Oak Ridge Today

Updated: Son of former state rep dies in head-on crash on Dutch Valley Road on Thursday

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Note: This story was last updated at 1:10 p.m.

A 42-year-old man, the son of a former state representative, died in a head-on crash on Dutch Valley Road in Anderson County on Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

Michael J. Hackworth, 42, was traveling south on Dutch Valley Road in a 2002 Honda Accord when a 2004 Ford Escape driven north by George E. Ross, 70, crossed the center line, hitting Hackworth’s vehicle head-on, the Tennessee Highway Patrol said.

Hackworth was killed, and Ross was injured, the THP said. Hackworth is the son of former Tennessee Representative Jim Hackworth, a Democrat who is a former Anderson County commissioner and former candidate for Anderson County mayor.

“We’re all pretty devastated by the news,” said Catherine Denenberg, Anderson County Democratic Party chair. “It’s a tragedy…Our deepest sympathies go out to Jim and Brenda (Hackworth) and their family at this sudden loss. Please keep them in your prayers.”

[Read more…]

County mayor’s office identifies top 10 property tax payers

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DOE generates largest county taxes; automotive moves up in rankings

From Anderson County Mayor’s Office

CLINTON—In reviewing a list of Anderson County’s largest taxpayers, one fact is apparent—the U.S. Department of Energy and a privately owned, DOE-related facility are the county’s largest source of county property taxes.

“DOE annually pays approximately $630,000 of in-lieu taxes for the property it owns in the county,” said Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank. “When you add to that, the $934,000 of property taxes generated by the private LLC that owns the New Hope Center at the CNS Y-12 National Security Complex, the combined total is by far our county’s largest source of property tax revenue.

“Ten years ago, Anderson County’s top three taxpayers were Bell South, Summit Properties, and Boeing Inc. This year, manufacturing makes the splash as Anderson County’s top taxpayer is Lawler-Wood LLC, formerly known as Oak Ridge Project LLC (at the Y-12 complex), followed by automotive giants Samlip (SL) Tennessee, and Magna.

“Other significant sources of revenue that should be considered include in-lieu of taxes for another automotive industry titan, Aisin Automotive, at approximately $1.2 million. In addition to DOE, our top ten this year reflects a substantial automotive presence.” [Read more…]

Rodriguez scores four as Wildcats dominate Anderson County

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Wildcats Jose Rodriguez against Anderson County April 14, 2016

Oak Ridge senior forward Jose Rodriguez (11) scored four goals for the Wildcats during a 5-0 win over Anderson County at home on Thursday, April 14, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Oak Ridge senior forward Jose Rodriguez scored four goals during a 5-0 win over Anderson County on Thursday, and the Wildcats dominated the Mavericks in total shots, 40-1.

Some of those shots went wide right or left, though, or high, and not all were on the goal frame. Rodriguez was credited with 14 shots, including four in the first 11 minutes, and he scored two goals in the first four minutes of the second half.

Oak Ridge Coach Jeff Trombly said he was pleased overall, but the Wildcats (8-5, 6-0 District 3-AAA) failed to finish too many of their scoring chances. Too many shots were at the Anderson County goalkeepers, Trombly said. That’s a sign that players are getting anxious in front of the net and need to look at their shots, he said.

“We’ve got to clean up our finishing,” Trombly said. “We created enough chances, but you’ve got to finish your chances.” [Read more…]

Phil Yager announces candidacy for Anderson County Commission

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Phil Yager

Phil Yager

Note: This story was last updated at 12 p.m. June 5.

Phil Yager has announced that he is a candidate for Anderson County Commission in District 8, which includes the Woodland, Hendrix Creek, and Emory Valley precincts.

“I am running for this position because I want to work hard on issues that are important to all of us: safe neighborhoods, economic development, quality education, and improving our housing stock,” Yager said in a press release. He wants to help expand business and industrial opportunities, maintain the county’s quality of life, and make sure children have excellent schools.

Community service is important to Yager, who has served as a community volunteer for a number of organizations, the press release said. He was appointed by Oak Ridge City Council to serve on the Industrial Development Board and serves as treasurer on that board. He was also appointed to serve on the Oak Ridge Board of Building and Housing Code of Appeals.

