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Photos: Work on eighth rowing lane

Posted at 12:01 pm January 26, 2017
By John Huotari 1 Comment

Eighth Rowing Lane Jan 18 2017

The view from the water of the new wall installed for the eighth lane of the Oak Ridge rowing course. Calhoun’s restaurant is in the background at center right. (Photo by Laurel Patrick)

 

Laurel Patrick of First Place Finish Inc. in Oak Ridge has been posting pictures on Twitter showing the progress on work on the eighth lane of the Oak Ridge rowing course.

Here are pictures by Patrick starting November 16, used here with her permission. We have posted them below in chronological order.

First Place Finish Inc. received a $548,350 contract to add the eighth lane during a special Oak Ridge City Council meeting in September. The work includes a precast concrete block retaining wall and associated dredging and site work.

Oak Ridge officials announced in late October that the speed limit on a section of Melton Lake Drive would be temporarily reduced for at least three months starting Monday, October 31, while the eighth rowing lane is built, and part of the Melton Lake Greenway will be closed as necessary. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Front Page News, Government, Oak Ridge, Rowing, Sports, Top Stories Tagged With: Anderson County Tourism Council, eighth lane, eighth rowing lane, Explore Oak Ridge, First Place Finish Inc., Laurel Patrick, Melton Lake Drive, Melton Lake greenway, Oak Ridge City Council, Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department, Oak Ridge Rowing Association, Oak Ridge rowing course, Visit Knoxville

Temporary greenway closure due to work on eighth rowing lane

Posted at 9:00 pm October 7, 2016
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

oak-ridge-melton-lake-greenway-closure-2

A section of Melton Lake Greenway will be temporarily closed during construction of the eighth lane on the Oak Ridge Rowing Course.

The project will require approximately 500 feet of greenway to be removed and replaced at the end of construction, a press release said. The affected area is located along Melton Lake Drive between Amanda Drive and Palisades Parkway.

Due to the restricted project work zone, a temporary bypass is not expected to be feasible, the press release said. The specific start date for the closure has yet to be determined, but signs will give notice to those in the area once the closure begins. Trail users are asked to be cautious and observe all trail closure barricades and signage. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Government, Government, Oak Ridge, Recreation, Slider, Sports Tagged With: Anderson County Tourism Council, eighth lane, Explore Oak Ridge, John Ragan, Melton Lake Drive, Melton Lake greenway, Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department, Oak Ridge Rowing Association, Oak Ridge rowing course, Randy McNally, Visit Knoxville

Council approves $548,350 contract for eighth rowing lane

Posted at 6:22 pm September 6, 2016
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

SIRA-Regatta-April-17-2016-6

Officials and referees used Oak Ridge Rowing Association boats to monitor the races on the seven-lane course at the 2016 SIRA Championship Regatta in Oak Ridge on Sunday, April 17, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

The Oak Ridge City Council approved a $548,350 contract to add an eighth lane to the city’s rowing course in a 6-0 vote during a brief special meeting Tuesday.

The contract will be awarded to First Place Finish Incorporated. The work will include a precast concrete block retaining wall and associated dredging and site work.

The six Council members who were present voted “yes.” Council member Trina Baughn was absent.

More details about the project are included in this special meeting agenda.

Funding for the eighth lane project comes from several sources, Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson said in a September 2 memo to City Council. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has allocated $250,000 for the project. The city’s Capital Improvements Program, or CIP, has budgeted $585,000 for the project, with the city’s share being $185,000.

Other sources of funding include: [Read more…]

Filed Under: Government, Government, Oak Ridge, Rowing, Slider, Sports, Top Stories Tagged With: Anderson County Tourism Council, Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon Inc., eighth lane, First Place Finish Incorporated, Mark Watson, Oak Ridge City Council, Oak Ridge Marina, regattas, rowing course, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Council to consider $548,350 contract for eighth rowing lane

Posted at 5:26 pm September 2, 2016
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

SIRA-Regatta-April-17-2016-Slider-1

Officials and referees used Oak Ridge Rowing Association boats to monitor the races on the seven-lane course at the 2016 SIRA Championship Regatta in Oak Ridge on Sunday, April 17, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

On Tuesday, the Oak Ridge City Council will consider a $548,350 contract to add an eighth lane to the city’s rowing course on the Clinch River.

