WVLT has the story: (link...).

-- OneTahiti

Want to see what various police groups got from the Pentagon? Scroll down to the picklist on this page to search by state and department: (link...)

-- OneTahiti

The West Roane County VFD website has updated safety links for this holiday season:

Toy and Product safety: (link...).
Christmas Tree Fire videos: ((link...)), plus more on Youtube ((link...))
Winter fire safety tips: ((link...))
Holiday fire safety fact sheet: ((link...), PDF).

-- OneTahiti

Hi all,

I just learned that TDEC is hold a public hearing about a permit that TVA is applying for converting their coal ash landfill to a dry stack system. This decision is being made just a month before the EPA is scheduled to but out a decision about the coal ash rule. The public notice is below.

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
Division of Solid Waste Management
William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 14th Floor
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
(615) 532-0780

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FOR A SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM), will conduct a public hearing to receive 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. It is worth noting that TVA is moving from wet placement of its coal combustion residuals to a dry stacking waste management process. The dry stack landfill method will produce a more stable final fill.

The hearing, which is being scheduled in response to public comments received to date by the DSWM, will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 in the Roane County Circuit Courtroom at 200 East Race Street, Kingston, TN 37763. From 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST, citizens are invited to inspect and discuss the permit application, draft permit, fact sheet, plans, and other materials with the DSWM and with representatives of the applicant. There will be an opportunity for public comments to be recorded or written and submitted from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The formal hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. The DSWM will explain its tentative decision to issue the permit, after which the applicant's representative will describe the proposed facility. DSWM will then receive oral comments on the draft permit from the public.

The facility, identified as IDL730000211, is located in Roane County, at 714 Swan Pond Road, approximately 2 ½ miles southeast of Harriman, Tennessee (latitude 35°53'30" N/ longitude 84°30'30" W). No hazardous wastes, as regulated by the Tennessee Hazardous Waste Management Act (Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-212-101, et. seq.) and the Rules adopted pursuant to the Act, shall be accepted for disposal at this facility. The official responsible for operation of the facility is Mr. Brian D. Keeling, Kingston Fossil Plant Manager, TVA, 714 Swan Pond Road, Harriman, TN 37748; telephone: (865) 632-2101. The person responsible for permit applications is Mr. Amos L. Smith, P. G., TVA, Waste Permits, Compliance, and Monitoring, 1101 Market Street, BR4A, Chattanooga, TN 37402; telephone: (423) 751-7636.

The draft permit documents may be viewed at the following web site:
(link...)
Under the SWM Permit tab, type IDL730000211 in the search function to link to the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant Gypsum Landfill information.

Following an in-depth review of the application, DSWM has made a preliminary determination that this proposal meets the applicable requirements of Tennessee Rule Chapter 0400-11-01, Solid Waste Processing and Disposal. However, due to the receipt of a request for a public hearing received during the designated comment period, which ended on October 27, 2014, a public hearing will be held to further consider this decision. It is the present intent of DSWM, pending consideration of any contrary technical information received during the hearing, that this permit be issued. The public comment period has been extended, accordingly, to December 16, 2014.

The public is also invited to submit comments in writing to: Mr. Greg Luke, DSWM, William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave, 14th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243; email greg.luke@tn.gov; telephone: 615-532-0874; fax 615-532-0938. Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. CST on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 to assure consideration. After considering all public comments, the DSWM Director will issue a final permit decision and a Response to Comments, which can be viewed at the Kingston Public Library; or at the DSWM Environmental Field Office in Knoxville, Tennessee; or at the TDEC William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower.

If you wish to review the data for this proposal or obtain further information prior to the hearing, please contact the DSWM at the TDEC Knoxville Environmental Field Office, 3711 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921; telephone: (865) 594-6035; or at the TDEC Division of Solid Waste Management, William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 14th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243; telephone: 615-532-0780. A copy of the data on this proposal may also be viewed at the Kingston Public Library; telephone: (865) 376-9905.

TDEC is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. The department does not unlawfully discriminate on any basis prohibited by applicable law in any of its programs, services or activities.

EEO/AA inquiries or complaints may be directed to the EEO/AA Coordinator, Office of General Counsel, at 1-888-867-7455. ADAAA inquiries or complaints should be directed to the ADAAA Coordinator, HR Division, at 1-866-253-5827. Hearing impaired callers may use the Tennessee Relay Service (1-800-848-0298).

Persons who wish to be on the DSWM’s mailing list should obtain a Mailing List Request form by calling or writing the Public Participation Officer, DSWM, TDEC, William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 14th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243, telephone: (615) 532-0788, email: solid.waste@tn.gov

The Rockwood Ministerial Association (RMA, (link...)) runs the Food Pantry in Rockwood and also gives out Christmas baskets in December. This year RMA hopes to give out over 300 Christmas baskets filled with food.

