Tag Archives: winter

Putnam County Schools avoided major plumbing and electrical issues during the cold and ice by being proactive. Communications and Marketing Supervisor Buddy Pearson said coils burning out in an electrical unit at Cookeville High School and a sprinkler malfunction at Avery Trace Middle School have been the only issues over the break. He said the school system is very fortunate ... Read More »

Your animals can be victims of frostbite in the cold weather we are experiencing this week. Overton County Animal Awareness Association President Vicky Smith said failure to provide an animal with appropriate shelter and enough water is animal cruelty and can lead to legal charges. “If you’re letting your dog out and they come back in, make sure you try ... Read More »

A new homeless shelter in DeKalb County has opened earlier than expected, with plenty of space left for people trying to stay out of the elements. The non-profit organization Live and Let Live started the shelter, opened ahead of schedule on Sunday. Vice President Lillie Johnson said there are over sixty homeless people in the county but only two are ... Read More »

Keeping your family safe from fires this winter can come down to proper installation and maintenance of your wood-burning stove and fireplace. Local firefighter Rick Vlahos said one of the greatest dangers of a wood stove is failing to install it properly. Vlahos said that using the right type of wood in stoves and fireplaces is vital as well. “Putting ... Read More »

There are measures you can take to help your backyard birds in cold winter weather. Lynne Maddux is a coordinator with the Cookeville Bluebird Club. Maddux said providing food, clean bird baths and shelter are ways to help. “If you’re feeding seed in a seed feeder, you just really need to remember filling that everyday,” Maddux said. “The birds that ... Read More »

Upper Cumberland Medical Society President Dr. Brent Staton expects a bad flu season this winter. Staton said the region has already experienced a high number of cases of flu type B earlier this year. Staton said as the weather gets colder, he expects flu type A to make an appearance. Staton said the flu season usually follows a world trend. ... Read More »

Despite inclement weather forecasted for Christmas weekend this year, a white Christmas in the Upper Cumberland is not a common occurrence. National Weather Service Meteorologist Krissy Hurley said over the last 150 years, there have been just three. The last was in 2010. “We’re going to have the cold air around absolutely,” Hurley said. “But the problem for this year ... Read More »

With a very dry fall, this week’s rainfall comes at a good time to ensure plants have the needed moisture entering the winter. That is according to Jackson County Ag Extension Director Dill Hughes. Hughes said the rain is important even though vegetation may seem like it is not growing. “You have to remember that there are roots all under ... Read More »

Cookeville’s Public Works Department is already prepping for winter storms by purchasing road de-icing salt. Director Greg Brown said that de-icing salt plays a key role in driving on icy roads. However, he said there can be a point where it becomes less effective. “The colder it is the less efficient the salt works,” Brown said. “So when it gets ... Read More »

The First United Methodist Church in Cookeville is holding its Angel’s Attic clothing distribution on Thursday. Servant Ministry Director Tamika Parker said they have clothes for anyone in need of staying warm this winter. Parker said the clock is ticking before temperatures take a big drop. “It does help give people confidence in themselves, that there’s people out there that ... Read More »