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Man dies, others injured in multi-vehicle crash at Midtown Community Center

Posted at 2:42 am July 5, 2015
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

Midtown Community Center Crash Reconstruction

A man died and at least a half-dozen people went to the hospital after a mutli-vehicle crash in the parking lot of Midtown Community Center after fireworks in Oak Ridge on Saturday night. Above, an accident reconstruction team works in the pouring rain at Midtown Community Center on Robertsville Road at about 2 a.m. Sunday. At right is Oak Ridge Police Department Officer Grant Gouldie.

 

Note: This story was last updated at 10:15 p.m.

One person died after a multi-vehicle crash in the parking lot of Midtown Community Center sent at least a half-dozen people to the hospital after fireworks in Oak Ridge on Saturday night, authorities said.

The man who died has a Knoxville address, but police aren’t identifying him yet because family members are still being notified. It appeared that the man was on foot at the time of the crash, authorities said. The man who died was with his wife and children, Oak Ridge Police Chief Jim Akagi said.

Akagi said at least six people, including two children, were sent to three hospitals in three ambulances. The injured were taken to Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge and Children’s Hospital and University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. Their names and conditions weren’t immediately available.

Akagi said a pickup involved in the crash hit several vehicles, although it’s not clear how the man who died was injured.

It’s also not clear how fast the red Dodge pickup truck was going or whether it was backing up, he said. Witnesses said the truck had been parked at the east end of the parking lot facing east, or away from the entrance, and the driver backed up to leave as soon as fireworks were over. Witnesses said the truck was in reverse and driving fast. So far, authorities have been unable to confirm that.

“We don’t know what happened,” Akagi said.

But the truck’s back end appeared to have struck at least one vehicle.

Akagi said there were at least a half-dozen vehicles involved in the crash. He said he didn’t know if any other vehicles were moving at the time of the collision. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Front Page News, Oak Ridge, Police, Police and Fire, Slider Tagged With: accident reconstruction, Adam Daugherty, Alvin K. Bissell Park, Anderson County Sheriff's Department, Clinton Police Department, crash, Darryl Kerley, Dave Clark, fireworks, Grant Gouldie, Jim Akagi, Mark Lucas, Midtown Community Center, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Police Department, Oak Ridge Turnpike, ORPD, Robertsville Road, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Wildcat Den

Several injuries reported in parking lot crash, injured taken to area hospitals

Posted at 1:45 am July 5, 2015
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

Midtown Community Crash Cars

Several injuries were reported in a multi-vehicle crash at Midtown Community Center after fireworks in Oak Ridge on Saturday night.

 

Several injuries were reported in the multi-vehicle crash at Midtown Community Center after fireworks in Oak Ridge on Saturday night, and the injured were taken to area hospitals, authorities said.

Authorities said at least six people were transported in three ambulances to area hospitals. Their conditions and identities were unknown. There were reports of more serious injuries to one person, but Oak Ridge Fire Chief Darryl Kerley wasn’t able to comment on the seriousness of that person’s injuries.

The crash was reported at about 10:25 p.m. Saturday. It appeared to involve three or more vehicles in the parking lot of Midtown Community Center. There were two more vehicles in the parking lot with apparent damage, although it wasn’t immediately clear if the damage to those cars was related to the Saturday night crash. Still other vehicles remained at the scene while police and fire units investigated.

One man who had been sitting on the tailgate of a pickup truck in the parking lot pushed his wife out of danger when he saw one of the vehicles approach, Kerley said. The approaching truck hit him and something cut his leg, and the man went to the hospital after Kerley took the man and his family home to get their van.

Oak Ridge police officers and firefighters were still at the scene at about 1 a.m. Sunday, and the Clinton Police Department was helping with a traffic reconstruction device.

Note: We have published a new story with more information. Please see most recent story here. This story should automatically redirect to the new story.

Filed Under: Oak Ridge, Police and Fire, Top Stories Tagged With: Clinton Police Department, crash, Darryl Kerley, fireworks, Midtown Community Center

Authorities investigating multi-vehicle parking lot crash, at least one injury reported

Posted at 11:38 pm July 4, 2015
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

Midtown Community Center-crash

Authorities are investigating a multi-vehicle crash that occurred in the parking lot of the Midtown Community Center after fireworks in Oak Ridge on Saturday night.

 

Authorities are investigating a multi-vehicle crash that occurred in the parking lot of the Midtown Community Center after fireworks in Oak Ridge on Saturday night.

It wasn’t immediately clear how many vehicles were involved in the crash, which was reported at about 10:30 p.m., although there appeared to be at least three. There were reports of at least one injury.

Authorities had requested help from a Lifestar medical helicopter, although one was apparently not available.

Note: We have published a new story with more information. Please see most recent story here. This story should automatically redirect to the new story.

Filed Under: Oak Ridge, Police and Fire, Top Stories Tagged With: crash, fireworks, Midtown Community Center, Oak Ridge

Reminder: Oak Ridge fireworks show, Community Band tonight

Posted at 6:34 pm July 4, 2015
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge Fireworks Preparations

A work crew prepares for the Oak Ridge fireworks show at A.K. Bissell Park on Saturday, July 4. (Photo by Julio Culiat)

 

The fireworks display sponsored by the City of Oak Ridge will begin at 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. The display will be shot from A.K. Bissell Park.

