Topic: Drought

TVA hikes electric rates by 20%

August 21, 2008 |

On the heels of fluctuations in gas prices and a surge in the cost of groceries and most household goods delivered to area stores comes another hit: a hike in the price of electricity. Both CDE Lightband and CEMC rates will jump 20% following a decision by the Tennessee Valley Authority on Wednesday.

TVA directors approved a 17% fuel cost adjustment and an additional power base rate increase of 3%. For the average household using 1,320 kilowatt hours, that translates to an additional $15 a month. The rates will show up on customers’ October billing cycle. This increase is the largest increase since 1974. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Business, Issues, News | 1 Comment »

House GOP Review for 03/20/2008

By Tennessee Republicans | March 21, 2008 |

The House GOP Review is a weekly feature that gives Tennesseans an in-depth look at what our Republican state legislators have been working on this week, and a glimpse into what’s planned for the coming week at our state house. 

“Right to hunt” constitutional amendment passes 105th General Assembly

House Joint Resolution 108 passed on the House floor this week with overwhelming aproval. The constitutional amendment would add provisions to the state constitution establishing the right to hunt, fish, and harvest game subject to “reasonable rules and regulations.” An excerpt from the resolution reads:

Hunting and fishing are honored traditions in the state; citizens have enjoyed the bounty of Tennessee’s natural resources from the time prior to statehood, including hunting and fishing for subsistence and recreation; therefore, hunting and fishing is a vital part of the state’s heritage and economy and should be preserved and protected.

Having already passed the Senate this year, the amendment must now win the approval of the 106^th General Assembly next year by a two-thirds vote. The measure could be on the ballot for referendum as early as 2010. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Politics | No Comments

Needed rain soaks Middle Tennessee

By Christine Anne Piesyk | October 23, 2007 |

Finally, rain. The dry spell that has plagued the region broke Monday with the onset of a cool heavy rain streaming up from the south — rain that totaled 1 1/2  inches Monday, and today passed the five inch (total) mark, according to the National Weather Service in Nashville.

A Flood Advisory is in effect as the combination of  downpours and runoff is filling some small streams to the banks and triggering some ponding of water in low-lying areas or streets with poor drainage. Use caution, and never drive through roadways that are completely submerged. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: News | No Comments

Get ready: More 100+ heat on the way

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 21, 2007 |

Excessive heat and extreme drought conditions have forced Fort Campbell to impose water use restrictions on base, and many local residents are wondering just how long it will be before similar restrictions are imposed citywide.

Unrelenting, record-breaking heat has baked Middle Tennessee and most of the South and Midwest since July, with daytime highs in the mid to upper 90s and often 100+. Heat indexes can add another 5-8 degrees to that even as humidity makes the air feel thicker than a hearty soup in winter. And it’s not over yet.

Forecasts indicate that starting Wednesday, the area is in for another three days of 100+ temps, dangerously high heat that to date has cost the lives of at least 49 people across South and Midwestern states. Overnight cool downs to the low 70s do little to abate the warmth, and usually by 10 a.m., the burn is back. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure | No Comments

Heat, drought close Farmer’s Market

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 18, 2007 |

“Due to lack of rain and high temperatures, we are going to close this market for the season.”

Several of these hand-printed signs hung from vendor tables at Clarksville Farmer’s Market Saturday morning, a grim testament to the impact the current heat wave and the long-standing regional drought are having on farmers and the availability of fresh local produce.

A handful of vendors stood under the railroad station canopy on Tenth Street, offering a selection of summer squash and zucchini, red and green peppers, okra, red and sweet potatoes, baked good, preserves and homemade pickles, and plenty of fresh peaches and ripe red tomatoes. At 10:30 a.m., it was already about 90 degrees in the parking lot, in the sun.

Paulette Peterson, market organizer, said it is the first time the market has ever had to close this early. “It’s sad. But everything is drying up and dying. There’s not much left to sell.” «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure, Business | 5 Comments