Oak Ridge Today

Proposed city budget would not raise property tax rate

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Mark Watson

Mark Watson

 

The budget proposed by Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson on Tuesday would not increase the property tax rate. Instead, the budget would hold the property tax rate steady at $2.52 per $100 of assessed value.

It could be the 10th year in a row without a tax rate increase. That’s if the Oak Ridge City Council approves the city manager’s proposed budget.

Watson said it’s essentially the same budget as last year, with some capital improvements and funding for an energy savings plan for lighting, heating, and cooling systems in the city and schools.

Fully funding a request from Oak Ridge Schools for 2.5 percent pay raises for teachers and staff would require the equivalent of a four-cent tax rate increase, Watson said during a special City Council meeting on Tuesday. [Read more…]

Proposal to eliminate ARC wouldn’t affect current airport funding, but could affect future funding

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Image via Billy Stair presentation at Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority General Aviation Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.

Image via Billy Stair presentation at Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority General Aviation Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.

 

The Oak Ridge Airport project has received $2 million in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission, and that money wouldn’t be affected by the president’s proposal to eliminate the independent agency in the next fiscal year, a spokesperson said.

But future funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission will depend upon what Congress decides to do with ARC and whether it continues funding the commission, said Becky Huckaby, spokesperson for the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority.

The budget request released by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, May 23, proposes to eliminate the Appalachian Regional Commission and other independent agencies, providing funding only for the orderly closure of the agencies. The request would apply to Fiscal Year 2018, which starts October 1.

ARC is one of the funding sources for the Oak Ridge Airport, which could cost an estimated $35 million to $40 million and have a mix of state and federal funding, and local funding from the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, or MKAA. Besides ARC, other direct and indirect funding sources include the U.S. Department of Energy, which would provide the land; the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA; the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission; and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. [Read more…]

One in critical condition, two discharged after fatal crash by UT Arboretum

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One person died and four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash involving a sedan and an SUV near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017, authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

One person died and four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash involving a sedan and an SUV near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017, authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

A Corryton woman remains in critical condition at a Knoxville hospital and two people have been discharged after a fatal two-vehicle crash in Oak Ridge on Friday, officials said.

Tabitha Douglas, 26, is in critical condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, the hospital said Tuesday.

Douglas was driving a sedan at the time of the crash, which was reported at about 2:47 p.m. Friday at Commerce Park Drive, which is across from the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue.

A passenger in the sedan, Ashley Blalock, 30, of Knoxville, died. [Read more…]

Man indicted on vehicular homicide, other charges after Clinton Highway crash

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Scott-Gray-Hearing-Aug-11-2016

Scott Gray, who has been indicted on vehicular homicide and other charges, is pictured above during a preliminary hearing in Anderson County General Sessions Court, Division I, in Clinton on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

CLINTON—A Knoxville man has been indicted on vehicular homicide and other charges in the death of a 23-year-old Heiskell woman after a two-vehicle crash on Clinton Highway in April 2016.

The specific homicide charge against Scott Allen Gray, 27, is vehicular homicide by intoxication. Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers testified during an August 11 preliminary hearing in Anderson County General Sessions Court, Division I, in Clinton that Gray smelled of alcohol and said he had been drinking and taken two anti-anxiety pills before the crash. Gray’s passenger, Jessica Miner Taylor, died about a week after the crash.

The Anderson County Grand Jury also indicted Gray on charges of reckless endangerment when a deadly weapon (a motor vehicle) is involved; failure to yield the right of way, resulting in death; failure of provide evidence of insurance; failure to carry a certificate of registration; failure to use due care; violation of the open container law; possession of drug paraphernalia; and possession of marijuana.

Gray had an arraignment and bond hearing scheduled this past Friday in Anderson County Criminal Court in Clinton.

Charges against Gray were bound over, or sent to the Grand Jury, during the preliminary hearing in August. The indictments were filed May 2. An indictment moves a case from Anderson County General Sessions Court to Anderson County Criminal Court. [Read more…]

Fountain open again in Jackson Square

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The splash pad in Jackson Square is open. Here's a picture shared by reader Anna Freeman on Saturday, May 27, 2017. Pictured is her son Eli Freeman, 15 months. (Photo by Anna Freeman)

The interactive fountain or splash pad in Jackson Square is open again. Here’s a picture shared by reader Anna Freeman on Saturday, May 27, 2017. Pictured is her son Eli Freeman, 15 months. (Photo by Anna Freeman)

 

In the past month or so, we’ve had a few inquiries from readers about the splash pad or interactive fountain in Jackson Square and when it might open.