Help pack baskets Dec. 19 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Rockwood at 328 W. Rockwood Street.

-- OneTahiti

The Rockwood Ministerial Association (RMA, (link...)) runs the Food Pantry in Rockwood. The Food Pantry feeds an average of over 1000 people each month.

They also give out Christmas baskets in December. This year RMA hopes to give out over 300 Christmas baskets filled with food. Sign-up between 10 a.m. and noon weekdays from Nov. 10-21 in the Food Pantry. Bring identification and documentation of income.

Kroger shoppers may set West Roane County Volunteer Fire as their designated charity to receive funds from Kroger's Community Rewards® program. Sign in or create an account at (link...). Then designate West Roane County Volunteer Fire as your charity at (link...). After that, shop as usual at Kroger's, swiping your card.

Amazon shoppers may set West Roane County Volunteer Fire as their designated charity

We want to thank the kind volunteers at West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department ((link...)), and also RoaneViews' WhitesCreek and the fine folks at Rockwood Electric. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful neighbors and friends. Here is what happened.

The Tennessean ((link...)) reports that Kroger is changing its 'give back' donation program. Now shoppers will be able to designate a charity online at: (link...).

Charities that want to participate should sign up online: (link...). I checked, and so far Ridge View Elementary, Rockwood Food Pantry (Rockwood Ministerial Association), and West Roane County VFD are not yet signed up; I hope they sign up soon.

-- OneTahiti

Please join us at the East Tennessee Labor Day Picnic.

Theme: Don’t Let Millionaires Buy Elections. Drop Everything and Vote!

When: Monday Sept. 1, Noon – 3 PM
(Mary Headrick will be there starting at 11 AM in case folks want to chat.)

Where: Roane County Park, Shelter 2, 3515 Hwy 70, Harriman, TN

Come enjoy the food, music (Joey Price Project, JOLT), door prizes, and fun!

Tickets $10 each, Children under 12 free. Tickets may be purchased in advance (call 865-466-0418) or at the check-in table.

Keynote Speaker: Mary Headrick, Democratic Candidate 3rd District Congress
Speaker: Terry Adams

Sponsored by Roane County Democratic Party.

See the flyer: (link...).

-- OneTahiti

The Rockwood Ministerial Association ((link...)), which runs the Food Pantry, is sponsoring its annual charity golf tournament at the Rockwood Golf and Country Club on Saturday, August 9th, starting at 8 am.

The cost is $100.00 per person to play on teams of four, OR supporters may sponsor a hole for $100.00. Each hole will have a sign with the name of the person or business sponsor.

The nonprofit, nonsectarian Rockwood Ministerial Association ((link...)) runs the Rockwood Food Pantry and Community Aid Fund which help hundreds of children and local families.

The RMA is sponsoring its annual charity golf tournament at the Rockwood Golf and Country Club on Saturday, August 9th, starting at 8 am.

The cost is $100.00 each to play on teams of four, OR supporters may sponsor a hole for $100.00. Each hole will have a sign with the name of the person or business sponsor.

Call 354-1892 to register or sponsor a hole, or email rberryins@aol.com.

The Food Pantry is a worthy cause and your donation is tax deductible.

Click for a map showing the golf course or use the little interactive map below.

-- OneTahiti

The Three Soldiers (also known as The Three Servicemen) is a bronze statue on the Washington, DC National Mall commemorating the Vietnam War. It was created and designed to complement the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, by adding a more traditional component to the Memorial.

A replica, sculpted by Greg Horak of Harriman, now stands in Riverfront Park in Harriman, Tennessee. It is believed to be the largest replica of the memorial in the state, if not anywhere outside DC.

The Three Soldiers (also known as The Three Servicemen) is a bronze statue on the Washington, DC National Mall commemorating the Vietnam War. It was created and designed to complement the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, by adding a more traditional component to the Memorial.

The CREATIVE ARTS CO-OP is closed. May 15, 2014 was our last night.

To those of you who came to a show or took a class,
THANK YOU.
You made it all possible.

West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual "elegant junk" yard 'sale' at Station 1 on Pumphouse Road near Rockwood on May 16 and 17 (Friday and Saturday) from 7:00 AM Friday round the clock to 2:00 PM Saturday.

Chief Charlie Redwine of West Roane County Volunteer Fire Department (WRCVFD) is pleased to announce the results from the Insurance Services Office, Inc., (ISO) 11/2013 inspection:

WRCVFD's classification has improved from a 6/9 to a class 5/8b. I would like to thank those who worked so hard in getting our department ready for this inspection. As with any fire department and community it is a big deal for us. Hats off to those who assisted. A copy of the Score Summary is available for review at Station One.

