Oak Ridge Today

Learn about MORE2, free energy-efficiency upgrades, in meetings tonight, Wednesday

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MORE2 Home Improvements Quilliams Heat Pump July 20 2016

Brittany Quilliams of Oak Ridge stands next to a new heat pump installed as part of the Make Oak Ridge Energy Efficient program, which is funded by a $2.9 million Tennessee Valley Authority grant announced in September 2015. Quilliams’ home on Bunker Lane is one of the first three improved in Oak Ridge, and she shared her story with media and officials on Wednesday, July 20, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Make Oak Ridge Energy Efficient is hosting public education meetings tonight and Wednesday for residents to learn about the program, which is also known as MORE2, and ways they might lower their energy use.

MORE2, funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority, kicked off in April and began retrofitting the homes of lower-income Oak Ridge residents with free energy-efficient upgrades, such as HVAC and water heating units, a press release said.

“In addition to retrofitting homes, MORE2 is working to empower people in the Oak Ridge community with energy efficiency education, ultimately leading to lower electric bills and a healthier environment,” the press release said. “Qualified homes must be at least 20 years old and have electric heat.” [Read more…]

ORNL, Boeing to receive Guinness World Records title for largest solid 3D printed item

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ORNL Manufacturing Demonstration Facility Polymer Printer

This large-scale polymer printer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility was used to fabricate the Shelby Cobra. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was updated at 2:45 p.m.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Boeing Company are expected to receive the Guinness World Records title for largest solid 3D printed item, a media advisory said.

On Monday, an official Guinness World Records judge will measure and award the title of largest solid 3D printed item to ORNL and Boeing for a 3D printed tool used in manufacturing the Boeing 777X passenger jet. The media has been invited.

The invitation-only ceremony is at 11 a.m. Monday, August 29, at ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at 2370 Cherahala Boulevard, off Pellissippi Parkway at Hardin Valley Road. [Read more…]

Attempted first-degree murder charge reduced to felony reckless endangerment, sent to grand jury

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Eric Joe Wilson

Eric Joe Wilson

 

The attempted first-degree murder charge filed against an Oak Ridge man after he allegedly shot his sister in the ear in April was reduced to felony reckless endangerment last week and waived to the Anderson County Grand Jury for its consideration.

The state will not pursue a second charge, an aggravated assault charge, against Eric Joe Wilson, 42. That charge was dismissed.

Wilson was to be released on intensified felony pre-trial release, and as part of that release, he is supposed to continue mental health treatment and his family is supposed to monitor his medications.

Anderson County General Sessions Court Judge Roger Miller agreed to remove a no-contact provision that was part of Wilson’s pre-trial release. Wilson’s sister, Suzan Stiles, the victim in the alleged shooting, said she takes care of Wilson, and he’s not done anything like this before. Miller confirmed with Stiles that she had not been threatened or intimidated into making the request. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge High School has open house Thursday

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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

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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…]

Hensley withdraws from City Council race

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Oak Ridge City Council Charlie Hensley and Kelly Callison Sept. 14, 2015

Oak Ridge City Council member Charlie Hensley, left, is pictured above with Kelly Callison during a meeting on Sept. 24, 2015. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 9:15 p.m. Aug. 24.

Oak Ridge City Council member Charlie Hensley has withdrawn as a candidate in the November 8 election, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Hensley was one of eight candidates for three seats on the seven-member Council.

The withdrawal was confirmed by the Anderson County Election Commission on Tuesday afternoon.

“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,” Hensley said in a Tuesday statement. “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.”

Hensley has served since 2007, or two terms. (Hensley served more than eight years because City Council terms were extended on a one-time basis from June 2011 to November 2012 when the dates of Oak Ridge municipal elections changed due to a revision of the City Charter that was approved by voters in November 2010.) [Read more…]

White House recognizes Vaughan as outstanding ORHS math teacher

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Elaine Vaughan

Elaine Vaughan

 

Note: This story was last updated at 4:30 p.m.

Elaine Vaughan of Oak Ridge High School was recognized Monday as an outstanding math teacher by President Barack Obama.

Vaughan is one of only 213 mathematics and science teachers from across the country and U.S. territories who received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The awardees represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity schools. The educators will receive their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on September 8.

Vaughan was named in the Grades 7-12 Award Cohort.