On Saturday, reader Anna Freeman reported that it’s open, and she shared a photo with Oak Ridge Today.

On Tuesday, the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department said the fountain, which some refer to as a splash pad, had been closed so the pumps could be repaired. It’s back open now, the City of Oak Ridge said in a statement.

Volunteers needed for Secret City Festival

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Secret City Festival Logo Web

Come join the fun at the Secret City Festival. Volunteers are needed to help make the Secret City Festival a success.

“Please consider volunteering for a few hours while enjoying the festival,” a press release said.

Volunteers can sign up on the Secret City Festival website at http://www.celebrateoakridge.org/volunteer. [Read more…]

Roane State EMS faculty use virtual reality to enhance instruction

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Wearing the high-tech HoloLens, Roane State director of EMS programs David Blevins manipulates a hologram as part of a cutting-edge program that's being used as a new way of teaching students studying anatomy and physiology. (Photo by Roane State)

Wearing the high-tech HoloLens, Roane State director of EMS programs David Blevins manipulates a hologram as part of a cutting-edge program that’s being used as a new way of teaching students studying anatomy and physiology. (Photo by Roane State)

 

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

KNOXVILLE—Picture this: a high-resolution cross-section of a beating human heart floating in space, allowing for an up-close, interactive examination.

Imagine each student in an anatomy and physiology classroom having access to three-dimensional, 360-degree images, or aspiring first-responders being able to view a completely realistic video of an accident scene.

Welcome to the world of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality as they are now being introduced into the Roane State Community College curriculum for emergency medical services. Instructors at the college’s Knox County Center for Health Sciences are participating in a pilot study with the assistance from the college’s Center for Teaching Arts and Technology. [Read more…]

Thrive, Prevent, Celebrate: Survivor Sundae offers cancer information

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The Mt. LeConte Jug Band will once again entertain guests at Methodist’s “Survivor Sundae” celebration and cancer awareness event on Sunday, June 4, 2017. (Submitted photo)

The Mt. LeConte Jug Band will once again entertain guests at Methodist’s Survivor Sundae celebration and cancer awareness event on Sunday, June 4, 2017. (Submitted photo)

 

Submitted

With improved screenings and advanced treatment, more and more people are beating cancer each year. But that doesn’t change the significance of being a cancer survivor and the hard fight to put cancer in its place.

Join Methodist Medical Center as they celebrate National Cancer Survivors’ Day on Sunday, June 4, with the fourth annual Survivor Sundae. This special ice cream social will take place from 2-4:30 p.m. June 4 at the Cheyenne Ambulatory Center at 944 Oak Ridge Turnpike, a press release said.

“Survivor Sundae will honor cancer survivors and their families who have supported them along the way as well as provide cancer prevention and awareness information for the community,” the press release said. [Read more…]

One person dies, four injured in two-vehicle crash near UT Arboretum

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One person died and four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash involving a sedan and an SUV near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017, authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

One person died and four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash involving a sedan and an SUV near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017, authorities said. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

One person died and four people were injured in the two-vehicle crash near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue on Friday afternoon, authorities said.

The crash was reported at about 2:47 p.m. Friday at Commerce Park Drive, which is across from the Arboretum.

The two vehicles involved were a sedan and a sport utility vehicle, the City of Oak Ridge said in a press release.

Three people were inside the sedan: two adults and one child. The adult passenger was killed. The adult driver and child passenger were injured.

Two adults inside the SUV were injured, the city said.

All of the victims were taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. Two were taken by UT Lifestar medical helicopters and two by ambulance, the city said. The extent of their injuries and current conditions are unknown. Their identities haven’t been released. [Read more…]

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers could open in Oak Ridge early next year

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A Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers could open in Oak Ridge early next year at the intersection of South Illinois Avenue and South Tulane Avenue, the company said Thursday, May 25, 2017. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

A Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers could open in Oak Ridge early next year at the intersection of South Illinois Avenue and South Tulane Avenue, the company said Thursday, May 25, 2017. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

A Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers could open in Oak Ridge early next year, the company said Thursday.