Serving on those boards, Yager has been actively involved in important issues facing Oak Ridge—industrial and retail growth, as well as the issue of distressed housing, the press release said. Yager was also selected to serve on the Oak Ridge Charter Review Committee. [Read more…]

TORCH hosts day of free family fun at Children’s Museum

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TORCH hosted a day of free family fun at the Children’s Museum on Saturday, April 2. (Submitted photo)

TORCH hosted a day of free family fun at the Children’s Museum on Saturday, April 2. (Submitted photo)

 

TORCH hosted a day of free family fun at the Children’s Museum on Saturday, April 2.

It was the first TORCH Springtastic! Elaine Graham of Balloonacy Lunacy presented the children with balloon animals, flowers, among other things, while Kelly Mules of Faces Gone Wild painted exquisite designs on their faces. Jeffery Bell portrayed Carley, the dog who is the main character in the TORCH Children’s book series. Nathan Zieger read Dr. Seuss, and Sheila Michel told stories and worked puppets.

Andy O’Quinn, TORCH executive director, put together music videos to which the children could dance. There were arts and crafts, fruits, vegetables and juice boxes to enjoy, and the opportunity to plant a fresh flower in a small pot to take home.

“It was a celebration of spring and healthy life choices,” a press release said. [Read more…]

Vietnam veterans honored during Tuesday ceremony

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Raising-Flag-Vietnam-Veterans-Ceremony-March-29-2016

The Clinch Bend Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with Anderson County government, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at the War Memorial in front of the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton. The local ceremony recognized and honored Vietnam veterans with the placing of a wreath on the Courthouse War Memorial and the raising of a special flag commemorating the 50th anniversary of the years-long conflict. (Photo by Leean Tupper)

 

Information from WYSH Radio

CLINTON—A crowd of about 100 people gathered outside the Anderson County Courthouse on Tuesday for a ceremony honoring Vietnam veterans on the fourth observance of what has been declared “Vietnam Veterans’ Day” by President Obama.

The event took place at the War Memorial in front of the Courthouse and included the laying of a wreath at the Memorial, the reading of the names of the 29 Anderson County soldiers who died in the conflict, and the raising of a special flag marking the 50th anniversary of U.S. involvement in the southeast Asian nation.

Remarks were made by County Mayor Terry Frank, and Veterans Services Officer Leon Jaquet read a special proclamation from the president.

The local observance was part of a nationwide effort led by the U.S. Department of Defense to thank veterans of the war for their service and sacrifice. Many Vietnam veterans were met with hostility, not gratitude, upon their return to U.S. soil from the unpopular war. In the years since, many organizations have taken up the cause of making sure that these veterans receive the recognition they deserve. [Read more…]

Today: Ceremony to commemorate 50th anniversary of Vietnam War

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Vietnam Logo 50th Circle 3-27-12 Final

CLINTON—The Clinch Bend Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with Anderson County government, will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War at noon today.

The commemorative event will be held at noon Tuesday, March 29, at the War Memorial in front of the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton.

“Everyone is invited, but especially our Vietnam veterans,” said Gwen Cole, a member of the Clinch Bend Chapter of DAR. “We want to honor them and thank them.” [Read more…]

Anderson County secures Tennessee College of Applied Technology facility

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Information from WYSH Radio

The Anderson County Commission learned Monday night that the county has been chosen by the state to be the next home of a Tennessee College of Applied Technology—or TCAT. TCATs are training facilities aimed at improving the skill levels of members of Tennessee’s workforce and are seen by potential industries as great training grounds for potential employees.

Anderson County Economic Development Association President Tim Thompson told commissioners Monday that his organization and the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce have been working hard on securing the facility for more than a year and that the county had beaten out Blount County.

