Oak Ridge Today

Preparing for demolition, DOE identifies contaminants at Y-12’s Biology Complex

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Y-12 Biology Complex aerial

An aerial view of the Biology Complex at the Y-12 National Security Complex. Plans call for eventually demolishing the complex. (Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Energy)

 

Biology Complex at Y-12 once housed more individuals with doctorates than anywhere else in the world

The U.S. Department of Energy and its cleanup contractor finished characterizing the Biology Complex at the Y-12 National Security Complex this month, identifying contaminants before demolishing and disposing of the buildings.

The characterization work was done by DOE’s Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management and its contractor, URS | CH2M, or UCOR.

DOE said it was crucial to get crews into the complex before the working environment became too hazardous.

“Already, team members could not enter a building due to a failed roof,” the Department of Energy said in a story published online on Thursday. “Elsewhere, exterior tiles have fallen from the façade, and asbestos and other material present risks to workers due to roof leaks.”

Jay Mullis, acting manager for the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management, said the completion of the characterization work sets up the cleanup program to demolish Y-12’s Biology Complex when funds become available. [Read more…]

Jeep Jamboree at Windrock Park this weekend

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank and coordinator Bob Yarbrough welcome nearly 250 participants and their 125 jeeps from 26 states to the Tennessee Mountains Jeep Jamboree on Thursday morning, April 27, 2017, at the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy Terry Frank)

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank and coordinator Bob Yarbrough welcome nearly 250 participants and their 125 jeeps from 26 states to the Tennessee Mountains Jeep Jamboree on Thursday morning, April 27, 2017, at the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy Terry Frank)

 

There is a Jeep Jamboree at Windrock Park north of Oliver Springs this weekend, and close to 250 participants in 125 Jeeps from 26 states are reported to be attending.

The Tennessee Mountains Jeep Jamboree is an event inspired by local coordinator Bob Yarborough. Participants kicked off their three days of off-road trail adventures Thursday morning at the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge with a hearty welcome, discussion of trail guides and ground rules, and a review of the schedule of events that includes an awards dinner, the Anderson County Mayor’s Office said.

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank and Yarbrough welcomed the participants at AMSE on Thursday.

According to organizers, “the mountain vistas create a dynamic back drop for this scenic” jamboree, the Mayor’s Office said. Frank said she welcomed participants to Anderson County and encouraged them to have fun and enjoy the beauty of Anderson County and East Tennessee.

Local talent leads Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse Summer Camp

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Adra Cooper, camp director

Adra Cooper, camp director

This summer, youth will have the opportunity to be inspired by local talent to explore their creativity and surround themselves with fellow thespians. Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse is pleased to connect the theater community by offering this experience to learn in a workshop setting with its summer theater camp for youth from rising third grade through rising 12th.

Adra Cooper, camp director, said her experience with theater with young people has led her to value its positive effects.

“I have seen introverted students, who barely speak or look you in the eye, become talkative and confident young adults after finding confidence on stage,” Cooper said, adding that she thoroughly enjoyed the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse theater camp last year. “I especially enjoyed watching the kids grow in their confidence.”

Cooper brings a wealth of experience from working with youth as a drama teacher, director, and past camp director, a press release said. Campers will also benefit from the creative talent and love of theater from camp assistants Adam Moreno and Josh Farner. Both young men grew up doing theater in Oak Ridge and Knoxville and are excited to share their enthusiasm with the Playhouse campers, the press release said.

Adam Moreno, assistant camp instructor, performing at Middle Tennessee State University in 2014.

Adam Moreno, assistant camp instructor, performing at Middle Tennessee State University in 2014.

Moreno, assistant camp instructor, was very involved in Oak Ridge High School’s drama group, the Masquers. Adam continued his education and graduated with a degree in theater (specializing in acting) in 2016 from Middle Tennessee State University.

“Theater gives you a number of skills you can’t get in any other one platform,” Moreno said. “It teaches you to work with others (even if you don’t get along), to speak in front of a crowd, to listen to others, to take constructive criticism, and much more.”