“We are currently working on securing a space in a multi-tenant building on the northeast corner of Tulane and Illinois, in front of Wal-Mart,” said Bob Rasberry, area franchise owner. “We hope to open early next year.”

It would be part of Main Street Oak Ridge, the 58-acre project to redevelop the former Oak Ridge Mall.

The Freddy’s restaurant would be on a redeveloped parcel at the busy intersection of South Illinois Avenue and South Tulane Avenue, near Taco Bell, which is being rebuilt, and the Golden Oak restaurant.

It would be within walking distance of eight new stores expected to open soon at Main Street Oak Ridge: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Electronic Express, Maurice’s, PetSmart, Rack Room Shoes, Rue 21, T.J. Maxx, and Ulta. It would be down the street from another new restaurant on South Illinois Avenue, Panda Express. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge girls finish ninth in state 4×800 meter relay

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Oak Ridge junior Genevieve Schwartz competed in the 4x800 meter relay at MTSU in Murfreesboro on Thursday, May 25, 2017, when the girls finished ninth out of 16 teams. Schwartz also competed in the 3,200 meter run, where she finished 15th. (Photo by Kindell Moore)

Oak Ridge junior Genevieve Schwartz competed as part of the 4×800 meter relay at MTSU in Murfreesboro on Thursday, May 25, 2017, when the girls finished ninth out of 16 teams. Schwartz also competed in the 3,200 meter run, where she finished 15th. (Photo by Kindell Moore)

 

MURFREESBORO—The Oak Ridge girls 4×800 meter relay team finished ninth in the state track meet in Murfreesboro on Thursday.

The team includes senior Abbey Greenhalgh, junior Genevieve Schwartz, and freshmen Rebecca Joyal and Muskaan Vohra.

The team finished ninth in a field of 16 teams with a time of 10:02.58.

The top three teams in the girls’ 4×800-meter relay were West (of Knoxville), Brentwood (of the Nashville area), and Hardin Valley Academy. West finished first with a time of 9:30.90.

The 2017 TSSAA Girls’ Track State Championships were at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro on Thursday.

In a second event, another Oak Ridge girls team finished 12th in the 4×200 meter relay. That team includes senior Breanne Young, junior Desiree Bates, sophomore Makiya Garrett, and junior Shatyrah Copeland. Their time was 1:47.72. The first-place team, Whitehaven, had a time of 1:41.44. [Read more…]

Forbes names Covenant Health one of ‘America’s Best Employers’

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Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is pictured above. (Submitted photo)

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is pictured above. (Submitted photo)

 

Covenant Health, parent company of Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, has been named one of “America’s Best Employers” by Forbes magazine and is the highest-ranking Tennessee organization to receive the designation this year. Only seven Tennessee firms made the list of 500 top large companies, a press release said.

Covenant Health was ranked 38th on the list this year, the health system’s second year to be ranked as one of America’s Best Employers by the national business publication. The 2017 lists include the best large and midsize companies in the United States.

Companies and organizations in the top 38 along with Covenant Health included such major institutions as Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Costco, Facebook, Sandia National Laboratories, Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, Duke University, Publix, Michelin, Southwest Airlines, and NASA. Covenant Health was listed 10th among hospitals and healthcare organizations and is the only East Tennessee healthcare entity selected in 2017.

Jim VanderSteeg

Jim VanderSteeg

“Covenant Health is proud to receive the Forbes designation for the second year in a row and to be included in such a prestigious list of national and international companies and organizations,” Covenant Health President and Chief Executive Office Jim VanderSteeg said. “Our employees make a commitment to support our health system’s pledge of excellence, which includes putting our patients first, excellence in everything we do, and making Covenant Health the first and best choice. This commitment creates a workplace environment that instills pride among all of us at Covenant Health.

“Our employees are essential to our health system’s success and to accomplishing our mission of improving the quality of life in our communities,” he added. “I am grateful for their expertise and dedication and for the compassionate care they give our patients every day.”

Forbes partnered with statistics firm Statista to compile data from a survey of more than 30,000 U.S. employees, 84 percent of whom work full-time. Employees were contacted anonymously online without the involvement of their employers, and respondents represented the U.S. workforce by gender, age, region, education, and ethnicity. According to Forbes, the direct score which determines placement and title as a top employer is derived from the question: “How likely are you to recommend your employer on a scale of 0-10?” [Read more…]