The fireworks will be accompanied by music played live on-site by Merle 96.7 FM. Radio host Jack Ryan will be transmitting live from the park beginning at 6 p.m. and will conclude the live broadcast with a patriotic medley as the fireworks are shot.

The countdown to the fireworks begins at 9:30 p.m. Listeners can tune their radios to 96.7 Merle FM and enjoy the show.

The Oak Ridge Community Band will perform its annual Fourth of July concert at the A.K. Bissell Park Pavilion beginning at 7:30 p.m. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, Community, Government, Meetings and Events, Oak Ridge, Slider Tagged With: A.K. Bissell Park, fireworks, Independence Day, July 4, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Community Band

Community Band concert followed by fireworks on Saturday evening

Posted at 8:53 am June 29, 2015
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge Community Band

The Oak Ridge Community Band performs during the July 4, 2014, concert. (Photo by Larry Perry)

 

The Oak Ridge Community Band will play in a free concert before the fireworks show at A.K. Bissell Park on Saturday.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Fireworks start at 10 p.m.

“Because the July 4 program traditionally attracts large crowds, come early and bring lawn chairs or blankets for good seating,” organizers said in a press release.

The concert is free, although donations are welcomed to offset band expenses. Refreshments will be available for sale. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, Entertainment, Front Page News, Meetings and Events, Music, Top Stories Tagged With: A.K. Bissell Park, Bill Burkhart, Community Band, concert, Deidre Ford, Don Batchelor, fireworks, Joe Williams, Lisa Michaels, Mike Cates, Oak Ridge Civic Center, Oak Ridge Community Band, Tim Michaels

Independence Day: ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’

Posted at 12:38 am June 26, 2015
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Independence Day is one of America’s favorite holidays. And why not? Families and friends gather to celebrate our country with food, parades, parties, picnics, and fireworks.

For many, the celebration includes alcohol, but the holiday quickly goes from festive to fatal when people choose to drive after drinking, Anderson County Sheriff Paul White said in a press release. From 2009 through 2013, nearly 40 percent of all traffic fatalities over the Fourth of July period occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.

To crack down on drunk driving this Independence Day weekend, Anderson County law enforcement will be out in full force, aggressively targeting those who put lives in danger, the press release said. Sheriff’s deputies will be out working to make our roadways safe. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Front Page News, Police and Fire Tagged With: alcohol-impaired-driving, Anderson County Sheriff's Department, crashes, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, drunk driving, fireworks, Fourth of July, Governor’s Highway Safety Office, Independence Day, Paul White, Tennessee Department of Transportation

Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at A.K. Bissell Park

Posted at 11:52 pm June 25, 2015
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

July 4, 2012 Fireworks

The Independence Day fireworks show in Oak Ridge has been scheduled for 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at A.K. Bissell Park. (Photo by Charles Samuels)

 

The fireworks display sponsored by the City of Oak Ridge will begin at 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. The display will be shot from A.K. Bissell Park.

The fireworks will be accompanied by music played live on-site by Merle 96.7 FM. Radio host Jack Ryan will be transmitting live from the park beginning at 6 p.m. and will conclude the live broadcast with a patriotic medley as the fireworks are shot.

The countdown to the fireworks begins at 9:30 p.m. Listeners can tune their radios to 96.7 Merle FM and enjoy the show.

The Oak Ridge Community Band will perform its annual Fourth of July concert at the A.K. Bissell Park Pavilion beginning at 7:30 p.m. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, Community, Government, Meetings and Events, Oak Ridge, Slider, Top Stories Tagged With: A.K. Bissell Park, City of Oak Ridge, fireworks, Fourth of July, Independence Day, Jack Ryan, July 4, Mark Watson, Merle 96.7 FM, Oak Ridge Community Band

Secret City Festival growing, evolving, but not ending, officials say

Posted at 1:23 am June 25, 2015
By John Huotari 7 Comments

Secret City Festival World War II Re-enactment 2015

A Flak 88 firing during a Battle of Normandy re-enactment at the 2015 Secret City Festival in Oak Ridge. (Photo by Rob Welton)

 

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

A rumor that circulated widely this month said this was going to be the last year for the Secret City Festival.

But city officials said it’s premature to say that.

It is true that a Special Events Advisory Task Force has been studying changes to the annual festival, including moving it from June and making it into an expanded celebration in the fall, starting in October and continuing through Veterans Day (November 11). It could be renamed the Secret City Celebration, implemented by a new nonprofit expected to become self-sustaining within five years, and add events while continuing to include the Secret City Festival.

At a Wednesday evening meeting, Task Force members said many of the current festival activities could continue, including music, World War II re-enactments, historical displays, and children’s activities. But they also said there could be opportunities for new partnerships with other organizations, including Wounded Warriors and Oak Ridge Playhouse. And it’s not clear that the Secret City Festival would continue to be a two-day event.

