Lyon College is taking steps to reduce energy usage on its 136-acre campus.

The college is in the process of completing a retrofit of all the campus’s lighting.

Sodexo Facilities Director Jade Anderson said many of the college’s lights use 28 or 32-watt fluorescent blubs, but those will be replaced with T8 25-watt fluorescent bulbs, which are more energy efficient.

Anderson said all fixtures using incandescent lamps will be replaced with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). CFLs use approximately 75 percent less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb and last at least six times longer, according to Energy Star.

Chandelier lights will be switched to LED lights.

Anderson said the college is also adding motion sensors to its light switches so the lights will automatically shut off if a room is not in use. Ultrasonic ceiling sensors will be used to detect if there is any noise in a room and will shut off the lights if no noise is heard.

Officials to Unveil Series of New Initiatives to Support Existing Partnerships

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On Wednesday, January 9, 2013, Deputy Secretary of the Interior David J. Hayes will join Senator Mark Pryor, Congressman Tim Griffin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Terrence “Rock” Salt, and Deputy Undersecretary of Agriculture Ann Mills, as well as other federal, state and local officials and conservation partners to announce that the White River, along with its watershed, has been designated the nation’s second National Blueway.

BRANSON, Mo. -- The Army Corps of Engineers' Little Rock District held a ribbon cutting ceremony April 27 for the new Dewey Short Visitor Center at Table Rock Lake near Branson.

The $10.8 million center, which is situated near the dam and the Corps’ project office, is one of a handful of regional Class A facilities in the Corps nationwide.  The 15,000-square-foot facility will have three functional areas: the visitor area, which will include exhibits, a 75-seat theater and a gift shop; the educational area, which will include a multi-purpose room and wet lab; and an administrative office area.

The engaging exhibits emphasize Table Rock dam, lake and powerhouse.  They depict how this project fits into the entire White River Basin.  There are fascinating interactive displays about the Ozark Mountain region and its unique culture and ecosystems.