Oak Ridge Today

Demolished building once helped protect city, enriched uranium at Y-12

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A building that was mostly demolished on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, once helped to protect enriched uranium at Y-12, and it was used by military police and the Oak Ridge Police Department to help protect the city. Part of the building, a former secure federal communications center, was still standing among the demolition debris late Wednesday afternoon. This picture was taken looking southeast from near the intersection of Bus Terminal Road and Oak Ridge Turnpike. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

A building that was mostly demolished on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, once helped to protect enriched uranium at Y-12, and it was used by military police and the Oak Ridge Police Department to help protect the city. Part of the building, a former secure federal communications center, was still standing among the demolition debris late Wednesday afternoon. This picture was taken looking southeast from near the intersection of Bus Terminal Road and Oak Ridge Turnpike. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 8:30 a.m. June 2.

A building that was mostly demolished on Wednesday once helped to protect enriched uranium at Y-12, and it was used by military police and the Oak Ridge Police Department to help protect the city.

The building at 101 Bus Terminal Road was once connected by radio to a Y-12 building that stored the world’s only supply of enriched uranium-235, according to a 2010 newspaper article published by D. Ray Smith, who cited Bill Sergeant, head of security after World War II.

A small section of the Bus Terminal Road building that still had historic artifacts—two holding cells and a heavy, bulletproof steel door—remained standing, surrounded by demolition debris, on Wednesday and Thursday. It’s not clear why that one section hadn’t been demolished yet, but the 2010 newspaper article by Smith said it had been a secure federal communications center and was built to be safe from attack. That small section of the building, which had no external windows, was reported to have a concrete ceiling that was one foot thick.

The building, which is at the intersection with Oak Ridge Turnpike, is now being completely demolished so a Taco Bell restaurant can be built there. The building had been extensively modified, and it’s not clear how much of it might have been considered historic.

Smith said the Bus Terminal Road building was once connected by radio to Building 9213, which stored uranium-235 for about a year at Y-12. Building 9213 is on the south side of Chestnut Ridge, which is on the south side of Y-12. After it briefly stored uranium, Building 9213 was used for criticality experiments for years, Smith said. It’s also been used to train the National Guard to identify and isolate radioactive sources as part of their training for homeland security. [Read more…]

Law enforcement search at McGuire could continue through Thursday night

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The law enforcement search at McGuire—a store that sells used books, compact discs, digital video discs, and electronics—is expected to last hours and continue throughout the night Thursday May 24, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

The law enforcement search at McGuire—a store that sells used books, compact discs, digital video discs, and electronics—is expected to last hours and continue through the night Thursday, May 24, 2018. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 9:45 a.m. May 25.

The law enforcement search at McGuire—a store that sells used books, compact discs, digital video discs, and electronics—is expected to last hours and continue through the night (Thursday night).

The Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force of Anderson County executed search warrants at McGuire Used Books, CDs, DVDs, Games, and More starting at about noon Thursday. There were reported to be about a dozen employees in the store at the time the search began.

Authorities declined to say why they were searching the store on Thursday afternoon. But they had a stack of moving boxes ready to be folded and numerous boxes folded and ready to be used, and there were several moving trucks parked near the store, including one right in front of it.

Crime scene tape blocked entry to the store, and a Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force crime scene truck was parked out front.

At about 10 p.m. Thursday, it appeared that boxes with items inside were occasionally being brought out of the store and loaded into the moving truck parked in front of McGuire. [Read more…]

Dine & Donate: Enjoy fantastic food, support amazing organization

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The featured restaurant for Dine and Donate in May, which benefits ADFAC, is Hoskins restaurant at 111 N. Main St. in Clinton. (Submitted photo)

The featured restaurant for Dine and Donate in May, which benefits ADFAC, is Hoskins restaurant at 111 N. Main St. in Clinton. (Submitted photo)

 

Thirteen local restaurants are donating a portion of their sales to Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties on Monday.

“The weather is finally warming up, so come enjoy any of the restaurants’ outdoor seating, or maybe even get a meal to go for a picnic,” a press release said.

The featured restaurant for May is Hoskins restaurant at 111 North Main Street in Clinton.