Council will consider the contract, which would be awarded to First Place Finish Incorporated, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, in the Oak Ridge Municipal Building Courtroom.

The work would include a precast concrete block retaining wall and associated dredging and site work.

Funding for the project comes from several sources, Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson said in a September 2 memo to City Council. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has allocated $250,000 for the project. The city’s Capital Improvements Program, or CIP, has budgeted $585,000 for the project, with the city’s share being $185,000.

Other sources of funding include: [Read more…]

Filed Under: Government, Government, Oak Ridge, Rowing, Slider, Sports Tagged With: Anderson County Tourism Council, Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon Inc., capital improvements program, CIP, eighth rowing lane, First Place Finish Incorporated, K&F Construction Inc., Merit Construction, Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Oak Ridge City Council, Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Oak Ridge Economic Development Initiative, Oak Ridge Municipal Building, Oak Ridge Rowing Association, rowing course, rowing lane, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Tennessee Valley Authority, Visit Knoxville

Eighth lane could be added to Oak Ridge rowing course by March

Posted at 12:16 am August 4, 2016
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

SIRA-Regatta-April-17-2016-6

Officials and referees used Oak Ridge Rowing Association boats to monitor the races on the seven-lane course at the 2016 SIRA Championship Regatta in Oak Ridge on Sunday, April 17, 2016. The city plans to add an eighth lane by March 2017. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

An eighth lane could be added to the Oak Ridge rowing course by March, officials said Tuesday.

The work is made possible with help from a $40,000 state Tourism Enhancement Grant announced Tuesday by Randy Boyd, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Officials celebrated with a brief ceremony at Calhoun’s Event Center on Melton Lake Peninsula.

The eighth rowing lane has been on the city’s wish list for at least a decade, possibly longer.

Oak Ridge has received a $250,000 state grant for the proposed eighth lane. The city has planned to contribute $150,000, and Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson has solicited more money from other agencies that would benefit from the rowing course improvements, including in Anderson and Knox counties. That meant there was enough money available to fund a project of about $560,000, which is close to a targeted estimate that Watson gave Oak Ridge City Council members in March. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Front Page News, Government, Oak Ridge, Rowing, Slider, Sports, Sports, State, Top Stories Tagged With: Anderson County Tourism Council, eighth lane, eighth rowing lane, Explore Oak Ridge, Marc DeRose, Mark Watson, Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Oak Ridge City Council, Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Oak Ridge Rowing Association, Randy Boyd, Randy McNally, rowing course, Stephanie Wells, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Tennessee Valley Authority, Terry Frank, Tourism Enhancement Grant, Visit Knoxville, Warren Gooch

Commissioner Boyd to make tourism grant announcement at Calhoun’s on Tuesday

Posted at 9:20 pm August 1, 2016
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Randy Boyd

Randy Boyd

 

Randy Boyd, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, will be in Oak Ridge on Tuesday to make an announcement concerning the state’s Tourism Enhancement Grant program, a tourism official said.

Boyd will be at Calhoun’s Event Center on Melton Lake Peninsula at 4 p.m. Tuesday, said Stephanie Wells, executive director of the Anderson County Tourism Council. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Government, State, Top Stories Tagged With: Anderson County Tourism Council, Randy Boyd, Stephanie Wells, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Tourism Enhancement Grant

Photo: Officials celebrate legislation allowing ATVs on US 25W in Rocky Top

Posted at 11:34 pm July 1, 2016
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Rocky Top Ribbon-Cutting for ATVs July 1 2016

Officials in Rocky Top and Anderson County, along with Tennessee legislators, had a ribbon-cutting to celebrate legislation that allows all-terrain vehicles to ride on Highway 25W starting Friday, July 1, 2016. (Photo by Jerry Creasey)

 

Officials in Rocky Top and Anderson County and Tennessee legislators had a ribbon-cutting on Friday, July 1, to celebrate legislation that allows all-terrain vehicles to ride on Highway 25W, or US 25W, starting this month.

The celebration included officials from the City of Rocky Top, Rocky Top Chamber of Commerce, and Anderson County Tourism Council.

The Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation to amend state law to allow for all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, to ride on Highway 25W in Rocky Top from the intersection of Colonial Lane to the intersection at Jacksboro Avenue beginning July 1, a press release said.

“Current legislation (before July 1) allows for ATVs to be operated on State Route 116 from Beech Grove to Highway 25,” said Mike Lovely, Rocky Top mayor. “This amendment extends the riding area and allows riders from Windrock Park to access the commerce area of Rocky Top.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Government, Rocky Top Tagged With: adventure tourism, all-terrain vehicles, Anderson County, Anderson County Tourism Council, ATVs, City of Rocky Top, Highway 25W, Jim Shetterly, Mike Lovely, Rocky Top, Rocky Top Chamber of Commerce, Rocky Top Marketing and Manufacturing, Stephanie Wells, Tennessee General Assembly, Tim Isbel, US 25W, Windrock Park

Officials to celebrate legislation allowing ATVs on Highway 25W in Rocky Top

Posted at 1:30 pm June 23, 2016
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

City of Rocky Top Seal

Officials in Rocky Top and Anderson County will have a ribbon-cutting on Friday, July 1, to celebrate recent legislation that allows all-terrain vehicles to ride on Highway 25W starting this summer.

The celebration will include officials from the City of Rocky Top, Rocky Top Chamber of Commerce, and Anderson County Tourism Council. The ribbon-cutting is scheduled at 10 a.m. Friday, July 1, at the “Welcome to Rocky Top City” sign located between the southbound exit ramp of Exit 129 off of Interstate 75 and the Colonial Road in front of KFC and Cracker Barrel.

The Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation to amend current law that would allow for all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, to ride on Highway 25W in Rocky Top from the intersection of Colonial Lane to the intersection at Jacksboro Avenue beginning July 1, a press release said.

“Current legislation allows for ATVs to be operated on State Route 116 from Beech Grove to Highway 25,” said Mike Lovely, Rocky Top mayor. “This amendment extends the riding area and allows riders from Windrock Park to access the commerce area of Rocky Top.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Business, Front Page News, Government, Recreation, Rocky Top, Rocky Top, Sports Tagged With: all-terrain vehicles, Anderson County, Anderson County Tourism Council, ATVs, Buffalo Mountain Wind Farm, City of Rocky Top, Highway 25W, Jim Shetterly, Mike Lovely, ribbon-cutting, Rocky Top, Rocky Top Chamber of Commerce, Rocky Top Marketing and Manufacturing, Stephanie Wells, Tennessee General Assembly, Tim Isbel, Windrock Park

Str8 Up SxS Series is Saturday at Windrock Park

Posted at 10:28 am June 22, 2016
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

STR8 UP SXS SERIES

The Str8 Up SxS Series is Saturday at Windrock Park north of Oliver Springs.

“The Str8 Up SxS Series will be tackling the crazy hills at the SuperATV Summernationals, the third stop in the series,” an event announcement said. “This adrenaline-pumping event will have you asking yourself, ‘What are these guys thinking?’”

Registration for the event is full, so there is a full house of 60 participants ready to race in the Unlimited and Production classes, along with 21 participants in the Bounty Series. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Front Page News, Recreation, Sports Tagged With: Anderson County Tourism Council, Oliver Springs, Str8 Up SxS Series, SuperATV Summernationals, Windrock Park

Clinton men win TN Team Trail Fishing Tournament

Posted at 1:31 pm March 22, 2016
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

BJ-Henderson-Billy-Joe-Henderson-Winner-March-19-2016

First prize in the TN Team Trail Fishing Tournament at Anderson County Park on Saturday, March 19, 2016, was won by B.J. Henderson and Billy Joe Henderson from Clinton, with a total of 22.14 pounds. (Submitted photo)

 

Submitted

The TN Team Trail Fishing Tournament was a huge success with 176 boats and 348 anglers participating in the event on Saturday, March 19, at Anderson County Park on Norris Lake. Participants came from West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and throughout East and Middle Tennessee.

First prize was won by B.J. Henderson and Billy Joe Henderson from Clinton, with a total of 22.14 pounds. Second place was Jordan Lane and Roger King with 19.72 pounds. Third place was Wayne Moyher and Casey Baker with 19.65 pounds.

