Tornadoes and heavy winds blew across Georgia in the early morning hours on April 13, killing eight Georgians, destroying homes, and leaving landscapes littered with downed trees and limbs.Strong weather is common in Georgia this time of year, and so is cleaning up after it. But there’s a way to do it safely and wisely, said David Dickens, professor of forest productivity with University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.Stey by step“Prioritize your chores by starting to work on trees that endanger buildings, other valuable structures and fences first with proper care, safety equipment and knowledge,” he said. “If you are hesitant or think you may be hurt removing downed trees, then contact a reputable tree company.”Don’t attempt to handle trees that overhang or touch power lines, he said. Call local utility company professionals for assistance.“Many people are injured while trying to clean up debris after tornadoes and hurricanes,” Dickens said. “Ideally, it’s best to hire a reputable professional.”Tree lossUprooted trees will often die.“Medium to large trees that have been uprooted with severe lean (greater than 60 degrees from vertical) have little chance of surviving because the broken roots that used to structurally support the top weight and nourishment of the tree are damaged,” he said.Tackle unsightly, damaged trees next. For example, Bradford pear trees are prone to split. “This type of injury is difficult to reshape and the lopsided weight can cause the tree to blow over with soft wet ground and a gusty wind,” he said. He recommends removing severely misshapen trees and replanting a tree with better structure.Remove and replace“You may have to crank up the chainsaw for the removal of an old favorite tree, but take this opportunity to consider carefully the next tree and select one that has a stronger design,” he said. “Live oak is an example of a sturdy tree that can withstand more severe winds.”Broken limbs that are still attached to tree crowns should be properly trimmed. Leave a pruning cut that is flush to the next larger limb or main trunk. There is no need to apply wound tar to the prune cut.“It has been shown through research that wound treatments like this can actually slow down the healing process of the tree,” he said.Brace or removeSmall trees that are bent over and have not straightened back up can be propped and then braced or cabled.“A spindly pine tree that is bent over to the ground most likely will not stand straight again,” he said. “If the damage is severe, and over one-third of the bark is lost, this is damage few trees can survive.”For tips on using a chainsaw safely, see UGA Extension Circular 1148, “Chainsaw Safety: Always Use Your Personal Protective Equipment,” and the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture’s saw safety website at ugaurbanag.com/safety. read more

U.S. retail sales increased less than expected in October and could slow further, restrained by spiraling new Covid-19 infections and declining household income as millions of unemployed Americans lose government financial support.Retail sales rose 0.3% last month, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday. Data for September was revised down to show sales surging 1.6% instead of shooting up 1.9% as previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast retail sales would gain 0.5% in October.- Advertisement – Excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, retail sales nudged up 0.1% after a downwardly revised 0.9% increase in September. These so-called core retail sales correspond most closely with the consumer spending component of gross domestic product. They were previously estimated to have risen 1.4% in September.Daily new coronavirus cases have been exceeding 100,000 since early this month, pushing the number of infections in the United States above 11 million, according to a Reuters tally. Some state and local governments have imposed new restrictions on businesses.Restrictions and consumer avoidance of crowded places like bars and restaurants could undercut spending and trigger another wave of layoffs, further squeezing incomes following the loss of a government weekly unemployment subsidy.- Advertisement – The supplement, which was part of more than $3 trillion in government coronavirus relief, has lapsed for millions of unemployed and underemployed workers. Millions more will lose benefits next month when a government-funded program for the self-employed, gig workers and others who do not qualify for the regular state unemployment programs expires.Another government program providing benefits for people who have exhausted their six months of eligibility for state aid will also lapse at the end of December.A second rescue package is unlikely before President-elect Joe Biden takes office in January.- Advertisement – – Advertisement – Economists expect moderate retail sales growth for the rest of the year, which will contribute to slower economic growth after a historic rebound in gross domestic product in the third quarter. A JPMorgan survey of credit and debit cardholders showed a broad decline in spending through Nov. 9, with big drops in states where Covid-19 is spreading most rapidly.Growth estimates for the fourth quarter are below a 5% annualized rate. The economy grew at a 33.1% rate in the July-September quarter after contracting at 31.4% pace in the second quarter, the deepest since the government started keeping records in 1947. read more

GREENSBURG, Ind. — Greensburg schools recently announced the district has received a grant for the Greensburg Ready Program.The grant of $30,000 came from the Decatur County United Fund and will go to the program which is slated to begin this fall.The program is for adults ages 18 to 30 with sessions being offered at Greensburg School’s Vocational Tech Center.The enrollment will be limited to 10 to 12 students in each session and the classes will meet three evenings per week for a total of nine weeks.The classes will run from 5 to 8 PM. read more

Facebook Twitter Google+ Published on April 7, 2013 at 9:02 pm Contact Phil: [email protected] | @PhilDAbb Syracuse received a verbal commitment from outside linebacker Alryk Perry during his recent visit to campus, CuseNation.com reports. He is the 21st member of the Orange’s Class of 2013, adding depth to a linebacker unit that is losing three players to graduation.Out of Glenwood Academy in Smiths Station, Ala., Perry earned All-State honors from the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Glenwood finished 7-3 last fall.On his recruiting page at NCSAsports.org, Perry is listed at 6 feet, 1 inch, and 215 pounds. His 40-yard dash time is listed as a 4.43 with a 31-inch vertical.In his personal statement on the page, Perry said he has the versatility to play multiple positions, pointing to his experience as a defensive lineman in high school.Perry did not receive interest or offers from any other schools, according to his profile on CuseNation.com.AdvertisementThis is placeholder text Comments read more