Oak Ridge Today

Students, teachers come to Oak Ridge for summer science learning, fun

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ARC, ORAU, and ORNL Summer High School Institute

Participants of the 2014 ARC/ORNL/ORAU High School Institute. (Photo courtesy ORAU)

 

While the majority of young students were using their break from school to enjoy nice weather and a variety of summer activities, 34 exceptional high school students along with 13 teachers from across 12 Appalachian states chose to spend two weeks of their summer vacation participating in a hands-on institute focused on math, science, and technology.

The Appalachian Regional Commission, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Oak Ridge Associated Universities hosted the 25th annual High School Summer and Math-Science-Technology Institute from July 7-18, during which the students and teachers worked on cutting-edge science projects with mentors at ORNL and participated in a variety of East Tennessee tours and activities.

Students were nominated by their state governor and chosen to participate in the program by ARC. They were selected based on their potential to excel in math and science, to continue in higher learning, and to influence others in their communities as the leaders of tomorrow.

Since 2000, the program has provided a total of 542 students and 223 teachers with in-lab learning experiences at one of the nation’s premier national laboratories. In addition, they have had the opportunity to visit some of the area’s most popular educational and recreational attractions. [Read more…]

AC Water Authority completes Lake City project; Park Road extension almost done

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Lake City Water Authority

Officials with the Anderson County Water Authority, Lake City, and Anderson County governments gather at the new waterline extension valve control station in Lake City. (Photo courtesy of Anderson County government)

CLINTON—The Anderson County Water Authority has completed a water line extension project near the Lake City Industrial Park and is nearing completion of the five-mile water line extension on Park Road in Andersonville, a press release said.

Representatives of the Water Authority and government officials from both Anderson County and Lake City recently gathered to celebrate the completion of the water line extension. The water line extension and control valve station in front of the nursing home was part of the effort to provide increased water pressure to that area.

The Lake City project included installing between 700 feet and 1,000 feet of new six-inch water pipe off an existing eight-inch line and the valve control station, according to Jack Shelton, ACWA board member.

“It’s an exciting time for Lake City as we are striving to improve our water distribution system for our town,” said Andrew Howard, a Lake City Council member. “Lake City is very proud of our Water and Sewer Department as well as Anderson County Water Authority. Our own Water and Sewer Superintendent, Travis Thrasher, worked closely with ACWA to strive to provide efficient services to our community. We are thankful to be a part of community utilities that are able to work together closely.” [Read more…]

Haslam recommends ARC grants, including for Anderson County, Tech 20/20

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Governor Bill Haslam

Bill Haslam

NASHVILLE—Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam this week recommended 19 Appalachian Regional Commission grants, including $200,000 for Anderson County sewer improvements and another $200,000 for a Tech 20/20 project.

The grants are meant to help state and local agencies, governmental entities, local governing boards, or nonprofit organizations with infrastructure improvements, a press release said. [Read more…]

Emory Valley Center receives $500,000 ARC grant award for new building

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Emory Valley Center Appalachian Regional Commission Grant

Local, state, and federal officials have supported a $500,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant for a new building for the Emory Valley Center in Oak Ridge. (Submitted photo)

A $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help the Emory Valley Center build a new facility, a press release said.

The new building will be constructed next to the EVC’s current administration office on Emory Valley Road in Oak Ridge.

The funding for the first phase of the project includes design and architectural fees as well as some initial construction costs, the press release said. Site work will include grading, tree and stump removal, fencing, and environmental protections such as settling basins.

The initial infrastructure work includes installation of underground utilities such as water, sewer, electrical, and telecommunication lines, the press release said.

[Read more…]

Students from Appalachia attend high school science camp

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High School Summer Science Camp

Three dozen high school students from 12 Appalachian states participate in a math, science, technology institute this month. (Photo submitted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities)

Three dozen high school students and 14 teachers from 12 Appalachian states spent two weeks in East Tennessee this month for a math, science, and technology camp.

The camp was hosted by two local organizations, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Oak Ridge Associated Universities, as well as the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The students and teachers were able to work with mentors at ORNL during the hands-on camp, the 23rd annual High School Summer and Math-Science-Technology Institute. They also participated in East Tennessee tours and activities.

[Read more…]