Oak Ridge Today

Races on the ballot today include mayor, sheriff, others

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Note: This story was last updated at 11:50 a.m.

Among the races on the ballot in the primary election in Anderson County today (Tuesday, May 1) are mayor, sheriff, trustee, county clerk, circuit court clerk, and register of deeds.

At least three of the races—mayor, county clerk, and register of deeds—could be decided in the Republican Party primary today because there are no Democrats running for those offices. That’s assuming there are no write-in candidates for those races in the August 2 county general election.

The Republican candidates for mayor are Terry Frank, the incumbent, and Anderson County Commissioner Steve Emert. The GOP candidates for county clerk are Jeff Cole, the incumbent, and his challenger, businesswoman Leesa Arowood. Tim Shelton is running for re-election as register of deeds, and he is being challenged in the Republican primary by Rocky Top City Manager Michael Foster.

There are no Democrats on today’s ballot for circuit court clerk, but there is a write-in candidate who plans to run as a Democrat in the August election. There is also a Republican write-in candidate in the race. It initially appeared this election could be decided today, but it now appears there could be the Republican nominee, either incumbent William Jones or former mayor Rex Lynch, plus two possible write-in candidates. [Read more…]

Despite censure, lawsuit, calls for resignation, Jones still running in May 1 primary

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The Anderson County Commission, which is pictured above on March 20, 2018, unanimously censured Anderson County Circuit Clerk William Jones on Feb. 20, and asked him to resign after sexual harassment allegations were reported. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

The Anderson County Commission, which is pictured above on March 20, 2018, unanimously censured Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk William Jones on Feb. 20, and asked him to resign after sexual harassment allegations were reported. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was updated at 10:40 a.m.

CLINTON—He’s been accused of inappropriate behavior that includes unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted touching, and lewd and vulgar text messages. He’s been unanimously censured and asked to resign by the Anderson County Commission. He’s been sued in federal court. And some residents have joined commissioners in asking him to resign, or at least not seek re-election.

Despite those pleas, though, Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk William Jones, who has denied many allegations and called others false, is seeking re-election in the Anderson County Republican Party primary election on Tuesday, May 1. Jones has filed counterclaims in federal court and filed a defamation lawsuit in state court.

Some of the sexual harassment allegations appear to have been forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies, including the Tennessee Attorney General, Tennessee Department of Labor, and Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, according to records released by Anderson County. It’s not clear which outside agencies, if any, might be investigating the complaints, or whether the local district attorney general might be investigating.

Willliam T. Jones

Willliam T. Jones

Commission censures Jones, asks him to resign

The accusations against Jones, who is seeking his second four-year term, were publicly disclosed during a review of a sexual harassment complaint at an Anderson County Commission meeting on February 20.

During that meeting, Kim Jeffers-Whitaker, Anderson County’s chief deputy director of human resources and risk management, said her department had received five reports of inappropriate workplace behavior by Jones.

“The five reports create a harassing pattern,” Jeffers-Whitaker said.

She said the reports are supported by two affidavits and four sworn statements that the county’s human resources department obtained from the victims, who include four past or present employees and one citizen.

According to Jeffers-Whitaker, the alleged instances of unprofessional conduct include: [Read more…]

Oak Ridge Graduation Celebration needs volunteers

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Every year, hundreds of Oak Ridge students enjoy the free Graduation Celebration at the Oak Ridge Civic Center, a safe, all-night party on graduation night. This year’s party is May 31. Those who donate $250 by May 1 will be listed on the annual T-shirt given to grads and volunteers. To donate, register a student or volunteer, visit www.GraduationCelebration.org.

Every year, hundreds of Oak Ridge students enjoy the free Graduation Celebration at the Oak Ridge Civic Center, a safe, all-night party on graduation night. This year’s party is May 31. Those who donate $250 by May 1 will be listed on the annual T-shirt given to grads and volunteers. To donate, register a student, or volunteer, visit www.GraduationCelebration.org.

 

Graduation Celebration, a free all-night party for high school graduates in Oak Ridge, will host its 21st annual event at the Oak Ridge Civic Center from 10 p.m. May 31 until 5 a.m. June 1.

About 85 percent of the graduating class attends each year, and close to 5,000 Oak Ridge students have enjoyed this tradition since 1997, a press release said. The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board picks the theme each year, and this year it’s “Old Hollywood.” The Civic Center will be decorated in black, gold, and red, with plenty of glitter to go around, said event chairperson Debbie Magill.

