Drought keeping lake levels low concern
This shows the water level of Norris Lake right behind the dam, with the exposed dirt shoreline clearly visible. The lake is seven to eight feet below its normal summer level as the Memorial Day weekend approaches, caused by a drought that TVA says is the worst in almost 20 years. When it’s at full pool, the bare dirt is not visible. - G. Chambers Williams III
Drought conditions in East Tennessee are the worst in almost 20 years, which is keeping reservoir levels lower than normal, the Tennessee Valley Authority said Monday. Because of the lack of rainfall and runoff, many TVA reservoirs, including Norris, are not likely to reach their summer pool elevations in time for Memorial Day, which is the start of recreation season,” TVA spokesman Scott Brooks said. “For Norris in particular, levels are still within the operating range for this time of year, but about seven to eight feet below summer pool,” he said. Safety is the key concern with the lower levels during the boating season, and the area needs some sustained rainfall to cure the problem, the federal utility said. “Calendar-year-to-date rainfall and runoff are about 70% and 45% of normal, respectively,” Brooks said. “Runoff is key to filling the reservoirs. Right now, any rainfall is being soaked up by the ground and vegetation.” The Tennessee River is mostly in good shape, but many tributary reservoirs likely will not reach summer pool by Memorial Day, the agency said.
Read MoreCounty, schools appoint panel for Claxton site sale
Members of the Anderson County Commission appointed a task force during the May 18 meeting to oversee the sale of the Claxton Elementary School site after the new school is completed. The task force includes four county commissioners and three members of the county Board of Education. - Ben Pounds
A new task force will look at how to sell the current Claxton Elementary School site as a new school takes shape down the street. The Anderson County Commission and Anderson County Schools have selected members for the task force. The County Commission approved Commissioners Chad McNabb, Tracy Wandell, Denise Palmer and Sabra Beauchamp to serve on the task force at its May 18 meeting. At the same meeting, commissioners accepted Board of Education members Scott Gillenwaters, Jo Williams and Katherine Birkbeck, who were presented to the commission by Director of Schools Tim Parrott. The commission discussed adding a fourth school board member to maintain balance, but did not vote on or name that member. County Mayor Terry Frank and Parrott will serve ex-officio. The current school is at 2218 Clinton Highway, but Parrott has said the building has safety and security issues.
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Clinton summer ‘Market Nights’ set
Historic Downtown Clinton merchants will hold their summer “Market Nights” again this year, with three Saturday events on tap, beginning June 13 from 5-8 p.m. The additional two Market Nights will be held July 11 and Aug. 8, also from 5-8 p.m. Conducted by the Historic Downtown Clinton Merchants Association, the Market Night events will include street vendors set up along Market Street, along with food trucks and trailers. Downtown merchants will stay open late to accommodate the crowds, which could be rather large this year as Market Street comes back to life after a shutdown for major sidewalk reconstruction and other improvements over the past year-and-a-half. But even though the street might be reopened to vehicular traffic in general at least by the time of the July and August Market Nights, traffic will not be allowed on the street during the events. Visitors are expected to crowd the street just as they did for the Clinch River Spring Antique Festival earlier this month. Free parking is available in the city’s downtown parking lots, including the large one on Commerce Street and the new one on Main Street across from Knight’s Flowers.
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News
Drought keeping lake levels low concern Read More
Norris Councilwoman Loretta Painter resigns Read More
County, schools appoint panel for Claxton site sale Read More
Health department scores released for Anderson County Read More
Opinion
Letter to the Editor Read More
Sports
Mavs fall just short of Spring Fling return Read More
Harrell named new Lady Hawks coach Read More
Former Jefferson Middle coach ready to lead Bobcats Read More
Anderson County duo battles at state tennis Read More
Senators’ run stops short of state tourney Read More
Oak Ridge sweeps way back to Spring Fling Read More
Community
Splashpads and pools opening for summer Read More
Flatwater Tales festival returns to Oak Ridge Read More
Anderson County residents gather for National Day of Prayer Read More
County Commission backs New River rails-to-trails effort Read More
School
Turning tassels, chasing dreams Read More
Business
Clinton summer ‘Market Nights’ set Read More
Fresh produce, meats featured at weekly Clinton Farmers Market Read More
Hot dog: Original chili returns to Git’N Go Read More
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Anderson County High School Homecoming View
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