“This staple of the Clinton community has long been a supporter of worthwhile causes in our area, and ADFAC is thrilled they have chosen to work with them as well!” the press release said. [Read more…]

Chamber’s Primetime event is Thursday; public invited

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Participants at the Spring 2017 Primetime Fiesta event are pictured above. This year's Fiesta will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2018, from 4-6 p.m in the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Parking lot. The event is free and open to the public. (Submitted photo)

Participants at the Spring 2017 Primetime Fiesta event are pictured above. This year’s Fiesta will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2018, from 4-6 p.m in the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Parking lot. The event is free and open to the public. (Submitted photo)

 

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Spring Primetime networking opportunity is Thursday, and the public is invited to attend, a press release said.

More than 45 Chamber-member organizations have already reserved exhibit space for the event, which is titled “Fiesta Primetime.” Primetime will be held under the tent in the parking lot of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce at 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

Primetime is one of the Chamber’s biggest networking events of the year. There is no charge to attend. Anyone—Chamber member or not—is encouraged to attend, the press release said.

Primetime will from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 19. [Read more…]

Centrus, X-energy contract supports work on advanced nuclear fuel

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American Centrifuge Technology Manufacturing Center

The American Centrifuge Technology Manufacturing Center in south Oak Ridge is pictured above. (Photo courtesy USEC/Centrus Energy Corp.)

 

Note: This story was updated at 3:15 p.m.

A contract between two companies that have operations or employees in Oak Ridge will support continued work on the production of fuel for advanced nuclear reactors, possibly within six years or so.

The two companies, Centrus Energy Corp. and X Energy LLC, announced the services contract in a press release on Wednesday.

The companies had announced in September that they were exploring a collaboration for the possible production of fuel for advanced nuclear reactors, and they had signed a memorandum of understanding for the potential collaboration.

They said then that they were working toward the development of a fuel fabrication facility that could possibly be in Oak Ridge, where Centrus, formerly known as USEC, has had operations for about 15 years. Oak Ridge could be a nexus for the advanced reactor industry in the United States, one official said at the time. It’s not clear yet how large the fuel fabrication facility would be or what the total investment might be.

In the Wednesday press release, the two companies said the services contract announced this month builds upon the September memorandum of understanding.

“This contract is the initial implementation of that agreement,” said Jeremy Derryberry, Centrus senior communications manager. “Our team in Oak Ridge will be working with X-energy on this project.” [Read more…]

Candidate forum for Anderson County mayor is Monday

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Goff Health Sciences and Technology Building

The Goff Health Sciences and Technology Building is pictured above on the Roane State Community College campus in Oak Ridge.

 

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s Advocacy Committee will be hosting a series of candidate forums during the election season.

The first forum, which is Monday evening, will be for candidates running for the office of Anderson County mayor. Both candidates for the Republican nomination, Steve Emert and Terry Frank, will participate, a press release said.

The Anderson County mayor’s race will be determined in the May 1 primary because there are no Democrats running for the office.

Monday’s forum is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. April 2 at Roane State Community College’s Goff Building in Oak Ridge. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. All candidate forums are free and open to the public. [Read more…]

Construction advisory for Methodist Medical Center

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Methodist Medical Center Main Entrance

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is pictured above.

 

Starting Friday, March 16, construction crews will be working day and night on top of the roof of Methodist Medical Center this weekend to install new air handling units on the hospital’s West Tower. Because of the nature and non-stop timing of this project, there will be activity and lighting on the roof of West Tower around the clock until the work is completed sometime on the evening of Sunday, March 18, a press release said.

For patient comfort, patients and staff currently on 5-West will be moved to another floor to minimize exposure to noise during the project. In addition, a portion of the driveway around the back of the hospital will be closed due to equipment staging. The hospital’s helipad will also be closed to helicopter traffic; however, an alternative landing zone has been coordinated with the Oak Ridge Fire Department for any incoming or outgoing air transport needs.

Emergency services should be accessed via the east side of the hospital nearest the Emergency Department entrance. All private car discharges will occur from the Main Lobby during this period.

This press release was submitted by Crystal Jordan.

Monday, March 12: Eat out for ADFAC!

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Pictured above is Cesar Ortiz, owner of Gallo Loco, who invites you to celebrate Dine & Donate by eating out on Monday, March 12, 2018. (Submitted photo)

Pictured above is Cesar Ortiz, owner of Gallo Loco, who invites you to celebrate Dine & Donate by eating out on Monday, March 12, 2018. (Submitted photo)

 

Did you know you can support a fantastic organization in our community just by eating? Does it sound too good to be true? The second Monday of each month marks the Dine and Donate promotion for Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, or ADFAC. Several area restaurants have pledged to donate a portion of their sales for the day to support ADFAC’s important programs to promote self-sustainability for families in our area, a press release said.

