert’s talk. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Club Room of the Clinton Community Center.

Vernon’s Burnins will serve Vernon Long’s award-winning, slow cooked barbecue, and the dinner costs $10 per person. For reservations, e-mail Ann Mostoller at amostoller@msw-law.com or call Mary Matheny at (865) 483-8937. [Read more…]

CPD honors Officer of the Year, ‘Top Guns’

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Information from WYSH Radio

Sgt. Jim Campbell was recently recognized as the Clinton Police Department’s 2012/2013 Officer of The Year. This is Campbell’s second “Officer of The Year” award, having also earned the honor in 2005.

Among several administrative duties, Campbell also serves as the CPD’s training coordinator. He has been with the department since 2003. Chief Rick Scarbrough presented the award to Campbell at the annual police “range day” celebration, held Thursday, Oct. 24.

The CPD’s “Top Guns” were also recognized during the first annual “range day” pistol competition. Most of the department’s full-time and reserve officers participated. The top five were: [Read more…]