Thompson credited the owners of the former Hensley’s IGA grocery store in Andersonville and SL Tennessee in the I-75 Industrial park for their roles in making the TCAT a reality. The Hensley owners have agreed to donate the vacant 20,000-square foot store to the state to renovate and use as a temporary training facility for a period of about two years. The temporary facility will be needed while the state builds the new College of Applied Technology on a seven-acre parcel of land donated for the project by SL Tennessee. [Read more…]

No one injured, no homes damaged in brush fire on Foley Hill north of Clinton

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Foley-Hill-Fire-Albert-Look-March-17-2016

No one was injured and no homes were damaged during a brush fire on Foley Hill north of Clinton on Thursday, March 17, 2016. Above, resident Albert Look, who lives on Jarnigan Chapel Road, fights the fire with a garden hose until the Medford Fire Department arrives. (Photo by Caren Look)

 

CLINTON—No one was injured and no homes were damaged during a brush fire on Foley Hill north of Clinton on Thursday.

The fire was 1.5 acres, and it was started by an “escaped debris fire,” the Tennessee Division of Forestry said. A warning was issued, officials said.

Residents who live off Jarnigan Chapel Road on the top of the hill said it started at the bottom of the hill, and the wind blew it up through the woods.

“It was horrifying,” said J.T. Taylor, who lives near the top of the hill. He said flames about 10 feet high came within 20 feet of his home. [Read more…]

Letter: Appreciates city reps listening to concerns, thankful for ‘Adopt a Shelter Pet Month’

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To the Editor:

While walking my dogs this evening, I took a minute to reflect on how appreciative I am to have representatives in Oak Ridge city government that listened to my concerns and immediately took action to correct some problems that I raised.

Several months ago, I emailed City Council, the Oak Ridge Police Department, and the city manager expressing concern about streetlights being out in Hendrix Creek, speeding cars on Hendrix Drive, and a need for sidewalks so residents can safely enjoy their neighborhood without being hit by a passing car. I was astonished to receive several emails the following day indicating that my concerns were heard and that the issues raised would be addressed.

Mayor Warren Gooch connected me with the Public Works Department who had the bulbs changed and streetlights functioning within a day or two. Councilmen Charlie Hensley and Kelly Callison and Councilwoman Trina Baughn and Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Smith responded with concern for the sidewalks and indicated that they were going to look into the issues that were expressed. [Read more…]

Updated: Truck driver flown to hospital after semi overturns on I-75 in Anderson County

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FedEx-Truck-Overturned-I-75- March-10-2016

A FedEx truck overturned in the median of Interstate 75 in Anderson County early Thursday, and the driver, who was pinned and had to be extricated, had to be flown by medical helicopter to a hospital. (Photo by Terry Allen/Anderson County Rescue Squad)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 7 p.m.

An injured truck driver was flown by medical helicopter to a hospital after a semi overturned into the median of Interstate 75 in Anderson County early Thursday, authorities said.

The crash was reported at about 12:15 a.m. Thursday near mile marker 127. Authorities said the injured driver was trapped in the cab of the FedEx truck and had to be extricated. Rescuers were able to remove the driver in 16 minutes.

A University of Tennessee Lifestar medical helicopter flew to the crash site and landed on the interstate at about 12:55 a.m. to pick up the driver, Harrold E. Daniels Jr., 55, of Wilmore, Kentucky, authorities said. Daniels was flown to the UT Medical Center in Knoxville. [Read more…]

Lady Wildcats advance to Region 2-AAA semifinal behind 21 points of Dowdell

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Lady-Wildcats-Dowdell-Heritage-Feb-26-2016

The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats advanced to the Region 2-AAA semifinal behind the 21 points of sophomore Mykia Dowdell (34) and a 58-32 win over Heritage at Wildcat Arena on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 11:30 p.m.

The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats advanced to the Region 2-AAA semifinal behind the game-high 21 points of sophomore Mykia Dowdell and a 58-32 win over Heritage at Wildcat Arena on Friday.

It’s the second time this week a Lady Wildcat has scored 21 points in a playoff game. On Tuesday, it was freshman Jada Guinn, in the District 3-AAA championship. On Friday, it was Dowdell in a Region 2-AAA elimination quarterfinal.

It’s the first time the Lady Wildcats (25-4) have advanced to the regional semifinals since 2010, according to broadcaster David Clary. [Read more…]