Tennessee Valley Authority announced plans to close down the Kingston Fossil Plant in coming years. Now, TVA is deciding what kind of energy it should use to replace the coal-fired plant.
Appalachian Voices, Sierra Club and local community members are holding a community meeting from 5:30-6:30 p.m. ET on June 14 at Kingston’s community center. Please join us to learn more about the proposal to replace the Kingston plant and how you can advocate for a clean energy future for Kingston and East Tennessee! Stay for the TVA open house that follows at 6:30 p.m. ET. RVSP for the community meeting today.

Hi all,

TDEC will hold a public hearing on the Kingston coal plant clean water permit on Monday, November 22 from 5:00 - 7:00p.m. at the Kingston Community Center. You can also join by phone or computer.

Here is a Sierra Club RSVP form

Here is a page where you can submit comment on the permit.

SOCM is hosting an online community conversation on this public input process on Monday, November 15. https://www.facebook.com/events/440275314143912

The TDEC public notice is here.

Thanks for all that you do for your community!

Kick off the holiday season right!

Join us at the American Legion Hall in Harriman on November 30 at 7pm for the American classic 'It's a Wonderful Life - a live radio play'.

Tickets are just $10.00 and include the show, dessert, and beverage. Proceeds benefit the Harriman Public Library.
Any questions, just give them a call. See you there!

'Happy High School Reunion?' is this coming Saturday (August 25th) and the Lions of Harriman still have some tickets left!
I know --- I don't understand it either!!!

But the good news is - you can still get in on the fun. Now, this amazing evening includes:
Dinner buffet
Adult beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages
Dessert buffet
A live, interactive murder mystery show
and silent auction

And while all of that is really amazing, that's not even the best part!! The best part is that it benefits the Harriman Lions Club. Yep, that's right - the money that you spend on this super entertaining night out stays right here in Roane County working to make this county even better

Tickets are $40.00 per person and are all-inclusive.
Tickets sites include:
Roane Street Grill in Harriman
and
Roane Alliance in Kingston

or message me and we will get them to before they're all gone!

The Harriman Lions Club will be hosting the 2nd Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre to benefit their annual community projects. And that means that YOU get to enjoy a great dinner, amazing entertainment, a little mayhem, murder, revenge, payback, ... anyway, you get the idea.

So, here are the details:

The Lions Club is celebrating its centennial in 2017! And to commemorate this milestone, the Harriman Lions Club is hosting a tailgate party to die for!

The Harriman Chapter is hosting ‘Murder in the End Zone’ dinner theatre- an entertaining evening of good friends, great food, and murder. The night’s entertainment will include a full tailgate dinner buffet, dessert bar, and an interactive murder mystery that gets the audience out of their seats and into the hunt for a killer. There will also be a Silent Auction offering great gifts and getaways to the highest bidder.

The details are:
What: ‘Murder in the End Zone’ dinner theatre
When: Saturday, August 26, 2017
7:00pm
Where: American Legion Hall
624 Morgan Street (behind HUB)
Harriman, TN
Tickets: $40.00 pp (includes: dinner, dessert, beverages, and
show)
Tickets are available at the:
Roane County Chamber office
N. Kentucky Street
Kingston, TN

Have questions? Visit the Harriman Lions Club Facebook page.

Start your new year with a great new excercise: Tai Chi. There are so many great things associated with Tai Chi. If you need convincing, visit the website Taoist Tai Chi

For more information, see (link...).

-- OneTahiti

West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department ((link...)) will hold an open house on Saturday, July 23, from 9 am to 1 pm at Station No. 1 at 1303 Pumphouse Road in Rockwood, Tennessee.

Free 10-year smoke detectors are available while supplies last. Come see the firefighting equipment and our new fire truck, meet your volunteer firefighters, and visit with your neighbors.

A few Roane County classrooms have listed their funding hopes at DonorsChoose.org ((link...)). Some are about to time out (in 2 days, 6 days) without meeting their goals.

Please consider giving a tax-deductible donation to one or more of these classrooms and make some students very happy. Thank you for your attention. :)

-- OneTahiti

Just posted my photos from last night "gala" honoring Pat and Jim Henry! CLICK HERE!

As the New Year approaches, I am filled with happiness and gratitude for the sheer good fortune of living here.

This year was particularly memorable. Our brave and heroic neighbors, volunteers all, risked their own lives last February to save me and my mother--and others in our community--from icy deaths. The West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department astounded us with their kind good works during the storm and electrical outage, and helped us for months after.

Please consider donating to this fine and worthy group in this season of giving. Every little bit helps! Go to WestRoane.com.

-- OneTahiti

A number of classes in Roane County are hoping for help on DonorsChoose.org: (link...)

One group of 3rd - 5th graders in Rockwood has only 4 days left on DonorsChoose before their project times out: (link...). They have raised some, but are still $168.06 from their goal.

In the spirit of this holiday season, please consider donating to one of these deserving classrooms. You can help make these students' dreams come true. Every donation helps.

