Oak Ridge Today

Oak Ridge High School has open house Thursday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge High School will have an Open House on Thursday, August 25, beginning at 5:15 p.m. in the Food Court. Parents are asked to print their student’s schedules prior to the event from Skyward Family Access.

From 5:15-6 p.m., school guidance counselors will have PSAT sign-up and senior information tables. Many school clubs and organizations will have information tables set up during this time, a press release said. Food and drinks will be sold by the Oak Ridge High School Orchestra Boosters. PTSO will be accepting donations of hand sanitizer and Kleenex for classrooms. [Read more…]

Council election: Hensley explains withdrawal; lists successes, hopes; endorses three

Posted at
By 3 Comments

Oak-Ridge-City-Council-Charlie-Hensley-Sept-14-2015-Web

Oak Ridge City Council member Charlie Hensley is pictured above during a meeting on Sept. 14, 2015. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This is a copy of a withdrawal statement submitted by Oak Ridge City Council member Charlie Hensley on Tuesday, when he withdrew as a candidate from the November 8 municipal election.

Citizens of Oak Ridge,

Thank you for your confidence, support, advice, and patience during my nine-plus years serving on our City Council, the Municipal Planning Commission, and Land Bank Board. It has been, and continues to be, an honor to serve the city.

I have decided to withdraw my candidacy for another term on City Council. This is a difficult decision but is made because I have my son’s family and two wonderful grandchildren living in the local area and with whom I want to spend more time. Also, I want to spend time with other volunteer interests, hobbies, and related activities. Finally, there are some personal but manageable health issues that require attention.

Looking back and reviewing my involvements during my service since 2007, the contributions that have most fulfilled my hopes to have made a difference are listed below. None of these contributions could have been possible without teamwork and consensus with others, including Council, commissioners, staff, and citizens:

Successful projects and advocacies where I played a major role: [Read more…]

Photo: You don’t see this everyday—house moving down the Turnpike

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

House Moving on Oak Ridge Turnpike Aug 23 2016

A house is moved down Oak Ridge Turnpike on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016. (Photo by Julio Culiat)

 

A house was moved down Oak Ridge Turnpike this week. Here is a photo by Julio Culiat.

Soccer: Lady Wildcats play Karns in first regular-season home game tonight

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

The Oak Ridge Lady Wildcats soccer team play its first regular-season home game against Karns tonight.

The game starts at 6 p.m. today (Tuesday, August 23) at the Pro2Serve Soccer Complex at Oak Ridge High School.

Groundbreaking Thursday for UPF Construction Support Building

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Y-12 National Security Complex Aerial View

The Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge is pictured above. (File photo courtesy Y-12)

 

A groundbreaking has been scheduled for Thursday morning for the three-story Construction Support Building for the multi-billion dollar Uranium Processing Facility at Y-12 National Security Complex.

This will be the first construction for the UPF project that starts to change the skyline of the Y-12 National Security Complex, a media advisory said.

It said UPF will be a first-of-its-kind complex that supports enriched uranium operations for Y-12 missions. The National Nuclear Security Administration, or NNSA, is using a “build to budget” strategy and has committed to Congress to provide these facilities by 2025 for no more than $6.5 billion, the advisory said.

“As one of the largest construction projects in Tennessee history, UPF will have a significant impact on local and state economies, the advisory said.

Those expected to participate in the Thursday groundbreaking are NNSA Administrator General Frank Klotz, Congressman Jim Cooper, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Commander and District Engineer LTC Stephen Murphy, and UPF Federal Project Director Dale Christenson. [Read more…]

Early Bird Tournament Bronze Champs: ORHS varsity volleyball team beats Harpeth to win

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge High School Varsity Volleyball Team 2016

The Oak Ridge High School varsity volleyball team is pictured above—front row: Reagan Dickens, Alex Sherles, Emily Lawless; back row: Coach Dave Kolodney, Beth Wyatt, J-J Valencia, Olivia Milloway, Stella Powell, Carolyn Pelfrey, and Isabelle Waraksa. (Submitted photo)

 

When Oak Ridge High School’s volleyball season kicked in last Tuesday, new volleyball coach Dave Kolodney knew the team had the skills to be contenders. Winning the bronze bracket last Saturday night at the Early Bird Tournament proved this to be true.

“I think we showed a lot this weekend,” Kolodney said. “Two-day tournaments are always tough to keep energy up and stay focused over such a long time and with long breaks between matches, but they did both. And I think they proved something to themselves that they can dig deep when they’re down, find that extra gear, and fight through adversity. We may not have been in the bracket we were hoping for in the beginning, but to win any bracket is an achievement and I’m so proud of the way they played from start to finish.” [Read more…]

Roane State to host special Welcome Back events for students

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Roane State Community College Greets Students

Roane State Community College President Chris Whaley greets students in the library on the main campus in Harriman. (Photo by Roane State)

 

Roane State Community College will offer a “sunny” welcome to both new and returning students with special celebrations to kick off the start of fall classes.

Under the theme “My Future’s So Bright,” students will be invited to participate in a variety of activities during the college’s annual Welcome Back celebrations. An event will be held on Roane State’s Roane County campus on Monday, August 22, from 10 a.m-2 p.m. in the courtyard. A celebration on the Oak Ridge campus will be held on Tuesday, August 23, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the atrium.

