Oak Ridge Today

Spotlight: Oak Ridge Public Library art show for February

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Robert Forbes Art Show at Oak Ridge Public Library

Photographer Robert Forbes and his banner, “Mystical River.” (Photo courtesy Oak Ridge Public Library)

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The art display at Oak Ridge Public Library for February is a collection of exciting nature compositions photographed by Robert Forbes.

Forbes grew up in the flatlands of the Midwest, but after following his family to East Tennessee in April 2001, he found inspiration in the river rapids and the majestic beauty of East Tennessee’s landscape. Before moving to the Oak Ridge area, Forbes lived just outside the entrance to Cherokee National Forest and also resided on the scenic Cherohala Skyway. These locations spurred him to create and paint with a passion.

John Muir once said, “The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness,” a sentiment that resonates with Forbes. He takes day trips into the mountains almost every weekend and photographs hundreds of scenes each time. [Read more…]

Spotlight: Oak Ridge student, UT grad forms game company that hits million downloads

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Aron Beierschmitt

Aron Beierschmitt

A company that develops games for smartphones and was formed by an Oak Ridge student who graduated from the University of Tennessee has released two titles that have hit the million-download mark.

Foundation Mobile was created by Aron Beierschmitt of Oak Ridge, who graduated from UT with a political science degree in 2013.

Beierschmitt created Foundation Mobile in February 2009. He won second place in a business plan competition for undergraduates and $3,000 to boost his company.

The company’s watershed moment came when Beierschmitt created Lumi, which was named the Apple Game of the Week and Editor’s Choice in January 2012. [Read more…]

Spotlight: Anderson County employees clear sidewalk snow

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Anderson County Employees Clear Sidewalk Snow

(Photo courtesy of Anderson County government)


John Vickery, Anderson County’s director of fleet services, and building maintenance team member Jeff McCracken, worked outside in the cold Wednesday afternoon to clear the sidewalks and the area surrounding the Courthouse in Clinton in preparation for the opening of business on Thursday morning.

Spotlight: Circuit Court Clerk appointed to state legislative committee

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Tyler Mayes

Tyler Mayes

Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk Tyler Mayes has been selected to serve on the Tennessee Court Clerk’s Association’s legislative committee, a press release said.

Mayes will represent East Tennessee on the committee that will see many new pieces of legislation that will have a direct impact on the court system in Tennessee. The committee plays a large role in communicating with state representatives and state senators from across the state about court related legislation, the release said.

“It is an honor to represent Anderson County and court clerks from across the state on this important committee,” Mayes said. “I look forward to working with my fellow colleagues as we work on important issues affecting our court system and the citizens of Anderson County.”

Honor: Roane property assessor receives outstanding new member award

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David Morgan Receives TNAAO Outstanding New Member Award

Roane County Property Assessor David Morgan, left, receives the Outstanding New Member Award from the Tennessee Association of Assessing Officers. (Submitted photo)

Roane County Property Assessor David Morgan recently received an outstanding new member award from the Tennessee Association of Assessing Officers.

Morgan received the award during the TNAAO Regional Educational Seminars on Jan. 23. It was presented on behalf of the TNAAO by Executive Director Will Denami.

“The Tennessee Association of Assessing Officers proudly recognizes David Morgan for joining in the leadership of this organization in the service of Roane County and the assessment profession in Tennessee and names him Outstanding New Member 2013,” said 2013 Tennessee Association of Assessing Officers President Betty Burchett. [Read more…]

Spotlight: B&W Y-12 donates $2,500 to MMC Hospitality House

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B&W Y-12 Donates to MMC Hospitality House

B&W Y-12 Director of Public Affairs Bill Reis, right, hands a $2,500 donation to Mike Belbeck, Methodist Medical Center’s president and chief administrative officer. The funds will go toward MMC’s Hospitality Houses, which provide temporary lodging for patients and families who travel to Oak Ridge for extended medical treatment.

From Y-12 News Notes

Spotlight: Two Roane State alumni awarded doctorates in same semester

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Chester Goad

Chester Goad

Scott Sills

Scott Sills

Two Roane State Community College alumni completed their doctorates during the fall semester, and their dissertations have been added to the Roane State Library.

Dr. Scott Sills earned a Ph.D. from the University of Westminster in London, England, and Dr. Chester Goad received his doctorate in educational leadership (with an emphasis in special education) from the University of the Cumberlands.

Dr. Sills is a reproductive endocrinologist in private practice in Newport Beach, Calif. His dissertation is titled “An evidence-based policy for the provision of subsidized fertility treatment in California: Integration of array comparative genomic hybridization with IVF and mandatory single embryo transfer to lower gestation and preterm birth rates.”

Dr. Goad, director of disability services at Tennessee Tech University, conducted his doctoral research on the topic “A study of service delivery models and leadership in postsecondary disability programs in Tennessee.” [Read more…]

Spotlight: Anderson County Motor Pool mechanic earns new certification

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Scott Smith and EVT Certification

Scott Smith, left, a mechanic with the Anderson County Motor Pool Department, has earned a new certification. He is pictured with County Mayor Terry Frank. (Photo courtesy of Anderson County government)

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Scott Smith, a mechanic in the Anderson County Government Motor Pool Department, has recently earned the Emergency Vehicle Technician certification from the EVT Certification Commission Inc.

The new Emergency Vehicle Technician certification allows Smith to maintain, inspect and test Anderson County’s ambulances and their heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems. The certification also allows Anderson County Motor Pool to conduct state vehicle inspections on county ambulances.

Smith, who has worked in the Motor Pool Department for three years, said he plans to continue pursuing other certification opportunities through the EVT Certification Commission. “It’s great to be able to do this,” he said. [Read more…]

Spotlight: Insurance agents host Anderson Chamber coffee

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David Vudragovich and Leslie Gross

Dave Vudragovich and Leslie Gross, independent insurance agents, hosted the Anderson County Chamber Coffee at the Chamber office on Jan. 16.