The featured restaurant for March is Gallo Loco Mexican restaurant at 80 East Tennessee Avenue in Oak Ridge. The press release said this cozy Mexican restaurant is regularly mentioned as a favorite by locals, and their friendly atmosphere can’t be beat! Stop by on Monday, March 12, and find out for yourself why this spot will become one of your favorites, too!

Other restaurants supporting ADFAC on Monday, and each month, are Burchfield’s, Dean’s, Hoskins, Mediterranean Delight, Outback Steakhouse, Razzleberry’s, Soup Kitchen, Subway locations in Clinton (both), west Oak Ridge (1968 Oak Ridge Turnpike), Oliver Springs, and Rocky Top. So many tasty opportunities to support a valued organization in our community! [Read more…]

ORHS students qualify for state competition for future business leaders

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Left to right: Rosemary Archer, business teacher; Blake Norris, Bailey Williams, Hannah Phillips, Ella Stewart, and Rachel McBryar.

Left to right: Rosemary Archer, business teacher; Blake Norris, Bailey Williams, Hannah Phillips, Ella Stewart, and Rachel McBryar. (Submitted photo)

 

On February 1, five members of the Oak Ridge High School Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America attended the Region 6 Conference at the Knoxville Expo Center.

The ORHS students received the following awards: [Read more…]

Plan for former AMSE property shows possible grocery, tire store, retail/restaurant

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Image from Oak Ridge Community Development Department's staff report for TN Oak Ridge Illinois PUD Final Master Plan, to be considered by the Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission on Thursday, March 8, 2018. This image shows the types of businesses that could locate on the 7.4-acre site.

Image from Oak Ridge Community Development Department’s staff report for TN Oak Ridge Illinois PUD Final Master Plan, to be considered by the Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission on Thursday, March 8, 2018. This image shows the location and types of businesses that could locate on the 7.4-acre site.

 

A final master plan for about 7.4 acres south of the American Museum of Science and Energy shows possible businesses that could include a grocery or retail store of about 55,000 square feet and smaller businesses that could include a tire store and retail/restaurant.

The businesses would be on former AMSE property that is now vacant land at the intersection of South Illinois Avenue and South Tulane Avenue.

The final master plan for the planned unit development, or PUD, will be considered during a special meeting of the Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission on Thursday. The special meeting is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in the Oak Ridge Municipal Building Courtroom at 200 South Tulane Avenue. A work session will follow at 6 p.m. [Read more…]

Planning Commission to consider final master plan for property south of AMSE

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Image from Oak Ridge Community Development Department's staff report for TN Oak Ridge Illinois PUD Final Master Plan, to be considered by the Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission on Thursday, March 8, 2018. This image shows the location and types of businesses that could locate on the 7.4-acre site.

Image from Oak Ridge Community Development Department’s staff report for TN Oak Ridge Illinois PUD Final Master Plan, to be considered by the Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission on Thursday, March 8, 2018. This image shows the location and types of businesses that could locate on the 7.4-acre site.

 

The Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission on Thursday will consider a final master plan for about seven acres of land south of the American Museum of Science and Energy, property that was once part of the museum site.

During Thursday’s special meeting, the Planning Commission is scheduled to consider a final master plan for a planned unit development, or PUD, for the 7.4 acres, which is at the intersection of South Tulane Avenue and South Illinois Avenue.

The plan is to be submitted by TN Oak Ridge Illinois LLC, a company affiliated with RealtyLink, which is developing Main Street Oak Ridge at the former Oak Ridge Mall. A copy of the PUD final master plan wasn’t available Monday afternoon.

The special meeting is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in the Oak Ridge Municipal Building Courtroom at 200 South Tulane Avenue. A work session will follow at 6 p.m. [Read more…]

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Dine & Donate

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Friends from First Presbyterian Church recently gathered to support ADFAC’s Dine & Donate event by eating at Dean’s. Both First Presbyterian and Dean’s have been loyal supporters of ADFAC for years! (Submitted photo)

Friends from First Presbyterian Church recently gathered to support ADFAC’s Dine & Donate event by eating at Dean’s. Both First Presbyterian and Dean’s have been loyal supporters of ADFAC for years! (Submitted photo)

 

On Monday, February 12, thirteen local restaurants will “share the love” by donating a portion of their sales to support Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, or ADFAC.

“ADFAC’s February Dine & Donate event provides an early opportunity to treat loved ones to a special meal, all while supporting ADFAC’s charitable work and community restaurants,” a press release said.

Participating restaurants are: [Read more…]