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Archives
02-15-2006
Basketball Homecoming activities held Friday
Leah Thomas/OCN Sports
New public library plans moving forward
This is the architect's drawing of the South Church Street side of the new Millard Oakley Public Library. The 15,899 square-foot library will be a single-story steel frame building with brick outside, and probably with a limestone base, according to Library Director Janet Gann, to match the decor of the Livingston square. The building will be as tall as the Post Office. The new facility will have ample parking, according to Gann. Core drilling and surveying of the property was completed in January. Bids are expected to be let by early spring. Though generous donations have been given to the library, funding is not complete. Donations are being accepted.
Local Guard unit's name may change Proposed changes to the Army National Guard may bring a name change to the 3/278th. The unit already went through a change in nomenclature from Armored Cavalry Regiment to Regimental Combat Team during its deployment to Iraq, now the Pentagon may change the 3rd Squadron, 278th ACR to A Company 1/109 Armor Battalion. The proposed change is part of the Pentagon's restructuring of the National Guard, which has brought concern from U.S. Senators Bill Frist and Lamar Alexander that the changes would bring reductions in the number of Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). Frist and Alexander responded to the proposed National Guard transformation with a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in which they say, "While we understand the difficulty you face in this important process, we are concerned about further reductions in the United States ground combat forces - especially during time of war. "We are particularly troubled that reductions in the number of Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) currently operating in the Army National Guard are being considered. "We believe that the National Guard provides our nation effective, flexible, and highly capable reserves, while also promoting efficiency and cost-effectiveness in this experienced and qualified force. "The National Guard has proven to be a vital part of our efforts to fight the war on terror, is a deterrent to potential adversaries abroad, and stands ready to assist in homeland security and domestic crises. As such, it is imperative that the Guard maintain its combat strength and continue to be fully utilized to safeguard our nation's security." Frist and Alexander have cosponsored a bipartisan U.S. Senate resolution supporting the National Guard and requesting that the Department of Defense seek input from Congress and governors when deciding future changes to the National Guard personnel. Sen. Alexander said, "More than 10,000 of the men and women of the Tennessee National Guard have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. "They also serve a vital role in homeland security in Tennessee and neighboring states like Mississippi and Louisiana. We need these forces, and the Pentagon should talk to Congress and the nation's governors before announcing any cutbacks." Senate Resolution 355, authored by Senators Lindsey Graham and Ben Nelson, expresses the Senate's support for the vital missions of the Army and Air National Guards, including support of ongoing missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and calls for the Department of Defense to: ¥Fully fund the equipment needs of the National Guard; ¥Consult with Congress and the nation's governors as soon as possible on any proposed changes to the National Guard force structure; ¥Consider the National Guard's role in homeland defense when considering the National Guard's force structure; ¥Create budget projections that detail cost savings from any National Guard force structure changes, as well as projected costs in the event large personnel increases are necessary to respond to a homeland defense emergency; ¥Ensure Congress and the nation's governors that
potential personnel cuts will not diminish the safety and security
of the American people.
Overton County News
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