-- OneTahiti

'TIS THE SEASON...

What: CHILI SUPPER FUNDRAISER

When: Saturday, November 28, 2015
11:00am-2:00pm
Where: at the 4-H Conference Center
on Rt. 70 in Midtown (between the AgCentral Co-op and
Harriman Church of God)
Who: Homegrown 4-H Service Project

WHY: The 4-Hers are helping American Legion Post 53 raise
money for the Korean War Memorial in Riverfront Park.
The project is a work in progress with one statue in
place.

100% of donations collected will go directly to the War
Memorial Fund.

ADDED BENEFITS: You don't have to cook,
it's not leftover turkey (again),
and you'll be helping a worthy cause.

After all, we are here because our veterans were there.

For more information or questions, please call 4-H office at 865-376-5558.

It's your last chance - don't miss out!

BOO-TOWN will be open nightly Thursday (10/29) through Saturday (10/31), and then it's gone...!

Join us for a family friendly Halloween - complete with games, craft vendors, storytellers, bouncy house, magic, and more. There is even an additional Haunted Hayride (if you dare...). Tickets are $5 for kids, $8 for adults (Hayride extra). Hours are 5:00-10:00pm nightly.

Boo-Town is located at the TN Medieval Faire site at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman. Visit (link...) for more information

The fun is closer than you think!

A very enthusiastic thanks to the Road County Road Department...the Caney Creek Bridge...one of the most picturesque bridge settings in the state is getting a fresh coat of paint...it is looking great. The littering along Caney Creek and all around the Roiane County Park has dropped remarkedly...yeehah! What a beautiful county we have...the county is a natural park....Take a drive out Caney Creek... honk twice!!!
I wish I had a picture of the bridge...I will tomorrow....here is the sunrise out toward The main channel from the Caney Creek inlet.....hope this posts right

Are you ready for a merry-not-too-scary, outdoor, Halloween adventure?!? Come to Boo-Town--a new, family-friendly, Halloween event at the TN Medieval Faire site (550 Fiske Rd, Harriman, TN). If you like costumes (Steampunk, Cosplay, Princesses, Pirates, Medieval, Theatre...) Boo-Town is the place for you!

5 show days: Oct 23-24, 29-30-31. Hours 5-10p EDT.
Tickets sold at gate. We can accept cash & credit cards. Free parking.

General Admission [Rain or Shine]
$5 (ages 2-12), $8 (ages 13+)
Visit Treat Village and the Bouncy House. Play the Games and listen to the Story-Tellers. Join in the Costume Parade (6-6:30 nightly), and Monster Music & Dance - plus enjoy the Costumed Characters. Don’t forget the Crafts, Food, Beer, and Soda available for purchase.

And if you dare…
Haunted Hayride [Fair weather only]
Additional $10 (ages 8+ only)
Ride through the deep, dark woods, pulled by an ancient tractor and even more ancient driver! Ghouls await! What could go wrong?!?

More info: (link...). 865-248-8414 TNMedievalFaire@gmail.com or TMFaire@comcast.net

West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department ((link...)) has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for a new tank truck. However, West Roane VFD is required to match 5% ($10,166) of the cost of the $200,000+ truck.

On Friday at 5 PM, support the West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department and have some good food and fellowship too! Chief Charlie Redwine donated his grant-writing skills to get a usually elusive $200,000+ grant from FEMA for a much-needed new tank truck.

However, the community is required to raise 5% (a little over $10,000) to quality for this substantial grant. So, come to the Chili/Soup Fundraiser Supper on 9/25, have some fun, and help these fine volunteers get that truck.

Read more at: (link...).

-- OneTahiti

West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department ((link...)) has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for a new tank truck. However, West Roane VFD is required to match 5% ($10,166) of the cost of the $200,000+ truck.

The Rockwood Ministerial Association is hosting a Golf Tournament on Saturday, August 1st at 8am. The Tournament will be played at the Rockwood Golf Course (5159 Roane State Hwy, Rockwood). Cost is $100 a player ($400 for teams of 4). Businesses and individuals are also invited to sponsor a hole for $100.

The Rockwood Ministerial Association is an all volunteer run ministry that serves those in need in Rockwood. The largest ministry is the food pantry. For more information about the RMA, check out: (link...). For more information about the tournament, contact: Kara Foster at fcckara@bellsouth.net or 354-1753

Public Comment Collection Session on TVA Kingston Fossil Plant Class II Landfill Major Modification

Date & Time: Monday, June 29, 2015 from 5 to 7 pm

Meeting Location: Room C of the Kingston Parks and Rec Center, 201 Patton Ferry Rd, Kingston, TN 37763

WC - a few days ago you mentioned the CASA 5K run held at Roane State each year. Of course, CASA is a wonderful and very necessary cause.

