Oak Ridge Today

NWS forecasts wet holiday week, flood watch in effect

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

National Weather Service Holiday Week

The National Weather Service is forecasting a wet holiday week, and a flood watch is in effect through 8 p.m. Friday. (Image courtesy NWS/Morristown)

The National Weather Service in Morristown in forecasting a wet holiday week, and a flood watch remains in effect in East Tennessee from 8 p.m. today to 8 p.m. Friday.

Between two to five inches of rain is expected, with some local levels exceeding that, the Weather Service said.

The Weather Service is forecasting heavy rain tonight and Thursday, with thunderstorms or a chance of thunderstorms continuing through Sunday. The heavy rain could start tapering off late Friday. [Read more…]

Clinton, Norris, Lake City postpone fireworks

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Information from WYSH Radio

The city of Clinton has postponed its Independence Day fireworks show to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Lakefront Park. This will be a fireworks-only display as all other pre-show festivities have been canceled.

The threat of steady, soaking rainfall Wednesday through Friday has also forced Norris to postpone Norris Day and all the activities on the Norris Commons until Friday, July 26. [Read more…]

July 4 fireworks in Oak Ridge rescheduled to Sunday

Posted at
By 3 Comments

July 4, 2012 Fireworks

The July 4 fireworks show in Oak Ridge has been rescheduled for 10 p.m. Sunday at A.K. Bissell Park. (Photo by Charles Samuels)

The July 4 fireworks in Oak Ridge have been rescheduled from Thursday to Sunday, an official said Tuesday.

“After consulting with the National Weather Service and our fireworks contractor Pyro Shows, I have made the decision to re-schedule the event,” Oak Ridge Fire Department Chief Darryl Kerley said in a press release. “The community investment is too great for the event to not be spectacular.”

He said heavy rain is expected Wednesday and Thursday, and that could cause problems setting up and loading the shells. The rain could also result in misfires during the Independence Day show and make it difficult for residents and visitors to sit outside and enjoy the display. [Read more…]

Guest column: Protecting your pets during the July 4 holiday

Posted at
By 6 Comments

Here are four simple tips on how to keep pets safe during the July 4 holiday, plus a few bonus tips on how to find a lost pet:

  1. Keep dogs and cats inside: Keep your pet indoors at all times during holiday celebrations. Try to walk your dogs before the firework festivities begin or when they end.
  2. Make them feel safe: Comfort your pets with petting, hugging, talking to them in a soothing voice, providing a treat, and staying nearby if possible. Make sure they can access their crate or “safe place.” [Read more…]

Volunteer Day at Oak Ridge Animal Shelter on Saturday

Posted at
By 8 Comments

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…]

July 4 plans announced for Clinton, Norris, Museum of Applachia

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Information from WYSH Radio

July 4 plans have been announced for Clinton, Norris, and the Museum of Appalachia.

Clinton—Clinton’s annual Independence Day fireworks show will be held at Lakefront Park again this year. Festivities get under way at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 4, with a host of activities for kids, live music, and more. Backyard Bouncers will have a 65-foot, three-lane “megawaterslide,” a bounce house, a two-lane slip and slide, a two-lane Bungee challenge, and an All-Stars basketball challenge. [Read more…]

Fireworks at A.K. Bissell Park tonight

Posted at
By 2 Comments

Oak Ridge’s annual fireworks show will start at 10 p.m. today at A.K. Bissell Park.

Radio host Jack Ryan from Merle 96.7 will broadcast live in the park at 6 p.m. and will play patriotic music during the fireworks.

The Oak Ridge Community Band will also play its annual Fourth of July concert in the Civic Center pavilion at 7:30 p.m.

The Family Friendly Knoxville website has posted information on other Independence Day events in the Knoxville area, including Kingston’s Smokin’ the Water and the Museum of Appalachia’s July 4 celebration and anvil shoot.

Anderson County authorities watching for impaired drivers

Posted at
By 4 Comments

The July 4 holiday is one of the deadliest, and Anderson County authorities are stepping up their efforts this week to catch drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.

“Too many people die behind the wheel each year due to those who choose to drive after drinking, so our deputies will be out in full force this Fourth of July showing zero tolerance for impaired drivers,” Anderson County Sheriff Paul White said in a press release.

[Read more…]

Fire chief explains fireworks policy

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Fireworks are devices consisting of a combination of explosives and combustibles, set off to generate colored lights, smoke, and noise for amusement. The explosives or combustibles are used for display.

Of ancient Chinese origin, fireworks evidently developed out of military rockets and explosive missiles and accompanied the spread of military explosives westward to Europe in the Middle Ages.

[Read more…]

Fireworks illegal in Oak Ridge

Posted at
By 4 Comments

It is illegal to set off fireworks in Oak Ridge or even have them, city officials said Thursday, a week before July 4.

The Oak Ridge Police Department can arrest anyone who has fireworks or sets them off, a city press release said.

[Read more…]