Home & Garden

The Dust Bowl....Remembered

Submitted by Jim Segina, Photojournalist/VJ

Thursday, November 8th, 2012, 2:09pm

In the 1930s, a manmade ecological disaster of epic proportions swept the American Midwest and threatened to destroy the nation’s bread basket. The Dust Bowl, as it became known, turned prairies into deserts and unleashed a pattern of massive, deadly dust storms that for many seemed to herald the end of the world. The story of this national calamity is captured in famed filmmaker Ken Burns’ newest documentary, THE DUST BOWL, premiering Sunday, Nov. 18 and Monday, Nov.19 at 7:00 p.m. on Alabama Public Television.

Thomas D Atkinson, who heads up the local Madison County USDA/FSA says, "Although the storms of the Dust Bowl did not reach Alabama, the measures taken to prevent future tragedies had a major impact on Alabama agriculture. That’s why people throughout the state should tune in to see the two-night, four-hour film. "

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Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE)

Submitted by Jim Segina, Photojournalist/VJ

Saturday, October 20th, 2012, 1:10am

Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE)

(Huntsville, Alabama) Oct. 19, 2012 —Farm Service Agency Madison County Executive Director, Thomas Atkinson said the sign-up period for the 2011 crop year Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program will open Oct. 22, 2012, and end June 7, 2013. The SURE program authorizes assistance to farmers and ranchers who suffered crop losses caused by natural disasters occurring through Sept. 30, 2011.

“Any eligible producer who suffered losses during the 2011 crop year is encouraged to visit the FSA office to learn more about the SURE program and how to apply,” said Atkinson.

Production losses due to disasters occurring after Sept. 30, 2011, are not eligible for disaster program coverage.

To be eligible for SURE, a farm or ranch must have:

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RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY

Submitted by Jim Segina, Photojournalist/VJ

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012, 9:26am

The billboard in Jacksonville, FL read, "If you prayed for rain, you can stop now." This, of course, after they were deluged with water from the recent tropical system that moved through the Flordia panhandle.

Those prayers, however, can certainly be used here.

"It's been tough. It's been tough," says Suzie Harvin of Harvin Farms. "We have an irrigation system, but we need the rain. We've lost a lot of the tomatoe crop this year."

A bit of good news from the 48 news weather team has showers in the forecaset this week.

Hopefully, those showers will bring enough rain to salvage desperate crops wanting a drink.

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Holy Heat Wave Batman! 5 ways to keep you cool!

Submitted by Mark Deal

Friday, June 29th, 2012, 5:50pm

Holy Heat Wave Batman! 5 ways to keep you cool!

The next couple of days are looking brutal as we go through weekend. If you are not heading to the lake or the pool this weekend, your options in staying cool are limited. After all if you stay at home, eventually is going to get boring and the book you been meaning to finish will be finished...hopefully. I have some other options to beat the heat.

1. Time to break out Rock Band! You remember that game right? You slap the bass, have your buddy plays lead guitar, your roommate who is always mad at you beating on the drums, and find someone comfortable enough to sing in front of the rest of the group. With a huge library of songs to play from the game or download, this game will last for hours. Depending on the songs that are played, this could be a family fun affair! You could even have theme parties where everyone has to dress like a rocker or the decade. Let your imagination run wild on this.

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Killer heat killing crops

Submitted by Jim Segina, Photojournalist/VJ

Thursday, June 28th, 2012, 5:33pm

The temperatures are expected to hit in the 100's this weekend, the hottest it has been this time of year since the 1930's and 1950's, says WAFF Chief Meteorologist Brad Travis.

News that area farmers do not want to hear.

Rex Vaughn owner of Vaughn Farms says; " You've got an extreme situation. Probably north Alabama looking to move into an exteme drought with no relief in sight." Vaughn says the cotton and soy bean crop still have an oppurtunity to produce, but it can only go so long with this heat and lack of rain. He adds, "corn is almost at the end of its rope."

The cost to farmers in the valley could be in the millions of dollars.

"It's going to take a significant amount of rainfall to turn the crop around, and some of it won't be turned around," adds Vaughn.

Meanwhile, Travis says, "any chance of significant rainfall isn't in the forecast until late next week."

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Lawrence County High hosts annual plant sale

Submitted by Mary Howard, Web producer

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012, 10:10pm

Lawrence County High hosts annual plant sale

Lawrence County High School will host its annual plant sale starting Monday.

The sale will take place in the LCHS green house.

A number of plants and flowers will be available including selections of tomatos, peppers, and herbs as well as impatiens, petunias and snap dragons. There will also be a selction of ferns and hanging baskets.

Hours will be April 9-14, 16-20 and 23-27 from noon to 3 p.m. They will also be open April 14 and 28 from 8 a.m. to noon.

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How to winterize and heat your home for less

Submitted by Lonnie Liebner, Community Web Producer

Friday, October 28th, 2011, 10:05am

How to winterize and heat your home for less

By Lewis Humphries

With the portents of the double-dip recession lurking around corner, now is the perfect time to start considering how you can save money on your heating and winterization costs. It is estimated that the average U.S. family spends US$1,900 annually on their utility bills. The majority of the $1,900 accounts for the gas or electrical heating systems which are installed on their properties. With this in mind, the following tips may help you to save money while keeping your loved ones warm and creating a comfortable home for the winter.

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