The Largemouth Lunker was caught by Rick Disney and Mike Miller with a weight of 7.35 pounds.

A total of 486 bass were caught and released at a total weight of 1,342 pounds. Total cash payout for the tournament was $39,350. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Anderson County, Business, Front Page News, Government, Recreation, Sports, Top Stories Tagged With: Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, Anderson County Park, Anderson County Tourism Council, B.J. Henderson, Billy Joe Henderson, Casey Baker, Jordan Lane, Mike Miller, Norris Lake, Rick Disney, Roger King, TN Team Trail Fishing Tournament, Wayne Moyher

Anderson, three other counties join Retire Tennessee program

Posted at 10:18 am August 2, 2015
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Retire Tennessee

Anderson, Carter, Sumner, and Unicoi counties align with 15 established communities 

NASHVILLE—Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett announced last week that Anderson, Carter, Sumner, and Unicoi counties have been added to Retire Tennessee, the state’s retiree recruitment marketing program. That brings the total number of active Retire Tennessee counties to 19, a press release said.

“It’s great to officially add four new counties to this important state program,” Triplett said. “Tennessee has much to offer people making retirement decisions based on quality of life and cost of living. Our state has the lowest cost of living in the Southeast and second lowest in the nation, no state income tax, and low property tax. Add to that, the state’s breathtaking scenic beauty and unparalleled hospitality, and it’s only natural Tennessee would rank high among the population relocating after retirement.”

The four counties join Cumberland, Franklin, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Loudon, Maury, Putnam, Rhea,  Roane, Robertson, Sullivan, Warren, and White counties as Retire Tennessee counties. Now in its ninth year, Retire Tennessee inspired more than 10,000 inquiries from potential retirees last year. Tennessee is one of only four states with retiree recruitment as a formal program and continues to gain momentum as a potential retirement destination for more than 78 million baby boomers. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Front Page News, Government, State, Top Stories Tagged With: 20th reunion, Anderson County, Anderson County Tourism Council, Anthony Holt, Carter County, Carter County Chamber of Commerce, cost of living, Greg Lynch, income tax, Kevin Triplett, Pam May, property tax, quality of life, Ramay Winchester, Retire Tennessee, retiree recruitment, retirees, retirement destination, Sumner County, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Terry Frank, The Roane Alliance, Tonya Stevens

Clinch River Spring Antique Fair on Saturday in Clinton

Posted at 12:08 pm April 30, 2015
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Clinch River Antique Festival

Clinch River Antique Fair (Submitted photo) 

 

The 11th Annual Clinch River Spring Antique Fair will be held on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in Historic Downtown Clinton.

The Spring Antique Fair will kick off with a party on Friday evening, May 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Hoskins/Lane Park on Market Street with live musical entertainment.

Back by popular demand are The Real McCoys. This trio is comprised of brothers Blake and Aaron McCoy, who play banjo and guitar, and bass player Nick Patterson.

These young men grew up in Lake City playing in church, and they have been a favorite at The Museum of Appalachia’s Fall Homecoming for the past five years, a press release said. They released their first album in 2010 and are currently working on their second one, hoping to include several songs they have written. Their true passion for bluegrass music drives them to make bluegrass appeal to everyone. Their spin on the classic “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” has made them a local favorite.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Arts, Business, Clinton, Clinton, Community, Front Page News, Government, Meetings and Events, Music, Top Stories Tagged With: Anderson County Tourism Council, antique district, Antique Merchants Guild of Clinton, antique shops, City of Clinton, Clinch River Spring Antique Fair, Clinton, food, Historic Downtown District, Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, music, shopping, The Real McCoys

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Classifieds

Availability of the draft environmental assessment for off-site depleted uranium manufacturing (DOE/EA-2252)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announces the … [Read More...]

Public Notice: NNSA announces no significant impact of Y-12 Development Organization operations at Horizon Center

AVAILABILITY OF THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE OFFSITE HOUSING OF THE Y-12 DEVELOPMENT … [Read More...]

ADFAC seeks contractors for five homes

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) is a non-profit community based agency, … [Read More...]

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