Oak Ridge Today

DOE investing $19 million in building efficiency, with four of 18 awards to ORNL

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Ernest Moniz

Ernest Moniz

The U.S. Department of Energy announced Friday that it is investing $19 million to improve the efficiency of the nation’s homes, offices, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and stores. The projects will develop advanced building technologies that will help American consumers and businesses save money on their utility bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create jobs, a press release said.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory received four of the 18 awards.

Buildings are the largest energy consumer in the nation—accounting for more than 40 percent of the nation’s total energy demand and greenhouse emissions, and resulting in an annual energy bill totaling $430 billion, the press release said. On average, nearly a third of this energy is wasted. It’s estimated that if the U.S. reduced energy use in buildings by 20 percent, the nation could save nearly $80 billion annually on energy bills.

The 18 innovative projects announced Friday will develop sensors and energy modeling tools to make buildings smarter, reduce refrigerant leaks and improve the efficiency of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems, and produce a low-impact, gas-powered heat pump that can operate efficiently in colder climates. The projects will also support renewable energy market penetration through energy storage, pinpoint air leaks and reduce energy losses through the building envelope, and cut electricity use by transmitting sunlight to building interiors, the press release said. [Read more…]

Yager announces Senate re-election bid

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Ken Yager

Ken Yager

Information from WYSH Radio

Tennessee Senator Ken Yager, a Kingston Republican, recently announced his bid for re-election to the Tennessee Senate. Yager, unopposed in his reelection bid, is seeking his third term to the state Senate.

“It is an honor to serve,” Yager said. “I take my responsibility to serve very seriously and am guided by one—and only one—principle: Constituents come first.”

The 12th Senatorial District is one of the largest in the state geographically.

“I represent seven of the finest counties in East Tennessee and the Upper Cumberland region, and work hard to make sure each receives its fair of state funding and grants,” Yager said. “I have been proud to be able to announce millions of dollars in grants, road projects, and new funding which will improve the lives of all of our citizens.” [Read more…]

Roane budget passes with no tax increase

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Information from WYSH Radio

The Roane County Commission passed its 2016-17 budget on Monday, July 11, with no increase in the property tax rate.

The budget was passed unanimously by the 15 members present.

There were no raises for county employees in this year’s budget, but a committee looking into benefits and insurance could possibly bring a recommendation back to the full commission next month that could potentially save the workers enough on their insurance costs to equal a 1 percent raise. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge shows support for police; department emphasizing de-escalation

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ORPD Flowers Cake July 12 2016

An ambush of police in Dallas on July 7, 2016, killed five officers, and after the shooting, East Tennessee residents showed support for the Oak Ridge Police Department, sending cake, flowers, and food, and buying lunches, among other things. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

After an ambush of police in Dallas killed five officers on July 7, the Oak Ridge community rallied around its police department, and Police Chief Jim Akagi said he’s thankful.

People bought lunches for officers anonymously, and residents and organizations dropped off or sent hot meals, cakes, snacks, flowers, and pastries, Akagi said during a July 12 interview. Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch addressed the department during a roll call last week, and someone bought the chief’s lunch as well.

“I cannot thank them enough,” Akagi said of the show of community support. “It’s just the little things: They mean a lot to us.”

Akagi said Oak Ridge is lucky to have a police department with the scale, the talent, and the officers that it has.

But, “the Oak Ridge Police Department is even more lucky to have a community that supports them and has their back,” he said. [Read more…]

Oliver Springs budget approved

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Information from WYSH Radio

The Oliver Springs budget for the fiscal year that began on July 1 has been approved.

The budget includes no property tax rate increase, but officials said that could change next year as the town continues to address needed upgrades to its sewer system and the continuing increase in the cost of employee healthcare. [Read more…]

WYSH: ‘Suspicious package’ turns out to be woman sleeping on picnic table

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Clinton Police Department

Information from WYSH Radio

Last week, the Clinton Police Department responded to a call about what was described as a suspicious package, but officers instead discovered a woman sleeping on a picnic table at Lakefront Park.

Police were called after seeing suspicious items and a pair of shoes near a table by the tennis courts at about 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 13. Initial reports indicated that a dufflebag was on the table and that at one point it had moved.

Officers responded and found a woman wrapped from head to toe in a blanket asleep on the picnic table. Officer Trevor Smith made contact with the woman, later identified as 43-year-old Pam Reid of Jellico, who told him that she had been walking the night before and had stopped there to rest. [Read more…]

School board rescue: Bell saves life of Martin

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Don Bell

Don Bell

Don Bell, an Anderson County School Board member, used his Red Cross training and the Heimlich maneuver to save the life of Gail Martin, a former School Board member, during a recent meal at Applebee’s in Oak Ridge.

Bell was honored by the Anderson County Board of Education on Thursday. He has also been recognized at Anderson County Commission meetings.

On Thursday, Bell said Martin choked on a piece of steak during the meal at Applebee’s about a month-and-a-half ago. She grabbed her throat and started turning blue, Bell said.