Farner, also an assistant camp instructor, was a frequent participant at the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse growing up both as an actor and as a crew member. Warner currently attends the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and he is majoring in producing, directing, and playwriting. Farner attended the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse summer camps himself, so he’s especially excited to return as an instructor. [Read more…]

Public invited to Congressional Art Competition at Roane State Oak Ridge campus on Sunday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

The public is invited to the 2017 Congressional Art Competition Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 30, at Roane State Community College’s Oak Ridge campus.

The Art Competition for students in Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District, represented by Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, is held annually to recognize the artistic talents of high school students.

The Awards Ceremony will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. in the City Room of the Coffey-McNally Building. Visitors are welcome to view the artwork, which is on display on campus, located at 701 Briarcliff Avenue in Oak Ridge. Seating for the Awards Ceremony is limited.

The main goal of the art competition is to support and foster creativity among America’s youth. The winner of the art competition will have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Also, the winner will be awarded a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a reception and see their artwork hung inside the U.S. Capitol, a press release said.

This press release was submitted by Owen Driskill.

Land Bank perspective on Oak Ridge housing to be discussed Tuesday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Charlie Jernigan July 11 2016

Charlie Jernigan, chair of the Oak Ridge Land Bank Corp. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

“Housing in Oak Ridge is a topic of great interest for a large and diverse group of people as well as government and business entities,” said Charlie Jernigan. “To really understand what is happening with housing, it is important to know its status now, the important entities involved, and the game plans going forward.”

Jernigan will be the guest speaker at Lunch with the League on Tuesday, May 2, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Social Hall of the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, located at 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

“Now is an exciting time for Oak Ridge, with growth and positive change in many different arenas,” Jernigan said. “Housing is one of those areas presenting significant challenges, as well as opportunities for significant improvement. The city has reached a hinge point regarding housing: we have several options for our way forward, and one of these paths will take us where we need to be. Instead of choosing the current route of stagnation and further decay, we can decide to move in the direction of renewal and growth, and blaze a trail of improved housing throughout the city.” [Read more…]

Recognize Our Diversity the topic at PFLAG meeting on Monday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Attendees at the next PFLAG meeting will have a chance to join with local high school students to try “Walk the Line,” an activity that is an illustration of both the advantages, as well as disadvantages, each person has in society, a press release said. The meeting will be held on Monday, May 1, in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church. Social time will begin at 6:45 p.m., followed by the meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. The church is located at 1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge.

The activity will be a practice run for a session at the up-coming Youth Pride Fest 2017 on Saturday, May 6. From noon to 6 p.m. activities are planned to celebrate the diversity of all youth and support LGBTQ Youth and their Friends and Allies. All middle and high school age youth are invited. No registration necessary. Come ready to have fun and make new friends, the press release said. To learn more, go online to youthpridefest.weebly.com. [Read more…]

Agape House holds chocolate dessert contest at ‘An Evening of Everything Chocolate’

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Jeanne Gorman, chocolate contest judge, holds her prize-winning cake from last year's contest. With her are last year's judges, from left, Naomi Asher, Melanie Fillauer, and Tom Beehan. (Submitted photo)

Jeanne Gorman, chocolate contest judge, holds her prize-winning cake from last year’s contest. With her are last year’s judges, from left, Naomi Asher, Melanie Fillauer, and Tom Beehan. (Submitted photo)

 

Prepare your best chocolate dessert for a culinary contest Saturday at “An Evening of Everything Chocolate” benefitting Agape House of Oak Ridge.

Amateur dessert chefs are invited to enter the chocolate dessert contest, preparing at least eight servings for judges. 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.

Judges will be Jeanne Gorman, last year’s gold medal winner; Kelly Callison, Oak Ridge City Council member and chief operating officer of Information International Associates; and Elaine Graham, owner of Estate Sales Professionals, or the “Purple Van People.”

Prizes will be awarded to the top winners. Include your name, name of dessert, phone number, and e-mail address with each entry. 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 by 6 p.m. [Read more…]

Clinton Church of Christ has Friends & Family Day on Sunday, May 7

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

The Clinton Church of Christ has invited the community to its Friends and Family Day on Sunday, May 7.

The guest speaker will be Arthur Pigman, former pulpit minister at Clinton Church of Christ for more than 14 years and currently the pulpit minister for the Nelson Chapel Church of Christ in Maryville. Bible study is at 10 a.m., worship at 11am, fellowship lunch at 12 p.m., and an early afternoon service at 2 p.m. (church-eat-church).

