Oak Ridge Today

ADFAC school supplies distribution under way

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Clinton Fire Department and ADFAC School Supplies

Members of the Clinton Fire Department spend a morning packing school supplies, loading the fire truck, and delivering them to Clinton schools. (Submitted photo)

 

Since Thursday, July 9, volunteers from all over Anderson County have been sorting donated school supplies for Oak Ridge and Anderson County schools, packing them in bags and backpacks that are loaded into vehicles and distributing the packed items to classrooms.

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties has been coordinating the collection, packing, and distribution of school supplies for 26 years. As a result, teachers aren’t obliged to spend their hard-earned money on items needed by their growing number of students from disadvantaged families.

Last year. ADFAC provided school supplies to more than 2,500 area students from disadvantaged families. This year, the local nonprofit service organization’s staff hopes to increase the number of school supplies by 12 percent with the help of ongoing support from the community. [Read more…]

TWRA officers rescue capsized kayakers from Clinch River in Clinton

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

CLINTON—Two wildlife officers from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency went into rescue mode late this evening, bringing a happy ending to what could have turned into a sad story, authorities said.

At around 5 p.m. Tuesday, Steve and Connie Hunter of Ten Mile, Tennessee, were enjoying a kayak float with their sons down the Clinch River near the Second Baptist Church in Clinton when both were capsized into 45 degree water. Their sons attempted to stay with them, but the strong current forced them downstream where they made it to shore and dialed 911.

TWRA Sergeant Roy Smith and Officer Jeff Roberson responded to the accident alongside Anderson County Rescue Squad, Clinton Police Department, and Anderson County Sheriff’s Department.

At around 5:20 p.m., Smith and Roberson located the Hunters clinging to a log overhanging the river. The officers brought the subjects into their patrol boat and transported them to shore where they were assessed by Anderson County EMS and released. [Read more…]

Clinton Christmas Parade winners announced

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Second Baptist Church Clinton Christmas Parade

The Clinton Christmas Parade, “A Christmas to Remember,” highlighted 92 entries on Saturday, Dec. 7, the largest to ever enter the parade.

Even though it was a cold and windy evening, a large crowd lined Market and Main streets to enjoy the hours of work on display in the floats, cars, trucks, and motorcycles, a press release said.

“Judges had their work cut out for them,” the release said. [Read more…]

Residents, pastors celebrate ‘In God We Trust’ signs on Anderson County Courthouse

Posted at
By 99 Comments

Bates Family of Lake City TN

The Bates family of Anderson County, including County Commissioner Zach Bates, left, and father and pastor Gil Bates, second from right, and mother Kelly Bates, right, sing “This Land is Your Land” and “God Bless America” during a Tuesday ceremony for new “In God We Trust” signs at the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton.

CLINTON—In a ceremony that featured pastors, prayers, and patriotic songs, a group of about 150 people watched Tuesday morning as the first of four signs emblazoned with the national motto “In God We Trust” was unveiled at the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton.

Supporters celebrated the installation of the seven-foot, 180-pound sign as a victory for the majority, a chance to honor the nation’s heritage.

“Whether you agree with this or disagree with this, the democratic process took place,” said Tom Byrge, director of missions for Clinton Baptist Association. “The majority of the U.S. citizens will continue to believe, and will not be ashamed to say, ‘In God We Trust.’” [Read more…]

Reader pics: Clinton Christmas Parade

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Clinton Christmas Parade First Place

A float by Second Baptist Church featuring a large sleigh and reindeer won first place in the Dec. 1 Christmas parade in Clinton. (Photos courtesy of Janet Hawkins)

A float by Second Baptist Church featuring a large sleigh and reindeer won first place in the Dec. 1 Christmas parade in Clinton.

Ridgedale Baptist Church placed second with a float featuring a large ark.

Anderson County Emergency Medical Services finished third.

[Read more…]