Join the Creative Arts Co-op for a pasta dinner and kid's activities on Saturday, March 1.

The Creative Arts Co-op (located at 426 Ruritan Rd., Harriman) is hosting a community night/fundraiser to help current arts projects at the Co-op. From high school level musicals to summer camps, the Creative Arts Co-op offers arts opportunities for youth of all ages as well as professional level shows.
'Celebrating Seuss!' will offer a pasta dinner with salad, bread, and beverages. Seuss style activities will include craft activities, games, and stories.

Join the Creative Arts Co-op for a pasta dinner and kid's activities on Saturday, March 1.

The Creative Arts Co-op (located at 426 Ruritan Rd., Harriman) is hosting a community night/fundraiser to help current arts projects at the Co-op. From high school level musicals to summer camps, the Creative Arts Co-op offers arts opportunities for youth of all ages as well as professional level shows.

'Celebrating Seuss!' will offer a pasta dinner with salad, bread, and beverages. Seuss style activities will include craft activities, games, and stories.

Don't have kids? Join us for a dinner and conversation!

All of the donations directly benefit the Co-op's projects in Roane County - for Roane County.

For more information, contact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...)

"The MIT Living Wage Calculator lets you figure out how much is 'enough' to live in your county by comparing the living wage—based on the barebones cost of housing, food, transportation, and child and health care—against the poverty wage and the minimum wage."

"This is not a middle class lifestyle—the living wage does not include any savings and only one set of clothing for either hot and cold weather, not both."

"Tennessee Valley Authority is asking all electric customers, including residential, commercial and industrial customers, to voluntarily reduce their use of electricity until Friday afternoon." See the WATE story: (link...).

-- OneTahiti

Sixty 4th-grade students in Midtown Elementary are hoping for 5 microscopes to use in science classes. They have a project at DonorsChoose.org, but there are only 18 days before the request times out, and there is $900.24 remaining to be raised.

Please consider donating to help these kids realize their dream: (link...). Even small donations can add up.

-- OneTahiti

Announcement from Jane Fowler of TennesseeRiverValleyGeoTourism.org:

Visit Knoxville, the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council, Plan East Tennessee and the East Tennessee River Valley Geotourism Council would like to invite you to an important regional workshop on December 3 at the East Tennessee History Center 601 S. Gay St., Knoxville, TN from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Geotourism: Exploring Strategies for Sustainable Economic Development in Middle East Tennessee is a half-day program that will explore ways to enhance Geotourism and sustainable travel and business practices as a long-term economic driver for the region. The program will feature presentations by regional experts and opportunities to interact with your peers. Learn about the growth and benefits of geotourism and successful examples of greening communities and businesses. Work with others to develop ideas for regional geotours and consider promising strategies for collaboratively marketing your geotourism sites.

There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. A complimentary lunch will be provided. To reserve your place, please email Jane Fowler at jf@southeastwaterforum.org by November 22, 2013.

For more information, see this pdf: (link...).

To log into the content manager for the East Tennessee Geotourism website: (link...)

-- OneTahiti

I missed this when it first came out a couple of weeks ago in Appalachian Voices: (link...).

-- OneTahiti

The Third Annual 'Terror in the Theatre' walk through haunted house will be held on October 25 & 26 at the Creative Arts Co-op Visual & Performing Arts Center, 426 Ruritan Road, Harriman. Tickets are just $5.00 at the door and the doors open at 7:30 on both nights.

For more information, please contact the Creative Arts Co-op at 865/765-1129 or visit (link...).

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has a Living Wage Calculator that gives wage requirements by city and county for various family sizes and spending categories. Here's Roane County: (link...).

-- OneTahiti

According to "the FBI’s latest statewide statistics" (via (link...) and (link...), with a tip of the hat to KnoxViews):

1. Tennessee
-- Violent crimes per 100,000: 643.6
-- Poverty rate: 17.9%
-- Pct. of population with bachelor’s degree or higher: 24.3%
-- Property crimes per 100,000: 3,371.4 (10th highest)

Tennessee has the dubious distinction of having the worst violent crime rate in the country.

"Due to the movie industry's decision to quit making 35 MM film after 2013, the Midtown Drive-In will close as a theatre. If there [are] a few movie companies that by chance change their policy and do continue to distribute movies on film then we may... run a limited schedule in 2014."

Read more at (link...).

-- OneTahiti

The Atlantic has the story: (link...).

-- OneTahiti