Anderson County judges will dedicate plaque in memory of deceased attorneys on Monday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

The judges of Anderson County will dedicate a plaque in memory of deceased Anderson County practicing attorneys on Monday, May 1, “Law Day.” The presentation will take place at noon May 1 on the third floor of the Anderson County Courthouse, in the Circuit Courtroom.

The public is welcome to attend.

Site prep could start this year for mercury treatment plant at Y-12

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Y-12 Mercury Treatment Facility

The Mercury Treatment Facility that will be at the east end of Y-12 National Security Complex could start operating in 2022. (Image by David Brown/U.S. Department of Energy)

 

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

Site preparation could start later this year for the Mercury Treatment Facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex as the U.S. Department of Energy prepares for demolition and cleanup work at the nuclear weapons plant.

DOE’s Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management, or OREM, expects to complete demolition and cleanup work at the East Tennessee Technology Park, the former K-25 site, in 2020. It will then focus on the large-scale demolition work at Y-12.

Among the Y-12 buildings that could be demolished are Alpha 4, Alpha 5, and Beta 4, all large buildings where mercury, a toxic metal, was once used. The buildings used mercury to separate lithium for nuclear weapons. The lithium separation operations started in 1955 and ended in 1963.

But before that cleanup work can begin, OREM needs the Mercury Treatment Facility. The plant was first announced at a press conference featuring U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican, about four years ago, in May 2013.

“This water treatment plant is a major step in addressing one of the biggest problems we have from the Cold War era—mercury once used to make nuclear weapons getting into our waterways,” Alexander said at the time. [Read more…]

Current too strong for regatta on Oak Ridge rowing course, forcing cancellation

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

RowingCourse Destruction_3414

The destruction of the Oak Ridge rowing course is pictured above after heavy rains in the past week led to flooding and now strong currents on the Clinch River, causing the cancellation of the Dogwood Regatta on April 29-30, 2017. (Photo courtesy Explore Oak Ridge)

 

The strong current on the Oak Ridge rowing course forced the cancellation of the Dogwood Regatta this weekend, April 29-30, a press release said.

“The rain over the last several days has caused major flooding in the area,” said Sarah McAuliffe, Oak Ridge Rowing Association regatta director. “The current is about 10 times the norm and has done damage to our race course and other infrastructure, but the larger issue is athlete safety. “

The Tennessee Valley Authority and the U.S. Coast Guard have confirmed that the water flow rate will remain too high for safe rowing regatta operations over the weekend, the press release said. [Read more…]

Reminder: Second year of Arts & Antiques in the Square kicks off Saturday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

The second year of Arts & Antiques in the Square kicks off Saturday, April 29, in Jackson Square. Vendor spaces are available, and you can have items appraised at the kickoff. Pictured above are Linda Johnston, right, owner of Through the Looking Glass Antiques and Collectibles and Meghan O'Neal of Southern Bliss Boutique. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

The second year of Arts & Antiques in the Square kicks off Saturday, April 29, in Jackson Square. You can have items appraised at the kickoff. Pictured above are Linda Johnston, right, owner of Through the Looking Glass Antiques and Collectibles and Meghan O’Neal of Southern Bliss Boutique. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Reminder: The second year of Arts & Antiques in the Square kicks off Saturday, April 29, in Jackson Square.

You can have items appraised at the kickoff. The appraisals will be done by Case Antiques Inc. of Knoxville. It’s the Tennessee Treasures Appraisals Fair, which is part of the April 29 kickoff of Arts & Antiques in the Square. Items can be appraised for $10 per item, or $50 for six items. The appraisals will be done from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 29, in Jackson Square.

“Browse our shops and Arts & Antiques vendors while your items are appraised,” the Jackson Square Merchants Association said. If you have furniture to be appraised, you don’t have to bring it. You can bring photos or send them in advance.

Arts & Antiques in the Square itself is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29.

The series is usually, but not always, held on the last Saturday of the month. The events highlight the arts: dance, music, visual arts, and theater. They also allow vendors to showcase and sell their products.

“We’re trying to revitalize Jackson Square to its former glory,” said Linda Johnston, owner of Through the Looking Glass Antiques and Collectibles. “This used to be where everybody came.” [Read more…]