The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats open the regular soccer season at Anderson County today (Tuesday, August 16).
The game starts at 6 p.m.
You can see the season schedule here.
County agrees to spend up to $100,000 to fix computer security breach
The Anderson County Courthouse on Main Street in Clinton is pictured above. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
CLINTON—A computer security breach in Anderson County could have affected about 1,800 full-time and part-time government employees, and the Anderson County Commission has agreed to spend up to $100,000 to fix it.
Officials said the breach was discovered in the “later part of July.” But they declined to say who discovered it and how. The breach is under investigation by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, with technical support from other unnamed law enforcement agencies.
Natalie Erb, the new finance director in Anderson County, offered potential solutions to commissioners during a Monday evening meeting. The options included a lower-cost option of reformatting the computer equipment, or magnetically “wiping” it, and possibly reusing the gear, or a more expensive option of replacing the machines, including two servers in the Accounting Department and 26 workstations.
The consensus among commissioners—especially since confidential employee information could have been jeopardized—was that it would be better to start over with new, more state-of-the-art equipment that would not have any potential security risks remaining inside, at least not from the security breach that is currently being investigated. Commissioners voted 16-0 to spend up to $100,000 to address the problem. That motion was made by Commissioner Chuck Fritts, who was one of those who raised concerns about how employees might have been affected. [Read more…]
United Way 2016 Campaign kicks off today
The 2016 United Way of Anderson County Fundraising Campaign starts today (Monday, August 15).
“The fundraising campaign is being valiantly led this year by Bear Stephenson and Carroll Welch,” a press release said.
“This year also unveils a new mission statement for the organization: United Way of Anderson County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good,” the press release said. “We focus on youth development, self-sufficiency, and senior and health services—the building blocks for a good life and strong community.”
The new mission statement focuses on United Way’s renewed goals of mobilizing volunteers, creating lasting change, and empowering social service programs that serve Anderson County citizens, the release said. In addition, the new mission statement highlights United Way of Anderson County’s new focus areas: youth development, self-sufficiency, and senior and health services. [Read more…]
Mavericks tie in jamboree on Thursday
WYSH Radio/Oak Ridge Today
High school football preseason jamborees got under way Thursday night in East Tennessee.
At Hardin Valley in Knox County on Thursday, Anderson County and Powell played to a 14-14 tie. The Mavericks’ sophomore quarterback Stanton Martin threw a pair of touchdown passes, one covering 23 yards to Ryan Moog and the other to Thashaud Thrasher from 24 yards out.
Powell scored twice late to tie the mini-game, which lasted for one quarter.
The Mavericks open their season at home this Friday against Greeneville. [Read more…]
Red Cross building—the city’s housing office in World War II—is for sale
The Red Cross building, which was the city’s housing office during World War II, is for sale. The building, which is on Oak Ridge Turnpike, is pictured above on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
The Red Cross building, which was used as the city’s housing office during World War II, is for sale.
The American Red Cross had been in the building since 1945, but it last had a part-time employee there in 2014.
It’s one of the few original Oak Ridge buildings remaining on Oak Ridge Turnpike or Illinois Avenue, said Mick Wiest, president of the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association.
A Red Cross official said the organization is trying to lower its overhead across the country and occupy fewer buildings. That leaves more money to serve clients, said Michelle Hankes, executive director of the Red Cross East Tennessee Chapter Office, which is based in Knoxville.
Much of the organization’s work is field work and can be conducted with a laptop and cell phone, Hankes said. [Read more…]
Computer security breach reported at main courthouse server in Anderson County
A computer security breach has been reported at the main courthouse server in Anderson County, officials said this week.
It’s a system-wide breach, said Anderson County Law Director Jay Yeager.
“The extent, type, and amount of data compromised has not yet been fully determined,” Yeager said. “However, this may include your confidential personal identifying data including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, health insurance information and claims, payroll information, bank accounts, routing numbers, Veterans Service Office benefit documents, and possible employee credit union account information.”
The notice was sent Monday to all Anderson County employees and retirees. Yeager also alerted elected officials, school officials and the school board, Veterans Service members, and county contractors.