“We are so glad to be able to offer this wonderful event to our graduates,” Magill said. “It shows our youth that the City of Oak Ridge cares about them and is proud of their accomplishments. We could not put on this event without the generous support of the Oak Ridge Parks and Recreation Department, the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), and the citizens and businesses of our city.”

All of the city’s high school graduates, including those from Oak Ridge High School, homeschool, or private schools are invited to the free event, the press release said. [Read more…]

East Tennessee Foundation, CNS Y-12 accepting nonprofit grant applications

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East Tennessee Foundation is now accepting applications for funding from the CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund, or CNS Y-12 Fund. That’s a donor advised fund of East Tennessee Foundation, a press release said.

Organizations must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) or other exempt entities located in the CNS Y-12 20-county service area, the press release said. Grant applications are sought to support one or more of the committee’s two focus areas: cultural and historic preservation, or mental health and substance abuse.

To determine eligibility and apply, visit www.etf.org/grants through May 23.  Grant awards will primarily range from $2,000-$15,000. One-year grants will be awarded in early fall 2018, the press release said. [Read more…]

City’s brush pickup starts Monday

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The citywide brush pickup program in Oak Ridge will start Monday, April 30. Tree limbs as well as bagged yard clippings and leaves will be picked up. City collection efforts will follow the schedule included below as closely as possible.

Residents have always been very cooperative, the City of Oak Ridge said, and “we ask for their continued cooperation this year by following a few guidelines”: [Read more…]

‘Understanding Jerusalem: The Holy City & Why It Matters’ at Lunch with League on Tuesday

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Erin Darby

Erin Darby

 

The speaker for Lunch with the League on Tuesday, May 1, will be Erin Darby, assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Tennessee. Her presentation will introduce attendees to the modern history of Jerusalem and explain its political, cultural, and religious significance, including its role in regional and international conflict. She was scheduled to speak at the January 16 meeting, which was cancelled due to the weather.

The meeting will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Social Hall of the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, which is located at 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

Darby is also co-director of the ‘Ayn Gharandal Archaeological Project in southern Jordan, and she leads the UT Dig Jordan study abroad program. An expert in the archaeology and texts of the Middle East, she has traveled extensively in the region, conducting research in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Cyprus, and Syria, a press release said. [Read more…]

Today is prescription drug take back day

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You can get rid of unwanted, expired, and unused prescription medications, along with other medicines, in Clinton, Oak Ridge, and Rocky Top today (Saturday, April 28).

Anderson County is participating in the 2018 DEA Rx Drug Take Back Day, a press release said. The DEA is the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Organizations involved in the Drug Take Back Day are ASAP of Anderson, Clinton Police Department, Oak Ridge Police Department, and Rocky Top Police Department.

Community members can bring their expired or unused medicines to one of the Anderson County Take Back locations anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday. Drive-through collections sites will be located at the police departments listed below. Each department will be set-up outside in their respective parking lots to receive the expired or unused medicines. [Read more…]

Secrecy, security, spies program is Saturday

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The Oak Ridge Turnpike Gatehouse is pictured above on the west end of town. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Turnpike Gatehouse is pictured above on the west end of town. (Submitted photo)

 

The Manhattan Project National Historical Park will present a program on Saturday, April 28, starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Turnpike Gatehouse in Oak Ridge. The program will give visitors some insight to what life was like in Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project with all the security, the need for secrecy, and the worry of spies, a press release said. This program is free and open to the public; parking is limited, so, please try to carpool if possible.

The Gatehouse is located at 2900 Oak Ridge Turnpike. Visitors can access the Turnpike Gatehouse from Oak Ridge by following the Oak Ridge Turnpike west as if you are leaving town. Parking will be next to the Gatehouse. For more information, visit the National Park desk in the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge.

For more information or directions, contact the Manhattan Project National Historical Park at (865) 482-1942. Visitors are encouraged to visit the park’s website for more information at https://www.nps.gov/mapr/oakridge.htm. Follow the park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Manhattan ProjectNPS, follow them on Twitter at @MnhtnProjectNPS, or on Instagram @manhattanprojectnps.

Public can tour parts of ORNL, celebrate 75 years on Lab Day (June 9)

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The public will have a chance to tour parts of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and help celebrate the lab's 75th anniversary on Saturday, June 9, 2018. (Photo by ORNL)

The public will have a chance to tour parts of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and help celebrate the lab’s 75th anniversary on Saturday, June 9, 2018. (Photo by ORNL)

 

The public will have a chance to tour parts of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and help celebrate the lab’s 75th anniversary on Saturday, June 9.

