Oak Ridge Today

Letter: Anderson County Bar Association wants to name law library after Billy Sams

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Billy Paul Sams

Billy Paul Sams

Editor’s note: The Anderson County Bar Association and legal community is proceeding with an effort to name the Anderson County Law Library after Billy Sams because “you never saw him without a book in his hands.” Here is a copy of a Jan. 11 letter to attorneys from Oak Ridge attorney Lauren Biloski.

Dear Counsel,

As many of you are aware, Billy Sams passed away unexpectedly on January 7, 2017.

His passing will darken our legal community, and our courtrooms will be much quieter without Billy’s signature jovial chuckle that we all loved to hear. Perhaps one of Billy’s most memorable quality was his love of books and reading. He never failed to share a quote or his new favorite story, and he was almost never seen without a book in his hands. Billy waited patiently for his case to be called, engrossed in a historical novel, and still somehow was more aware of what the Court was saying then most of us that were paying attention.

I believe it would be a fair assumption to say that Billy Sams was one of the most loved and adored members of the Anderson County Bar Association. His joy and zest for life and learning was felt by all. As a way to keep Billy’s memory alive and honor a compassionate advocate, several members of the Bar have proposed to dedicate and name the Anderson County Bar Association Law Library after Mr. Billy Paul Sams. [Read more…]

Letter: Appreciates city reps listening to concerns, thankful for ‘Adopt a Shelter Pet Month’

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To the Editor:

While walking my dogs this evening, I took a minute to reflect on how appreciative I am to have representatives in Oak Ridge city government that listened to my concerns and immediately took action to correct some problems that I raised.

Several months ago, I emailed City Council, the Oak Ridge Police Department, and the city manager expressing concern about streetlights being out in Hendrix Creek, speeding cars on Hendrix Drive, and a need for sidewalks so residents can safely enjoy their neighborhood without being hit by a passing car. I was astonished to receive several emails the following day indicating that my concerns were heard and that the issues raised would be addressed.

Mayor Warren Gooch connected me with the Public Works Department who had the bulbs changed and streetlights functioning within a day or two. Councilmen Charlie Hensley and Kelly Callison and Councilwoman Trina Baughn and Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Smith responded with concern for the sidewalks and indicated that they were going to look into the issues that were expressed. [Read more…]

Letter: Biloski has skills necessary to be effective in District 8

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“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” was a philosophy that we were fortunate enough to have instilled within us growing up with Robin Biloski, our mom.

Even today, 35 years after Brian was born, there is never a moment when we see our mom sitting down and taking it easy. She has always embraced every new day and hit the ground running, trying to make our community a better place and our dreams come true.

When Mom first told us, more than a decade ago, that she intended to run for public office, we thought she lost her mind. As an avid volunteer with numerous organizations ranging from the League of Women Voters to S.A.R.G. and the Humane Society, to organizer of our school’s talent show, dance recitals, and A.C.A.C. events, Mom instilled in us her passion and commitment to community service. She is always willing to get involved in causes she believes in, but also gets behind ours as well. She has never failed to roll up her sleeves and get to work making friends wherever she went. We were fortunate and blessed to have her as a stay-at-home mom, and when she started branching out and demonstrating her professional success outside of the “Biloski household,” she exceeded every expectation that we had set for her. Her confidence and desire to help everyone provided us with a role model and the honorable distinction of knowing the only woman on Anderson County Commission for the past two terms. [Read more…]

Letter: Donation made to Animal Shelter in honor of Kuhaida

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To the Editor:

Everyone can remember walking into high school first the first time and having that nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach. I remember walking into Oak Ridge High School after moving from New York a week earlier—knowing no one, having no idea where my first class was, with people that spoke differently than I did, with a huge teenage chip on my shoulder.

That first day, I was blessed to meet Valerie Becham, now Kuhaida. She had a glow about her and turned what started out as a horrible experience into a wonderful transition. From that first day of school, she welcomed me, and we started a fantastic and unforgettable friendship.

Valerie was one of the most compassionate, loving, energetic, and humble people I have ever met. She would do anything for anyone at anytime. Her four children were blessed to call her Mom and her greatest passion was her family. [Read more…]

2014 Election: Anderson County primary voting totals

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Anderson County Election Commission

Here are the unofficial election results for the contested races in the Democratic and Republican primaries in Anderson County on Tuesday. The results include all 27 precincts, early voting, and absentee ballots.

Anderson County mayor—Republican primary

  • Terry Frank—3,896 (53 percent)
  • Zach Bates—3,406 (47 percent)

Anderson County chancellor—Republican primary

  • Nichole “Nicki” Cantrell—3,895 (54 percent)
  • Michael S. Farley—2,979 (41 percent)
  • Phil Harber—368 (5 percent) [Read more…]

Anderson County elects first female chancellor

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Anderson County Republican Party Candidates

Nicki Cantrell, second from right, who is running unopposed in the Aug. 7 general election after winning the Republican primary on Tuesday, will become Anderson County’s first female chancellor. Also pictured at right is Michael Farley, one of her two Republican opponents. The three GOP candidates for Juvenile Court judge are also pictured. From left they are Vickie Bannach, Lauren Biloski, and Brian Hunt, the winner of Tuesday’s Republican primary.

 

Terry Frank

Terry Frank

Note: This story was last updated at 4:10 p.m. May 7.

Primary Winners: Frank, Cantrell, Hunt, Lay, Clement

One is Anderson County’s first female mayor. The other will become the county’s first female chancellor.

The two candidates—Terry Frank and Nicki Cantrell—beat their opponents by significant margins in the Republican primary on Tuesday. Both said their victories were based in large part on running positive campaigns.

Cantrell’s victory over Clinton attorney and City Judge Michael Farley, who had the support of many other lawyers, appeared to be the big upset of the night in what had been the most heated race, with the two candidates clashing over their courtroom experience and trading accusations of false claims and “mudslinging.”

Zach Bates

Zach Bates

Both were running to replace the current chancellor, William Lantrip, who is retiring at the end of June after 25 years on the bench. The chancellor hears cases in Chancery Court ranging from divorces and adoptions to lawsuits and contract disputes, but can also sometimes hear Criminal Court cases, sit as the Circuit Court judge, and hear Juvenile Court appeals.

“Nobody believed we could do this,” Cantrell’s husband Dail Cantrell said Tuesday night. “We refused to run a negative campaign and got the support of the people.”

Nicki Cantrell won by about 900 votes, collecting 3,895 votes to Farley’s 2,979, according to unofficial results with all 27 precincts reporting. That’s roughly a 54 percent to 41 percent margin.

A third candidate, Republican Phil Harber, who did not appear to campaign as hard as either Farley or Cantrell, received 368 votes. [Read more…]

Letter: CASA volunteer outlines juvenile judge qualities

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To the Editor:

When I started as a volunteer CASA in 1994, I had not given much thought to what qualities I expected of the judge other than an impeccable character. When I was preparing a report for a complex case and I needed the judge to read the report and conclude the same as I had—that the child needed to be removed immediately from what was planned to be its adoptive home—I started mulling over the qualities needed for a judge to effectively carry out his or her responsibilities and assessing what qualities the judge I was addressing had. I started the following list and it grew with time: [Read more…]

Spotlight: Biloski donates to Emory Valley Center

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Lauren Biloski and Emory Valley Center

Lauren Biloski, left, donates to Emory Valley Center. (Submitted photo)

Lauren Biloski recently donated to the Emory Valley Early Learning Center in Oak Ridge.

“Our children are our future and any way we can nurture their development is something I am committed to do,” Biloski said in a press release. “I know firsthand the important role the Early Learning Center plays in our community and am glad to support that.”

Terry Peek, director of the EVELC, accepted the donation. [Read more…]

Letter: Biloski compassionate, committed, fights for children, family

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To the Editor:

I am a grandmother that knows from experience that Lauren Biloski is the right choice for juvenile judge. My grandchild was lost in the DCS system for four years. I was told by one attorney that I would not be able to do anything. That grandparents has no rights, and I would not be able to get custody of my grandchild.

Lauren was retained for the mother. A year later, she was court-appointed to the mother. I went to another attorney only to lose my money, and no petition was filed. I could not give up hope of finding someone to help me.

A couple of years later, I finally found one and had hope. By this time, Lauren was no longer retained or appointed to the case. Being the person that Lauren is, she did not step away from the case. Along with my attorney, Lauren was at meetings and all the court hearings with me. During court hearings, Lauren stood up and fought when my attorney said nothing at all. [Read more…]

Letter: Applauds Biloski’s plan to set up community outreach for youth

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To the Editor:

Lauren Biloski, candidate for Juvenile Court judge, is running against some good competition but nonetheless stands head and shoulders above her competition.

Lauren is by far the most experienced of all the candidates, having practiced law in almost all of the areas a juvenile judge will preside over.

But more than that, Lauren Biloski has a plan. Her plan addresses the root causes of juvenile delinquency: the family. Using interagency cooperation and getting to the root of the family issues will have a positive impact on the young people of Anderson County. [Read more…]

Letter: Biloski has temperament, experience, open mind for judge seat

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To the Editor:

We are writing to request your support for Lauren Biloski for the next Juvenile Court judge of Anderson County. Every vote is important for Anderson County as the last election for Juvenile Court judge ended in a tie that had to be decided by County Commission.

We believe Lauren to be an experienced, passionate advocate for children’s rights. She is running on a platform of protecting children and preserving families. She has the most experience of any candidate in the race. She will strive to have a positive impact on the children who reach the judicial system in this county.

Lauren has the temperament, experience, and open mind to serve as Juvenile Court judge.

Tom and Lila Metcalf

Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge Chamber has candidate events April 10, April 22

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Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce is pictured above.

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of events to allow voters to meet candidates and hear where they stand on issues of importance to the community, a press release said. The first session will be held Thursday, April 10, at 7:30 a.m. at the chamber.

The Chamber will host candidates for the office of Seventh District chancellor and Juvenile Court judge at Thursday’s event, the press release said. Chamber members and the public are invited to attend.

The following candidates have confirmed their plans to be in attendance: [Read more…]