Wednesday, January 11, 2017

MLK work day at the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve [Jan 16]

In honor of MLK Day, the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve will hold a volunteer day from noon until 3pm on Monday, January 16.

Come out and help us with trail maintenance, stream cleanup, and invasive plant removal, among other tasks.

The Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve is located at 2580 Pine Bluff Drive Decatur, GA 30033. For directions, see their website.

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Glazed

Although the 2"+ snow forecast did not materialize, we did have overnight precipitation and temperatures in the 20's, resulting in a mini ice storm.

Twigs are glazed in ice, sidewalks and pavement look clear but there's a lot of patches of ice. Careful when/if you step out today!


Friday, January 6, 2017

DeKalb County Prepared for Winter Weather & School Closings

via Commissioner Jeff Rader... 

Roads and drainage, public safety and others on standby for significant winter weather DeKalb officials are preparing for the arrival of potentially significant winter weather and are urging residents to stay home and off the roads in icy or snowy conditions.

"We can't stress enough the importance of staying off the roads," said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. "Our crews can better prepare and clear the roads when there are fewer cars and congestion."

County officials will monitor changes in the weather as the region prepares for a winter storm and will coordinate with DeKalb schools, universities and county facilities if early dismissal is required. 

The county's Roads and Drainage division has 16 sand spreaders, more than 1,000 tons of salt and 1,800 tons of sand to make the sand-salt mixture used to clear ice from roads. Staff is also prepared to stay onsite overnight as needed.

DeKalb Police personnel are on standby to be placed on 12-hour shifts. Fleet Management will equip police vehicles with chains should they be needed to navigate snow covered roads.

In addition, the county's 911 call center is fully staffed with additional operators scheduled for the weather event expected to occur on Friday and Saturday.

Officials state that DEMA will activate its Emergency Operations Center to help coordinate operations within the county and with external partners if necessary. The center serves as central command to support critical infrastructure, communicate supplemental needs to Georgia Emergency Management Agency and update media on road conditions.

Weather update from City Schools of Decatur & DeKalb County

Due to forecasts of inclement weather, City Schools of Decatur will begin dismissal one hour early on Friday January 6, 2017. College Heights ECLC, and the Frasier center, will close at 3:00pm Friday January 6, 2017. ALL after school programs are canceled for Friday, January 6, 2017 including, Animal Crackers, Whiz Kids and Project R.E.A.L. Extracurricular and athletic activities are canceled for Friday, January 6, Saturday, January 7, and Sunday, January 8. District administration will continue to work with state and local officials to monitor the weather and provide updates if forecasts change.

DeKalb County Schools will have a two hour early release and has cancelled all after school activities for Friday and the weekend due to the anticipated weather for Friday and Saturday.

Our offices will be closing at 1:00 pm today. We will send out any new information via email, Facebook and Twitter as we receive it.

Make sure to check on elderly neighbors that might need assistance and bring your pets inside! Stay off the roads and be safe. 

Thank you.

- Jeff Rader