Oak Ridge Today

Oak Ridge property tax bills delivered

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Oak Ridge announced on Monday that all property tax bills have been mailed and should have been delivered to property owners for the year.

The taxes go to support the operation of many city services, from street maintenance to the library, a city press release said. The Oak Ridge police and fire departments, refuse removal and disposal, recreation and parks, and many other city activities are also supported by the property tax. A portion of the tax also goes to support the Oak Ridge School system. [Read more…]

Responding to traffic delays, Y-12 asks for volunteers to start work later beginning July 8

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Y-12 National Security Complex Traffic

Responding to morning traffic delays, particularly at its east entrance on Bear Creek Road, the Y-12 National Security Complex has asked some employees to volunteer to start their work day later after July 8.

Responding to morning traffic delays at its entrances, the Y-12 National Security Complex has asked some employees to volunteer to come into work later in the day starting July 8.

Significant traffic delays have been an issue since a lost driver who did not have a badge or permission to be at Y-12 said she was waved into the nuclear weapons plant on June 6.

Since then, Y-12 officials have said the plant has changed its approach to checking badges at the east and west gates. The more rigorous security checks are “here to stay,” B&W Y-12 General Manager Chuck Spencer said in a June 27 message to employees.

But the new procedures have led to traffic delays, particularly at the east entrance between 5:15 and 6:15 a.m., when vehicles can back up as far as the former Dean Stallings Ford on South Illinois Avenue. [Read more…]

Volunteer Day at Oak Ridge Animal Shelter on Saturday

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Oak Ridge Animal Shelter

The Oak Ridge Animal Shelter on Belgrade Road is pictured above.

More pets go missing around July 4 than at any other time of year, and noisy fireworks are to blame.

While many of us enjoy the sights and sounds of big fireworks, our pets are often terrified by the loud noises and can become frantic and run away, trying to find a safe haven. According to national statistics, animal control officials across the country see a 30-60 percent increase in lost pets each year from July 4-6.

Julie Armes, the supervisor for the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter, said July 5 is their busiest day of the year.

“People are coming in or calling, looking for their lost pets or bringing in pets they’ve found,” Armes said. “Sadly, many pet owners never come in to retrieve their dogs or cats.” [Read more…]

Council to discuss electronic signs, land banks, mall partnership

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Rivers Total Car Care Electronic Sign

The Oak Ridge City Council will discuss proposed changes to the city’s electronic sign ordinance during a Monday evening work session. Pictured above is Toney Stevens of Rivers Total Car Care, who has participated in the discussion.

The Oak Ridge City Council on Monday will discuss a proposed ordinance that would prohibit animated video and scrolling messages on electronic signs.

Council will also discuss economic development options related to a public-private partnership on Oak Ridge Mall properties, and commercial and industrial areas of the city.

During a non-voting work session Monday night, Council will also hear a presentation on land bank legislation. The work session starts at 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the Central Services Complex on Woodbury Lane. [Read more…]

USEC donates to Emory Valley Center campaign

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USEC Donates to Emory Valley Center

Pictured above from left to right are Robin Biloski, Emory Valley Center development director; Dottie Thompson and Gene Caldwell, co-chairs of the EVC Capital Campaign; and Bob Eby of USEC Inc. (Submitted photo)

Emory Valley Center recently received a donation from USEC for its capital campaign to build a new facility on Emory Valley Road, a press release said.

“Emory Valley Center has always been such a vital part of our community in helping so many adults and children in our region,” said Bob Eby, director of Centrifuge Technology and Process Engineering of USEC in Oak Ridge. “All of us at USEC are so happy to play a part in providing a new center for the many who receive their services.” [Read more…]

IDB to discuss contract on Bethel Valley lot, agreement with Chamber

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The Oak Ridge Industrial Development Board on Monday will discuss a contract to purchase a lot in the Bethel Valley Industrial Park and an agreement with the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

The IDB meets at 4 p.m. Monday in the Municipal Building Training Room.

Lecture to focus on translating ORNL technology from lab bench to clinic

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Submitted

The Friends of ORNL will hold its monthly luncheon lecture meeting on Tuesday, July 9.

This month, Cymbeline Culiat will discuss “Translating an ORNL Technology from Lab Bench to the Clinic: The NELL1 Story.” This meeting is open to the public. [Read more…]

State investigates late-night boat collision on Norris Lake

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A late night two-boat collision on Norris Lake resulted in one injury and one arrest, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said in a Sunday evening press release.

Union County Wildlife Officer Rick Roberts reported that on Saturday around midnight between Waterside Marina and Point 19, a runabout style boat carrying five passengers struck a pontoon boat carrying six passengers from behind. The collision sent two occupants of the runabout, who were not wearing life jackets, into the water. A nearby boat rescued the two ejected passengers.

A female passenger onboard the pontoon boat sustained minor head injuries and was transported to Tennova-North Knoxville Medical Center, the TWRA said. [Read more…]

B&W Y-12 donates $2,500 to Girl Scouts summer camp program

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B&W Y-12 Donates to Girl Scouts

Booth Kammann, (center, left), CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians, accepts a $2,500 donation from Nancy Johnson, B&W Y-12’s vice president of Business Services and Performance Assurance. (Submitted photo)

Booth Kammann, chief executive officer of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians, recently accepted a $2,500 donation from Nancy Johnson, B&W Y-12’s vice president of Business Services and Performance Assurance.

The money will help fund the summer program at Camp Tanasi, located near Andersonville on Norris Lake.

Joining Kammann and Johnson in the picture at left are, from left, Rebekka Range, Anna Vacaliuc, Andrea Range, and Marian Vacaliuc.

Elder Watch group, county recognize seniors

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Elder Watch Poster Contest Winners

Pictured above from left are David Vudragovich; Rhiana Prince, a runner-up in a poster contest sponsored by Elder Watch of Anderson County; Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank; Ethan Onstott, holding a proclamation from Anderson County Government; and Heather Emert, membership development director for the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce. (Submitted photo)

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Elder Watch of Anderson County recently recognized winners of a student poster contest promoting care and support for senior citizens.

Rhiana Prince, who attends school in Oak Ridge, was one of the many students who participated in the local organization’s contest. Prince recently visited the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton to be recognized by Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank.

During her visit, Prince and Elder Watch of Anderson County board member David Vudragovich also received a proclamation from the county mayor on behalf of Elder Watch of Anderson County. The document proclaimed June 15, 2013, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Anderson County. On the night of June 15, Elder Watch of Anderson County “painted” the Anderson County Courthouse in purple light to mark the importance of the day. [Read more…]

Red Tent Women’s Group to meet Saturday, July 6

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The Red Tent Women’s Group will meet at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church. All women are welcome, a press release said. Although there is no child care available, nursing mothers are welcome to attend. Teen girls are encouraged to participate as well.

This group is a place where a woman can set aside the mantles of wife, mother, or daughter, and just celebrate being a female in all the many aspects life offers. The group is non-denominational, open-minded, and works to promote honest discussions about womanhood. [Read more…]

CONTACT Care Line pancake breakfast on July 13

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CONTACT Care Line is hosting a pancake breakfast at Lincoln’s Sports Grille from 8-10 a.m. July 13.

Tickets are $5 and may be purchased from any board member or at the door. All proceeds will benefit CONTACT’s crisis call lines, which serve a nine-county region, including Anderson, Blount, Grainger, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Roane, Sevier, and Union counties.

CONTACT has been in operation in Oak Ridge since 1973 and is celebrating its 40th year of service to the community, a press release said. [Read more…]