Bell had taken Red Cross training near the end of his career at Oak Ridge Schools. He is certified in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, an emergency technique that uses abdominal thrusts to help clear someone’s airway. [Read more…]

Main Street: Workers setting up parking lot lighting for Belk, JCPenney during mall demolition

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Main Street Oak Ridge Electrical Work Goody's Close-up July 18 2016

Workers from Danny Davis Electrical Contractors Inc. of Maryville set up parking lot lighting that will be used at Belk and JCPenney during demolition of the enclosed space between the two anchor stores at the former Oak Ridge Mall as part of the 58-acre redevelopment known as Main Street Oak Ridge. A worker is pictured above near the former Goody’s store on Monday, July 18, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

On Monday, workers from Danny Davis Electrical Contractors Inc. of Maryville were setting up parking lot lighting that will be used at Belk and JCPenney during demolition of the enclosed space between those two stores as part of the 58-acre redevelopment known as Main Street Oak Ridge.

Wiring to the existing parking lot lights is expected to be disconnected as part of the redevelopment, which is at the former Oak Ridge Mall.

Danny Davis Electrical has been at the Main Street Oak Ridge site since the beginning of last week. They’ve had to find existing electrical lines and determine how they were controlled, foreman Greg Miller said. [Read more…]

Local AYSO region rebrands uniforms with classic Oak Ridge colors

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Oak Ridge AYSO Uniform Colors July 2016

The new Oak Ridge AYSO uniform in classic community colors. (Submitted photo)

By Gerry Palau

The kids playing AYSO soccer in Oak Ridge this fall will be sporting new uniforms—featuring the classic Oak Ridge color palette that includes maroon, silver, and white.

The local AYSO Region Board listened to feedback from parents and the community that the uniform style that’s been worn for years would benefit from an update. While considering options for a new uniform style, a factor that stood out as important was to have uniforms that create an AYSO identity that links to the Oak Ridge community. The new jerseys will echo the colors associated with high school sports in our community, and the new jersey style brings a fresh, modern design to our AYSO teams.

With the start of the new soccer season in September, local AYSO players will get to wear these new jerseys and new colors—both for their home games in Oak Ridge, as well as for the away matches that the older age groups play throughout East Tennessee. [Read more…]

Students use the summer to take a lesson in citizenship

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From left, Katie Starnes, Ryann Whitson, Henry Shen, and Katie Law assemble falls-prevention packets used for patient care. They are just a few of the 45 Junior Volunteers who have taken time from their summer vacations to serve at Methodist Medical Center. (Submitted photo)

From left, Katie Starnes, Ryann Whitson, Henry Shen, and Katie Law assemble falls-prevention packets used for patient care. They are just a few of the 45 Junior Volunteers who have taken time from their summer vacations to serve at Methodist Medical Center. (Submitted photo)

 

When school is out for the summer, many teens look forward to sleeping in, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the freedom of a few unscheduled weeks. But at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, a group of teens used the summer to give back to their community rather than while away the hours in front of the computer or around the pool. These high school students served as Methodist’s Junior Volunteers.

The Junior Volunteers are part of Methodist’s larger volunteer program, and like their adult counterparts, the students assist in many areas throughout the hospital and host special sales and fundraisers to support the patients and services at Methodist Medical Center.

This summer, the Junior Volunteers’ fundraiser included a doughnut sale. They also ran the operation of the fruit wagon and snack cart, which sells goodies around the hospital three days a week. [Read more…]

State park naturalist to lead adventure at Fall Creek Falls State Park on Saturday

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Join Randy Hedgepath, the state naturalist for Tennessee State Parks, on July 23 for an adventure at Fall Creek Falls State Park. Participants will meet at the park Inn and carpool to the Piney Falls area.

“The plan is to hike out the Lower Cane Creek Loop Trail for about a half-mile and learn about the forest of this part of the Cumberland Plateau,” Hedgepath said. “Then, the real adventure begins.

“We will not cross the suspension bridge, but go down under and explore the streambed down to the top of the falls. The forest along the stream is very different from the plateau top. There will be lots of chances to cool off in the stream, lots of scenic bluffs, and a dramatic view into the gorge. The return trip will backtrack to the bridge and out to the vehicles.” [Read more…]

Mountain land gift honors Myrick, a leader, volunteer, Nature Conservancy Board member

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John R. Dickey Birch Branch Sanctuary in Shady Valley is pictured above. (Submitted photo)

John R. Dickey Birch Branch Sanctuary in Shady Valley is pictured above. (Submitted photo)

 

Eighty acres of beautiful mountain land in Johnson County have been added to a Nature Conservancy preserve in Shady Valley, thanks to the foresight and generosity of a local couple. Sadly, the May 20 land donation is not just a gift, but also a loving tribute to a departed spouse and friend of conservation.

Back in 2007, Teresa Myrick and her late husband Tim wanted to leave a legacy of protected mountain land for future generations. That’s why they donated a conservation easement to The Nature Conservancy, restricting development on a treasured tract of mountain land they bought for their retirement. The property is located adjacent to the Conservancy’s John R. Dickey Birch Branch Sanctuary in Shady Valley. Teresa and Tim, a former Oak Ridge National Laboratory engineer and community leader and volunteer, became solid supporters of The Nature Conservancy, and Tim went on to become a board member for the Tennessee Chapter of the Conservancy. The couple looked forward to spending many years together on the scenic property.

However, Tim passed away far too early, in December 2014, at age 60, of cancer. As Teresa thought about the future of their mountain land, she knew what Tim would have wanted. She realized he would want her to donate it outright to The Nature Conservancy to be protected and cared for. [Read more…]