Oak Ridge Today

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.

TDOT cancels proposed changes on Clinton Highway due to county opposition

Posted at
By 2 Comments

TDOT Clinton Highway Improvements Mehaffey Road July 7 2016

As proposed, a one-third mile section of Clinton Highway south of Mehaffey Road—the section of road to the right of Mehaffey Road in the map above—would have been one lane in each direction with a center turn lane. The road to the north of Mehaffey Road—the area to the left—would have been two lanes in the southbound lane, a center turn lane, and one lane in the northbound lane. The changes would have been made as part of a resurfacing project in 2017, the Tennessee Department of Transportation said in a meeting in Claxton on Thursday, July 7, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 12:30 p.m.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has canceled proposed changes meant to improve safety on Clinton Highway between Edgemoor Road and the Knox County line. The proposed safety improvements in Claxton have been canceled due to opposition from Anderson County, and after residents objected, including in a petition.

TDOT presented its proposal during a July 7 meeting at the Claxton Community Center. Among other changes, the project would have reduced the four-lane highway to a three-lane roadway with a passing lane in one direction, wider shoulders, and a continuous center turn lane as part of a resurfacing project scheduled for next year.

TDOT said there have been 10 fatal crashes in 10 years on that 2.6-mile section of Clinton Highway between Edgemoor Road and the Anderson County-Knox County line.

“That’s pretty high in a small section of roadway,” Nathan Vatter, TDOT regional traffic engineer, said after the July presentation. “It’s a significant number of fatalities.”

There was another meeting this month to give comments to TDOT. Anderson County Commissioner Tracy Wandell, one of two county commissioners who represent Claxton, provided notes to TDOT. Among the highlights: [Read more…]

Hensley withdraws from City Council race

Posted at
By 8 Comments

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…]

Photo: Aerial view of Oak Ridge Mall demolition

Posted at
By 2 Comments

Aerial-View-of-Oak-Ridge-Mall-Demolition-Aug-22-2016

The demolition work at the former Oak Ridge Mall is pictured in this aerial view provided by Environmental Abatement Inc., or EAI, of Hendersonville, Tenn., on Monday, Aug. 22, 2016. The concrete slab in the center foreground is the area of the former Sears store, and the area behind it is the enclosed space between Belk, at left, and the former Proffitt’s men and housewares store, right center. Walmart is the white-roofed building partially pictured at right center. The former Sears auto shop was near Walmart. JCPenney is at center background at the far end of the L-shaped mall. (Photo courtesy EAI)

 

Note: This story was updated at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 23.

The demolition work at the former Oak Ridge Mall is pictured above in the aerial view provided Monday by Environmental Abatement Inc., or EAI, of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

On Thursday, EAI, the demolition and environmental contractor, said demolition work at the former Oak Ridge Mall was about 50 percent complete. The work appears to have proceeded quickly even since then, based on this aerial view. Most notably, piles of scrap metal that were in the area of the former Sears store, in the center foreground in the picture above, appear to have been hauled away.

Last week, EAI said it expected to start removing concrete slabs beginning this week. On Tuesday, August 23, it appeared that workers had, in fact, started tearing up the concrete slab near the former pick-up and drop-off door at the former Sears store, near Belk.

Demolition started at the former Sears store on Tuesday, July 26. It’s proceeded quickly from there to include the enclosed space next to Belk, which will remain in the redeveloped site, east toward Rutgers Avenue and the former Proffitt’s men’s and housewares store. The demolished space also included the area in the mall that was most recently used as a conference center. [Read more…]

White House recognizes Vaughan as outstanding ORHS math teacher

Posted at
By 1 Comment

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

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…]

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…]

Mall demolition about 50 percent complete; see more photos here

Posted at
By 5 Comments

Oak-Ridge-Mall-Demolition-Aug-18-2016-18-Web

Demolition work at the former Oak Ridge Mall is about 50 percent complete, a contractor said Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. The view pictured above is from near Belk, in front of the former pick-up and drop-off door at Sears, looking east toward the former Proffitt’s men’s store and Rutgers Avenue. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Demolition work at the former Oak Ridge Mall is about 50 percent complete, a contractor said Thursday.

Demolition started at the former Sears store on Tuesday, July 26. It’s proceeded quickly from there to include the enclosed space next to Belk, which will remain in the redeveloped site, east toward Rutgers Avenue and the former Proffitt’s men’s store. Close to one half of the enclosed L-shaped mall space had been demolished as of Thursday, August 18. The demolished space also included the area in the mall that was most recently used as a conference center.

Workers are moving counterclockwise toward JCPenney, which will also remain and be part of the redeveloped site, known as Main Street Oak Ridge.

Demolition could be complete within 60 days, or about mid-October, said Environmental Abatement Inc., or EAI, the demolition and environmental contractor. [Read more…]

Mall demolition about 50 percent complete; see photos here

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Oak-Ridge-Mall-Demolition-Aug-18-2016-2-Web

Demolition work at the former Oak Ridge Mall is about 50 percent complete, a contractor said Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016. Pictured above is the entrance to the former mall on the north side of Walmart. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Demolition work at the former Oak Ridge Mall is about 50 percent complete, a contractor said Thursday.

Demolition started at the former Sears store on Tuesday, July 26. It’s proceeded quickly from there to include the enclosed space next to Belk, which will remain in the redeveloped site, east toward Rutgers Avenue and the former Proffitt’s men’s store. Close to one half of the enclosed L-shaped mall space had been demolished as of Thursday, August 18. The demolished space also included the area in the mall that was most recently used as a conference center.

Workers are moving counterclockwise toward JCPenney, which will also remain and be part of the redeveloped site, known as Main Street Oak Ridge.

Demolition could be complete within 60 days, or about mid-October, said Environmental Abatement Inc., or EAI, the demolition and environmental contractor. [Read more…]