Leaders criticize uranium work’s move to Erwin
Oakridger
A plan to do some uranium work 125 miles from Oak Ridge in Erwin, Tenn., is drawing condemnation from local officials.
Statements criticizing the move have come from Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch and Mike Thompson, president of the Atomic Trades and Labor Council (ATLC), via a city news release. U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, the Republican who represents Tennessee s Third District, which includes Oak Ridge, said he also has concerns.
Gooch said at a virtual Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce event that the city government is in “clear in opposition” to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) moving uranium purification and conversion operations to a private company in Erwin, Tenn.
Oak Ridge Today
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By Bob Fowler Roane State staff writer
A local business consultant with vast experience has been named the director of Roane State’s Tennessee Small Business Development Center.
Stephen Williams, well known in the Oak Ridge and Roane State service area, begins his new duties on Monday, February 8, in his office at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce at 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike.
He replaces long-time director Jutta Bangs, who has taken another job.
“I’m really excited about being a part of Roane State and their efforts with workforce development,” Williams said. “I’ll be able to contribute what I’ve learned in more than 35 years in business and owning businesses.”
Reverse parade: An event to remember
Gene Dunaway/Letters
To the Editor:
It is common knowledge that the city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, has a unique perspective on community involvement. That can be said about this year s annual Christmas parade, but with a twist: the units were stationary, the spectators moved.
Sponsored by the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce and managed by Greta Ownby, Executive Vice President, this year s parade was to feature 39 entries, a third of the normal crop. With a constant drizzle and less than ideal marching weather, some 20 organizations, city departments, and local businesses actually participated. No bands, no choirs, no drill teams, no llamas but we had outstanding displays, such as the Chamber, Breakfast Rotary, Youth Advisory Board, Karen Walker (Realtor), Marlow Fire Department (perennial participant), Humane Society, and Solway Auto Care (new entry). And, yes: Santa Claus capped the display along with elves passing out candy.
Oakridger
Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch said Tuesday that between 6.7% and 8% of Oak Ridge residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since last March and 150 people are being diagnosed with COVID-19 weekly.
These statistics came as part of a virtual speech by the mayor to the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Tuesday morning. Gooch said the statistics came from Council Member Ellen Smith’s analysis of information from the state of Tennessee.
“I want to … urge you to double your efforts,” the mayor said, outlining various health measures, such as wearing face coverings, washing hands and getting flu shots.
“Be safe and please let’s keep fighting this virus. Be positive. There’s clearly difficult days ahead. There’s help along the way, but the good Lord helps those who help themselves,” he said.
Special to The Oak Ridger
The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Parade set for 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday will be held with a twist. It s a “reverse” parade.
The theme of this year’s “reverse” parade is “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” More than 40 individuals and organizations have signed up to display along the parade route.
A “reverse” parade is a parade where the floats are stationary and spectators drive the parade route. According to a Chamber news release, on Saturday night, floats will line the northbound lanes of Lafayette Drive (heading towards Oak Ridge Turnpike) and spectators will drive down the southbound lanes (heading towards Illinois Avenue) to enjoy the festivities from the safety and comfort of their own cars.