News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Upper Cumberland residents will have a new warning device to help protect their families from severe weather thanks to a partnership between Wilson Bank and the stations of Stonecom Radio.
The Bank On Warnings Program includes a donation from both companies to keep the price of the radios affordable for all local residents. The AM/FM Weather Radios, made by La Crosse, retail for nearly $50. Through the Bank On Warnings program, these radios will be sold for just $10.
“We have seen throughout our Wilson Bank service area the devastation caused by storms so far in 2020,” Wilson Bank Cookeville Manager Philip Clemmons. “I know I personally lost cell phone service during the March storm. This radio gives you the chance to access alerts and storm coverage and keep your family safe.”
Lite Rock 95.9, 106-9 Kicks Country, Rock 93-7 and News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 will begin selling these radios Friday at locations across the region. The first stop will be the Cookeville Wilson Bank location from 7am-12Noon. The $10 price includes the radio and a $3 donation to setup a fund for future disasters.
Each radio offers National Weather Service alerts. It includes a TORNADO ONLY feature that allows the user to only receive tornado warnings for their area. It also has an AM/FM tuner so that the user can turn immediately to storm tracking and information on 93.7, 94.1, 95.9 or 106.9 FM.
“We take our commitment to weather coverage seriously,” Stonecom President Larry Stone said. “We wanted to do something tangible to get radios on people’s nightstands and vanities so they are prepared. It’s another level of security.”
The March 3 tornado hit several Upper Cumberland cell phone towers causing service to fail. Some did not get warnings during the storm. Sirens are meant only for outside alerts.
“When severe weather is truly a threat, you will be alerted by the weather radio and then you can turn to us for the latest information we have,” Stone said. “We will never take to the air and ‘cry wolf’ as most television stations do. Unfortunately, our community understands that accurate, truthful coverage is necessary to save lives.”
A member of the Stonecom team will program the radio to the correct National Weather Service channel if you desire. They will also show you the operation of the radio including the tornado only feature.
“We are so thankful for Wilson Bank stepping up to underwrite the costs of these radios,” Stone said. “I hope these will be a valuable part of each family’s safety plan. And I hope we can raise some money to be ready for the next disaster our region faces.”
Cash or credit card will be accepted at each Bank On Warning event. Radios can also be purchased at the Stonecom offices, at the corner of Old Sparta Road and Highway 111 in Cookeville. Radios are available between 9am-4pm weekdays.
Bank On Warnings Locations
Thursday July 2
3pm-6pm Save A Lot In Cookeville
Friday July 3
11am-2pm IGA In Crossville
Saturday July 4
10am-1pm Save A Lot In Smithville
Friday July 10
3pm-6pm Save A Lot In Monterey
Saturday July 11
10am-1pm Save A Lot In Gainesboro
Friday July 17
3pm-6pm IGA In Cookeville
Saturday July 18
10am-1pm Save A Lot In Livingston