Nicole Resmondo, a science teacher at Gresham Middle School in Knoxville, was named in the Grades K-6 Award Cohort.

A total of four teachers were recognized in Tennessee in the two cohorts.  [Read more…]

Groundbreaking Thursday for UPF Construction Support Building

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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

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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…]

Football photos: Oak Ridge vs. Clinton, II

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Oak-Ridge-Punt-Return-Higgins-Aug-18-2016-Web

Oak Ridge senior Tee Higgins (5) had two touchdown catches, two interceptions that the Wildcats converted into touchdowns, and a scoring punt return, pictured here, that was called back because of a block in the back during a 56-21 rout at Clinton on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. Higgins is pictured above with seniors Chase Kimbro (10) and Wilson Hammer (52). (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

CLINTON—The Oak Ridge Wildcats opened the regular football season with a 56-21 rout at Clinton on Thursday. Here is the second of two sets of photos by John Huotari.

Oak-Ridge-Offense-Kimbro-Graham-Clinton-Aug-18-2016-Web

Oak Ridge senior Chase Kimbro (10) runs with the football during a 56-21 rout at Clinton on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. Blocking for Kimbro is sophomore Jordan Graham (22). (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Oak-Ridge-Punt-Return-Higgins-Gross-Clinton-Whitt-Aug-18-2016-Web

Oak Ridge senior Jacob Gross (7) blocks Clinton senior Demarea Whitt (4), a former Wildcat, for Oak Ridge senior Tee Higgins (5) during a punt return for a score during a 56-21 rout at Clinton on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. The touchdown was called back because of a block in the back. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

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Football photos: Oak Ridge vs. Clinton, I

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Oak Ridge senior Tee Higgins (5) congratulates sophomore Jordan Graham (22) after Graham scored on a two-yard touchdown catch, helping to give the Wildcats a 21-0 lead at Clinton at 2:29 in the first quarter on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. Also pictured is junior quarterback Johnny Stewart (2). (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

CLINTON—The Oak Ridge Wildcats opened the regular football season with a 56-21 rout at Clinton on Thursday. Here is the first of two sets of photos by John Huotari.

Oak-Ridge-Offense-Graham-Kimbro-Clinton-Aug-18-2016-Web

Oak Ridge senior Chase Kimbro (10), at center, runs with the football during a 56-21 rout at Clinton on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. Blocking for Kimbro are sophomore Jordan Graham (22), left, and senior Jordan Smith (55). At front left trying to tackle Kimbro is Clinton senior J’Quan Thomas (5). (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Oak-Ridge-Offense-Stewart-Touchdown-Clinton-Aug-18-2016-Web

In his first varsity start, Oak Ridge junior quarterback Johnny Stewart (2), pictured above on ground at center, was 5-for-5 passing with no interceptions and three touchdown throws. Stewart also had a rushing touchdown, pictured above, during a 56-21 rout at Clinton on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

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Football stats: Oak Ridge vs. Clinton

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Oak-Ridge-Defense-Higgins-Interception-Clinton-Aug-18-2016-Web

Oak Ridge senior wide receiver and cornerback Tee Higgins (5) makes one of two interceptions during a 56-21 rout at Clinton on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. Also pictured are senior Chase Kimbro (10) and sophomore Caelan Thompson (32). (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

CLINTON—The Oak Ridge Wildcats opened the regular football season with a 56-21 rout at Clinton on Thursday. Here are preliminary statistics by Mark Haste.

TEAM STATISTICS

Oak Ridge

Clinton

FIRST DOWNS

8

 Total 15

8

 By rushing 7

0

 By passing 8

0

 By penalty 0
RUSHING

29

 Attempts 34

313

 Yards gained 177

31

 Yards lost 24

282

 Net yards 153
PASSING

5

 Completions 14

5

 Attempts 28

100.00%

 Percentage 50.00%

0

 Intercepted 4

104

 Net yards 131
TOTAL OFFENSE

386

 Net yards 284
PUNTS

1

 Attempts 3

31

 Average 31
RETURN YARDS

24

 Punt returns 0

126

 Kickoff returns 15

45

 Interception returns 0
FUMBLES

3

 Total 3

2

 Fumbles lost 1
PENALTIES

6

 Total 4

45

 Yards lost 35

[Read more…]