I found out - via the RCN! - that this years CASA run/walk is being held in honor of and dedicated to a long-time friend of mine, Dick Evans. Dick, a Kingston attorney, has strongly supported CASA forever. I think it is totally fitting that this run this year is in his honor.

Come support your fire department this weekend and find some bargains too! This huge annual charity event will be held as always at Station #1 on Pumphouse Road just outside Rockwood. Hours are May 1, 7 AM to 7 PM and May 2, 7 AM to 2 PM. For more information, see WestRoane.com ((link...)).

The West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department will have its annual elegant junk 'yard sale' at Station 1 on Pumphouse Road, Rockwood. Please call 865-354-8201 to arrange for pick-up or to drop-off your slightly used items.

UPDATED: Hours: May 1, 7 AM to 7 PM; May 2, 7 AM to 2 PM.

Also, please limit the amount of clothing donated since we have limited remaining clothing space.

Support the West Roane VFD and have fun at the same time. Donate, then shop! Come meet with your neighbors and find bargains.

The dedicated volunteers of the West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department make hundreds of runs each year; about half have been emergency medical calls and the rest were fires, searches, rescues, vehicle extrications, and a long list of other categories.

WRCVFD is a Roane County United Way Partner Agency.

-- OneTahiti

...Winter Storm Warning in effect from 1 am Monday to 7 am EST Tuesday...

The National Weather Service in Morristown has issued a Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow...which is in effect from 1 am Monday to 7 am EST Tuesday. The Winter Storm Watch is no longer in effect.

* Event...a winter storm will bring accumulating heavy snowfall of 4 to 7 inches in the great Tennessee Valley...with locally higher amounts possible.

* Timing...late Sunday night through Monday night.

I'm liking this weather site: Wunderground.com

Comment on the Kingston Coal Ash Landfill
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM), is receiving public comments on its tentative decision to issue a solid waste disposal facility major modification to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for construction, operation, closure, and post-closure care of the existing Class II landfill for the disposal of industrial waste consisting of gypsum waste, fly ash, bottom ash boiler slag, cinders, and clinkers generated onsite from the burning of coal and the operation of air pollution control equipment by the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant – IDL730000211. Comments will be accepted until 4:30 pm CST February 9, 2015.

The Tennessee Chapter of the Sierra Club and our partners believe that TDEC should revoke this permit and require TVA to find a geologically suitable location for this landfill on-site.

TAKE ACTION

Currently the landfill will be located over karst [limestone] topography, in an area that has significant sinkholes and is generally unstable. A bedrock contour diagram of the area suggests many areas where there is a potential of sinkhole collapse.

TVA already had a catastrophic dropout in 2010, during the first filling of the landfill. This dropout was so rapid it caused a vortex in the waste and resulted in contamination to the Clinch River. More sinkholes were discovered when the leak blowout was repaired. It is highly likely that another dropout will dump coal ash waste into the river if TVA is allowed to move forward with this landfill at this site.

TDEC is violating its own regulations if it permits a coal ash dump in an area that is unstable.

Groundwater monitoring requirements in the draft permit are wholly inadequate and do not require monitoring of all coal ash pollutants. TVA’s failure to monitor for these toxic metals is dangerous. TVA has tested for coal ash constituents previously at this site, knows it has found toxics, and needs to expand and improve monitoring. State solid waste regulations strongly encourage monitoring for coal ash constituents. Given the history of coal ash contamination caused by waste at the Kingston plant, it makes no sense for TDEC to allow TVA to operate this landfill without adequate groundwater monitoring requirements.

Adding coal ash to the previously allowed gypsum creates a greater risk from toxic metals being leached from the ash. Fly ash on average has much higher levels of metals than ordinary soils. Fly ash has twice the arsenic, three times the cadmium, almost twice the lead, twice the mercury, 20 time the selenium. TVA earlier detected a plume of selenium from the liquid gypsum slurry first dumped into stage 1 of this landfill.

The draft permit contains variances that pose a significant threat to the surrounding surface and groundwater. TDEC has specially allowed the landfill too close to the Clinch River. TDEC should require a much larger buffer zone because the 2010 sinkhole blowout show waste can reach the river so fast that is not detected and stopped before it hits the water. This landfill full of toxic ash could be flooded when the Clinch floods.

Please add your own comments to those provided and submit them by e-mail on Tuesday at 4:30. or have them postmarked on Tuesday.

TAKE ACTION! Submit Comments here

First-graders at Ridge View Elementary in Rockwood have raised most of the funds they want for LED writing tablets, but still have $145 $138 $132 $0 to go. Help these students by donating at DonorsChoose.org ((link...)). Every little bit can make a difference!

-- OneTahiti

I got to the fire around 2:30 and stayed about an hour and a half. The building caved inward between 5 and 5:30.

West Roane VFD ((link...)) receives their first quarterly donation check from Kroger this month. So far the donation averages over $25 per signed-up family per month. Thank you, Kroger!

If you shop at Kroger and want to get more donations for the fire department by shopping as usual, here's how to sign up:

TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM: