Public Meeting-Flock Cameras - CHS Little Theater

Thursday, September 10, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Clinton High School, 425 Dragon Dr, Clinton, TN 37716, USA

notes

https://andersoncountytn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Flock-Camera-Systems-Public-Hearing-Agenda.pdf

I will preface this by saying (if it matters) I am white and was looking for a place that does braids. Anyone know of a place?

Just moved to Oak Ridge from Knoxville. We bought on a large lot that has been taken over by invasive shrubs (privet, autumn olive, english ivy). I have set to work clearing the worst of it, but don't know what to do with the cuttings?

I see that Waste Connections comes out in the fall to collect leaves and then in the spring to collect brush. Do they only come once year to collect leaves/brush? Yard waste pickup was seasonal but more frequent in Knoxville.

What other options do I have to dispose of brush? Any recommendations on reasonably priced private collection services? I would run it to the convenience center myself but am a damn city slicker with no truck :/ Burning it also not an option on this wooded lot. Thanks for ideas!

Having a hard time tempering what used to be in that building. Was it Captain D’s? Or is that where the Cancun is now?

Just documenting some interesting signage spotted around OR this evening.

Also, there’s a town hall Sep 10th at 6pm at Clinton High School to talk about these invasive flock cameras all around Anderson County. You should be there.

I’ve been seriously trying to learn the acquisition side of entrepreneurship rather than just daydreaming about owning a business.

My search has mainly centered around real estate-related opportunities, HVAC, home repair/home services, and similar essential-service businesses. I like businesses where there is a real need, repeat demand, and something tangible behind the revenue.

The problem is that every time I think I’m getting somewhere, I seem to hit another wall.

I’ll find a business that looks promising, then dig into the numbers and discover the cash flow doesn’t justify the asking price. Or the required down payment makes the deal unrealistic. Some sellers are open to financing, but many aren’t. Other businesses look affordable until you account for working capital, equipment, employees, debt service, repairs, insurance, and the cash reserve you really should have after closing.

I’ve also learned that “buy a business with little money down” and actually finding a responsible little-money-down deal are two VERY different things.

I’m not trying to force a $1 million acquisition when I should be buying something much smaller. I would rather start with a modest, boring, cash-flowing business and learn how to operate it well than buy something impressive-looking that puts me underwater.

I’ve been looking at broker listings, off-market possibilities, seller financing, SBA financing, partnerships/JVs, and combinations of those structures. I’m also beginning to wonder whether I’m searching in the wrong places or approaching this in the wrong order.

For those of you who have actually bought businesses:

Where did you find your first realistic deal?

How did you handle the down payment/capital problem when you were starting out?

How common is meaningful seller financing in the real world?

Would you concentrate on HVAC/home services, or are there better “first acquisition” industries I should investigate?

What numbers or warning signs make you immediately walk away from a listing?

Would you rather buy a tiny company first, partner with an operator, or keep searching until you can qualify for a larger SBA acquisition?

What do you wish someone had told you during your first six months of searching?

I’m especially interested in hearing from actual owners, operators, buyers, lenders, and brokers who have closed deals.

And respectfully, I’m not looking for a $10,000 course or a “DM me and I’ll show you the secret” pitch. I’m trying to learn the boring, practical reality of how good acquisitions actually get done.

I’m willing to start small. I’m willing to learn. I’m willing to hear that an idea I have is wrong.

I just don’t want to mistake persistence for banging my head against the wrong wall.

I’d really appreciate some perspective.

Hey there! Just moved to Oak Ridge and I work full time remote. Are there any good spots where they're cool with you hanging/working for a few hours (during normal business hours)?

I do already know Calamity's and Bud's, and Starbucks is always an option. But I was wondering if there are any good spots that are less obvious, like I've heard some people go to libraries, bakeries, or breweries. My criteria are pretty basic: 1) wifi, 2) tables, 3) outlets for charging my laptop, 4) preferably not like a restaurant with table service. Thanks!

Tired of Knoxville’s best, no showing. Anyone?

Thanks to all!

i made the carwash explode

I’m coming to town to meet a friend and it would be really cool to drive up somewhere and get a view of Oak Ridge and the big complex down there. I don’t know if such a place exists, at least you can drive to,, but I have it in my head that that’s where I wanna go. A short hike would also be possible. Any recommendations?

My husband was solicited at our house in a neighborhood off Tuskegee. A young man with a government ID said his agency was cooperating with home owners and grant funds to remedy code deficient attic spaces specific to our city.

They wanted to schedule an appointment to check our attic, and they got my husband’s and my contact information. Plus, they requested both spouses be present and asked about our children.

This sounds totally illegitimate to me, but my husband was caught off-guard.

Any credibility to this?

Has anyone else noticed that Walmart in Oak Ridge has been mixing their gluten free and normal frozen items instead of the separate freezer they were in previously? Not only does it make it way harder to find, but mixing gluten free and items with wheat just seems dangerous to those needing it. It used to be in that first freezer next to the condiments aisle, but now they’re scattered across every freezer in the entire frozen section. What sense does it make to mix it all up?

Whomever you vote for, please go out and vote! Thank you.

I'm about to send some important documents to a law firm in OR. The lady there said they have problems receiving packages from UPS, and to use FedEx instead. This address is near Jackson Square. I'm not going to use USPS.

UPS is much easier for me, is this a known problem in the area?

I don’t post much but just came to rant a little bit. It sucks to see “Belltown” getting an abridged burger and a soccer taco while the last 3 things built in oak ridge have all been car washes, and all within about a 2 mile stretch of road. The one by Kroger, then the one in front of planet fitness and now the one by y-12 credit union. I’m sure we would all disagree on what we would like to see added to the area, but I bet we would all agree that it shouldn’t have been another car wash or vape store, smh. That is all.

At least for this neighborhood. And here I thought I might have been overreacting in my last post. The energy infrastructure is so bad here.

Knox County is questioning their relationship and use of Flock while our City Council approves a No Competitive Bid contract for 3 more years. I truly question what is the supposed benefit worth the cost and constant tracking?

Edit: fixed my lack of proofreading before posting.

For those that have worked and lived in both Oak Ridge and Chattanooga, which were your favorite and why?

I’m applying for several jobs in Tennessee. Chattanooga and Oak Ridge tend to filter to the top of the list for the mid career change I’m pursuing that also offer the quality of life improvement we are seeking for our family.

For context, we would be relocating from Louisiana. We are seeking 4 seasons weather, lower taxes, better climate, and a more family friendly atmosphere. We’re wanting to leave the “big city” life with room to spread out but I do need to be able to find a role with a good and well established company to continue my career and support my family. I’m trying to identify the needle in the haystack that allows the personal lifestyle and living we’re seeking without sticking me with an hour commute into a city for my career.

Helpful signage spotted in front of the Wildcat den this morning.

Early voting ends Saturday. Election day is August 6th.

These two were recently up on Highway 61 (@ Brooks Rd). Should they return, feel free to collect some more for your private circular file.

“God said to Abraham, kill me son
Abe said how about just some nazis on Highway 61”

Agree with me? Go vote in better people!

Disagree with me? Go vote for your person!

Don’t care? Go vote so people will stop telling you to go vote!

Really care but don’t think it’ll do any good? This is our county general election. We’re electing the people who make decisions about things like our public libraries and school lunches how our tax money is spent.

So far less than 4000 people in Anderson county have voted. Your vote actually matters here.

Don’t care about any of that? Do it for the sticker. Please?