Task Force members say they’re hoping to help create something bigger and better. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, Entertainment, Government, Government, Oak Ridge, Slider, Top Stories Tagged With: budget, children's activities, Dogwood Arts Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, fireworks, historical displays, Kate Groover, Lavender Festival, Mike Brown, music, Oak Ridge City Council, Oak Ridge Playhouse, Ray Smith, Secret City Celebration, Secret City Festival, Special Events Advisory Task Force, Trina Baughn, Warren Gooch, World War II re-enactments, wounded warriors

Second annual Wildcat Day to feature pep rally, pizza, fireworks

Posted at 4:37 pm August 16, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Wildcat Day 2014

The second annual Wildcat Day on Saturday, August 23, will feature a pep rally, free pizza and hot dogs, and fireworks, a press release said.

The 2014 Oak Ridge High School football squad will also be introduced.

Wildcat Day starts at 7 p.m. August 23 at Ben Martin Track at Oak Ridge High School. It’s been organized by members of the Oak Ridge Quarterback Club.

“Although the planning window is short, the organizers hope to recreate the success of last year’s community pep rally that drew over 3,000 Wildcat fans,” said Len Hart, president of the Quarterback Club. “The Quarterback Club has been busy this summer with fundraising efforts, including the recent success with the Temptations concert. We just wrote a check to complete the grading and reseeding of the bank at Blankenship’s north end zone. Before we knew it, Wildcat Day was upon us—something Coach Gaddis assured us he wanted to do the week before the first football game.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Education, High School, High School, K-12, Slider, Sports, Top Stories Tagged With: coaches, fireworks, football, Joe Gaddis, Len Hart, Oak Ridge High School, Oak Ridge Quarterback Club, pep rally, players, Wildcat Day

Photos: July 4 fireworks, Oak Ridge Community Band

Posted at 7:50 pm July 5, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

July 4, 2014, Fireworks in Oak Ridge

The July 4 fireworks in Oak Ridge were at Alvin K. Bissell Park. (Photos by Fred O’Hara)

 

The annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks display in Oak Ridge was Friday, July 4, at Alvin K. Bissell Park. The festivities started at 7:30 p.m. with a free concert by the Oak Ridge Community Band, and they ended with the fireworks display at 10 p.m.

It was the 70th anniversary of the Community Band’s first concert held on July 4, 1944.

Here are pictures by Fred O’Hara. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, Community, Entertainment, Media, Music, Photos, Slider, Top Stories, Uncategorized Tagged With: Alvin K. Bissell Park, clarinet section, fireworks, Fred O'Hara, Independence Day, John Philip Sousa, July 4, Oak Ridge Community Band, The National Game, Tom Beehan

Oak Ridge Community Band has July 4 concert on 70th anniversary

Posted at 1:53 am July 4, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

July 4 Dixie Band

The Oak Ridge Community Band has been rehearsing for the annual Independence Day concert, which will be held Friday, July 4, at 7:30 p.m. at A.K. Bissell Park behind the Civic Center.

“This is an especially big event for the Community Band because it is the 70th anniversary of the band’s very first concert performed on July 4, 1944,” a press release said.

There is no admission fee for this concert or for the city’s fireworks display held at the end of the concert program. However, donations to the Community Band will be accepted to help offset band expenses, the press release said. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, Entertainment, Music, Top Stories Tagged With: 70th anniversary, A.K. Bissell Park, Civic Center, concert, Dixieland Band, fireworks, Independence Day, July 4, Lettie Andrade De La Torre, Oak Ridge Community Band, patriotic songs, Tom Beehan

July events in Anderson County

Posted at 2:08 am June 30, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Information from Anderson County Tourism Council

July 4 Celebration and Anvil Shoot

July 4 at Museum of Appalachia

July 4 will be celebrated in an unusual, dramatic, and traditional fashion at the Museum of Appalachia with historic anvil shoots. In addition, there will be demonstrations of mountain arts and crafts. Bluegrass, old time, and folk music will be played and sung on the porches of the cabins and in the old log church, hymn singing, and church services will be conducted. The demonstrations and music can be found throughout the 65-acre farm/village complex. For more information, contact the Museum of Appalachia at (865) 494-7680 or visit www.museumofappalachia.org.

46th Annual Norris Day July 4 Celebration

July 4 on the Norris Commons

The Norris Lions Club brings you the 46th Annual Norris Day celebration in downtown Norris. Running enthusiasts can begin the day with the Firecracker Road Run. Later, the children’s Dog Show will be held on the Norris Commons, followed by the one-mile Fun Run. No one will want to miss the children’s Wheel Race, the Bicycle Parade, the Water Balloon Toss, or the Water-Ball Battles. There will be sack races and duck races, too. One of the highlights of Norris Day is the wonderful barbecue dinner—barbecue pork and chicken with all the sides served by the Norris Lions Club in the Norris Middle School cafeteria from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information, call (865) 368-4884. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, Front Page News Tagged With: Anderson County Tourism Council, concert, events, fireworks, July 4

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

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