Students will be invited to write down their visions of their futures on a special banner and take a “future selfie” dressed in graduation attire or other gear associated with their future careers. A limited number of sunglasses will also be given away to attendees.

“We are excited to welcome students back to campus,” Roane State President Chris Whaley said. “A lot of exciting initiatives are happening at Tennessee’s community colleges with Tennessee Promise for high school students and Tennessee Reconnect for adults. The future is bright for Roane State students, and we want to show them how much we appreciate them and are committed to their success.” [Read more…]

Renowned author Dr. Bass to speak in Oak Ridge

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Dr. Bill Bass

Dr. Bill Bass, a world-renowned forensic anthropologist, founded the University of Tennessee’s Anthropology Research Facility—the Body Farm—a quarter-century ago. He is the author or coauthor of more than 200 scientific publications, as well as a critically acclaimed memoir about his career, “Death’s Acre.” Dr. Bass is also a dedicated teacher, honored as National Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. (Submitted photo)

 

The community is invited to hear forensic anthropologist, bestselling author, and creator of “The Body Farm,” Dr. William M. Bass III at the New Hope Center in Oak Ridge on Monday, August 29, at 6 p.m.

Respectfully referred to as “Dr. Bass,” he is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oak Ridge Sunset. [Read more…]

Roane State faculty honored by Tennessee EMS Education Association

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Tennessee EMS Education Association president Tim Lankford presents the Full-Time Excellence in Teaching Award to Roane State EMT/paramedic instructor Roger Badger, center. David Blevins, Roane State Director of EMS Education, also congratulates Badger. (Photo by Roane State Community College)

Tennessee EMS Education Association president Tim Lankford presents the Full-Time Excellence in Teaching Award to Roane State EMT/paramedic instructor Roger Badger, center. David Blevins, Roane State Director of EMS Education, also congratulates Badger. (Photo by Roane State Community College)

 

Two veteran Roane State Community College faculty members were recently honored for their longtime service to the emergency medical services education community, said David Blevins, Roane State Director of EMS Education.

Kirk Harris, director of Continuing Healthcare and Safety Education, won the prestigious Lige Turman Lifetime Achievement Award, while Roger Badger, an EMT/paramedic instructor, received the Full-Time Excellence in Teaching Award from the Tennessee EMS Education Association.

“Both are the highest honors,” Blevins said. The awards were bestowed during the association’s annual membership meeting, held recently in Murfreesboro.

To be eligible for the Lige Turman Award, a nominee must have at least 20 years in EMS education and a proven history of achievement in that field. “Mr. Harris has dedicated his career to engaging the next generation of medical providers, and his history of new techniques is well known,” Blevins said. [Read more…]

ORHS Tennis Booster Club hosts ‘Tennis Olympics’ on Saturday, Aug. 27

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

ORHS boys tennis practice

Oak Ridge High School tennis coach David Bowman gives instructions to a few ORHS tennis players. (Submitted photo)

 

The Oak Ridge High School Tennis Booster Club has invited Oak Ridge Schools students ages 12 to 17 to join high school tennis players on Saturday, August 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Oak Ridge Country Club for a morning of fun and games.

It will be an informal and fun time for skilled players or anyone new to the game of tennis, a press release said. The events will level the playing field for those who want to test their hand-eye coordination, as individuals or with a partner. You do not have to bring a tennis racquet. There is no charge to participate.

Events will include: Water Balloon Towel Toss, The Frog Toss, There’s a Hole in My Racquet!, Longest Drive, and Closest to the Pin contests. Want to know how fast your serve is? ORHS Tennis Coach David Bowman will be on hand with his radar gun, the press release said. [Read more…]

Dog Days of Summer in Jackson Square on Saturday, Aug. 27; enter photos by Sunday, Aug. 21

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Dog Days of Summer Pet Photo Contest August 2016

Photo contest deadline is 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21

Join us on Saturday, August 27, from 9-1 p.m. in Jackson Square for our “Dog Days of Summer.”

Crafters, artisans, antique dealers will be out selling their wares as usual. Stop by and chat with local animal groups or engage in an art activity.

Our art project for you is to enter our photography contest of your pet enjoying the “Dog Days of Summer”! Visit our website at jacksonsquareoakridge.org or Facebook page to enter your photo. Prizes will be awarded to pet/owner. Categories are elementary, middle school, high school, and adult. Vote for People’s Choice Award by visiting our events page and clicking on link. Vendors may register by visiting our webpage listed above. [Read more…]

Eight candidates for City Council, three for School Board, 20 for Charter Commission

Posted at
By 5 Comments

Note: This story was last updated at 1:40 p.m.

There are eight candidates who qualified to run for three seats on Oak Ridge City Council in the November 8 election, and three candidates qualified for two seats on Oak Ridge Board of Education. There are also 20 candidates for eight seats on a new Anderson County Charter Commission.

Here are the Oak Ridge City Council candidates (elect three):

  • Jim Dodson
  • Wende Doolittle
  • Anne Garcia Garland
  • L.C. “Charlie” Hensley
  • Charles “Chuck” Hope Jr.
  • Joseph Lee
  • Mark LeNoir
  • Hans Vogel

Current City Council member Trina Baughn will not be on the ballot. Hensley and Hope are incumbents. Garcia Garland is a former Council member.

The City Council has seven members who serve staggered terms, meaning the other four seats are up for election in November 2018.

Here are the Board of Education candidates (elect two): [Read more…]