“The Anderson County Commission is undertaking prompt efforts to protect this system and your confidential information from additional system intrusions,” Yeager said. “Law enforcement authorities are working diligently to determine the scope of the breach and identify possible perpetrators.” [Read more…]
Next Veterans Breakfast in Anderson County on Saturday
The next Veterans Breakfast in Anderson County is on Saturday, August 13, at the Clinton Community Center.
Military veterans from Anderson County are invited, a press release said.
The breakfast is hosted by Anderson County citizens, and it sponsored this month by AEG: American Employer Group in Clinton, the press release said.
“Chow line†opens at 8:30 a.m., and there will be a brief program at 9 a.m., the press release said. [Read more…]
Letter: McNutt an involved citizen, small business owner with desire to serve District 8
To the Editor:
I would like to ask other District 8 voters to join me in supporting Angeleque McNutt for County Commissioner.
While I certainly don’t want to discredit the other candidates who are running for this seat, and I appreciate their willingness to be involved in our county operations, I do feel that Angeleque has handled herself in a professional, informed, and non-confrontational manner since she was appointed in August 2015, and has proven herself to be a quick study on the issues affecting Anderson County, and in particular District 8.
In addition to her sworn duties as our District 8 representative, she has also demonstrated her desire for a deeper level of involvement through her participation in several committees within county government, as well as her general involvement in many community events/activities throughout Anderson County. [Read more…]
Photos: Synthetic turf at Anderson County football stadium
The synthetic turf field has been installed at Anderson County Mavericks football stadium, and the new field is pictured above on Friday, July 22, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
The synthetic turf field has been installed at the Anderson County Mavericks football stadium. The work was complete this month.
Here are photos of the new field from Friday, July 22.
More information about the field will be added as it becomes available.
The synthetic turf field has been installed at Anderson County Mavericks football stadium, and the new field is pictured above on Friday, July 22, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
Anderson County gets $40,000 tourism grant
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is pictured above during a visit by President Barack Obama at Pellissippi State Community College on Friday, January 9. (File photo by Rob Welton)
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd recently announced that 29 communities will receive close to $1 million in Tourism Enhancement Grants to assist communities with tourism infrastructure assets. Anderson County received a $40,000 grant.
“We want to congratulate all 29 communities on receiving Tourism Enhancement Grants,†Haslam said in a press release. “These grants showcase how great the partnership is between tourist development and economic development. With the support of these grants, each community will be better equipped to succeed in our state, and I look forward to seeing these Tennessee communities thrive.â€
The grants assist counties and cities in improving local assets to increase the economic impact of tourism.
“I am pleased to announce these 29 communities that have been awarded the Tourism Enhancement Grant,†Boyd said. “It is always exciting when communities choose to invest in economic development initiatives to grow and succeed in our state. Tourism development is economic development, and with the assistance of the Tourism Enhancement Grant and our partnership with Commissioner Kevin Triplett and the Department of Tourist Development, each community will be able to invest in their assets and grow their local economy.†[Read more…]
Chief Deputy Lucas thanks community for support of Sheriff’s Department
Mark Lucas
To the Anderson County community:
These are difficult times for the law enforcement profession. Since July 1, 10 officers have lost their lives in shootings. Two others died from vehicular assaults and two more from car crashes. Many others have been hurt or injured while performing their duties. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all officers that have died or been injured in the line of duty.
Our deputies are reminded to always be vigilant as they go about our duties—perhaps even into harm’s way—something they do every day without hesitation. Being safe and going home to their families at the end of the shift must remain foremost in their thoughts.
We have received many messages from our community extending their support for us, thanking us, and praying for our deputies. We are blessed to have a good relationship such as this in Anderson County. This is a direct result of what our deputies do—and how they do it—every single day. Our community supports us, and we support them. [Read more…]
NAACP meeting in Oliver Springs on Tuesday
The next Oak Ridge/Anderson County NAACP meeting will be at the administration building in Oliver Springs at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26.
“We encourage Oliver Springs residents to attend to share concerns and provide opportunities,” a press release said.
The agenda for the NAACP will remain the same for the next three month: Secretaries Report, Financial Report, Presidents report (feedback from the National Convention and July bi-monthly meeting), Civic Engagement/Political Action, Education Committee, Membership Committee, and timeline for October/November local election. [Read more…]