The event will include family-friendly activities, tours, demonstrations, and talks, a press release said.

The “75 Years of Science: Lab Day at ORNL” special event will give the public an opportunity to visit world-leading scientific facilities such as the Spallation Neutron Source and the Titan supercomputer, see one of the world’s first nuclear reactors, and interact with research staff, the press release said.

“The pioneering research of ORNL scientists and engineers has played a pivotal role in our nation’s history and continues to shape our future,” ORNL Director Thomas Zacharia said. “We look forward to welcoming the community to celebrate with us as we pursue another 75 years of leadership in science.”

Registration is required to attend the June 9 event. Advance registration for U.S citizens and non-U.S. citizens, ages 6 and up, will open Tuesday, May 1, and close Friday, May 11, at https://75thanniversary.ornl.gov/register/. Space is limited, and registration will close earlier than May 11 if all space is allotted. A limited number of day-of registration spots will be available for U.S. citizens only. [Read more…]

Volunteers cleaning up historic Emery Road on Saturday

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Friends of the Historic Emery Road Cleanup April 28 2018

The Highland View Neighborhood Association and the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association have organized a cleanup of the historic Emery Road Rock Pillar Bridge Area near the Midtown Community Center (Wildcat Den) on Saturday.

The cleanup is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 28.

“We invite the public to help in cleaning up this parkland area,” an event notice said. “Bring gloves; other equipment will be provided by Keep Anderson County Beautiful. Snacks and water will be served to participants of the cleanup to sustain the effort.”

The rain day for this event will be May 5. [Read more…]

Reception for Roane State Student Art Show is Thursday

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Roane State Community College will host a reception on Thursday, April 25, 2018, as part of its annual Student Art Show in the O’Brien Art Gallery on the Roane County campus. (Submitted photo)

Roane State Community College will host a reception on Thursday, April 25, 2018, as part of its annual Student Art Show in the O’Brien Art Gallery on the Roane County campus. (Submitted photo)

 

Roane State Community College will host a reception on Thursday as part of its annual Student Art Show in the O’Brien Art Gallery on the Roane County campus, 276 Patton Lane in Harriman.

The reception and awards ceremony is Thursday, April 26, at 12:30 p.m. in the art gallery. The public is invited, a press release said.

This annual event (April 19-26) is open to all Roane State student artists and is an opportunity for students to hone their skills and gain exhibition experience. This year’s juror is Marc Dombrosky.

For more information, contact Stacy Jacobs at jacobssl@roanestate.edu or (865) 354-3000, extension 4311; or Bryan Wilkerson at wilkersonbs@roanestate.edu, or (865) 354-3000, extension 4748.

This press release was submitted by Owen Driskill.

Agape House ‘Evening of Everything Chocolate’ features chocolate contest on Saturday

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Melanie Fillauer, second from right, will join judges Carol Smallridge and Phil Yager for this year’s chocolate contest at the Agape House “An Evening of Everything Chocolate.” Fillauer was last year’s Gold Medal winner. With her, from left, are 2017 judges Jeanne Gorman, the 2016 Gold Medal winner, Oak Ridge City Council member Kelly Callison, and Elaine Graham, owner of Estate Sales Professionals. (Submitted photo)

Melanie Fillauer, second from right, will join judges Carol Smallridge and Phil Yager for this year’s chocolate contest at the Agape House “An Evening of Everything Chocolate.” Fillauer was last year’s Gold Medal winner. With her, from left, are 2017 judges Jeanne Gorman, the 2016 Gold Medal winner, Oak Ridge City Council member Kelly Callison, and Elaine Graham, owner of Estate Sales Professionals. (Submitted photo)

 

Amateur dessert chefs are invited to prepare their best chocolate dessert for a culinary contest Saturday, April 28, at “An Evening of Everything Chocolate,” benefitting Agape House of Oak Ridge.

Judges will be Melanie Fillauer, last year’s Gold Medal winner, community volunteer and culinary expert Carol Smallridge, and Anderson County Commissioner Phil Yager.

Those entering should prepare at least eight servings for judges, with any extras available for those attending the event. At least one ingredient must be chocolate, which could be milk, dark or white chocolate, cocoa, syrup, or other form of chocolate. Each contestant may enter up to two desserts.

Prizes will be awarded to the top winners. There is no entry fee, and contestants need not be present to win. Entries should be at the Social Hall of the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike, by 6 p.m. April 28. Contestants should fill out a form there with their name, name of dessert, phone number, and e-mail address for each entry. [Read more…]