Cooke County By GREG RUSSELL

grussell@ntin.net

Register Staff Writer

North Central Texas College officials dealt with the countys recent winter weather by rescheduling semester finals and managing campus walkways, but an expected freeze during this coming week should pose fewer problems.

NCTC President Dr. Eddie Hadlock said the Gainesville campus will close Wednesday for a holiday break and stay closed through Jan. 2.

And today marks the end of finals following some shuffling of classes. Hadlock said the week of ice affected testing that had been scheduled for Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, but all exams were administered later and through today.

Some had online finals, so students could take their finals whenever they wanted during the week, he said. We had to be shut down for a couple days but were then able to be open by Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Hadlock said the NCTC maintenance crew worked during the campus shutdowns of Saturday and Monday by clearing parking lots, sidewalks and entries.

The staff was pretty understanding and cooperative and we were able to get through it, he said. But it never had happened during finals before, so that kind of complicated things.

The internet presence at NCTC, active since the mid-1990s, has steadily broadened its effect on how a campus operates at any time. It began with computer labs in select areas of the Gainesville facility in an era when students were more likely to make a call or check television from home to see how weather had affected a day of class.

Follow this link:
Icy weather forces changes during NCTC finals week

Preventing accidents

To the Editor:

Winter is back in full swing with significant snow and ice for all of us to battle.

That means slippery surfaces, which can be dangerous and costly for homeowners, as well as for their visitors including their letter carrier. By clearing a path when the snow arrives, accidents can be prevented.

We need our customers help. Letter carriers have hurt their knees or backs, or even suffered broken bones from falls on slippery surfaces.

Letter carriers are instructed to use good judgment when attempting to deliver to addresses where ice and snow are not cleared. They are not allowed to dismount to make curb deliveries when the approach to the mailbox is hazardous because of snow or ice.

No one wants to inconvenience a customer. But we have to take every possible step to ensure the safety of our employees.

Some tips:

Customers are asked to clear enough snow from curbside boxes at least six feet on both sides of the mailbox so the carrier may approach and leave without backing up his or her vehicle.

Walkways need to be cleared so as to allow enough traction to avoid slips, trips and falls.

Read more from the original source:
Letters to the Editor for Dec. 13, 2013

(PRWEB) December 10, 2013

Much of the United States is experiencing a first real blast of frigid winter weather. The cold and associated ice and snow pose a real threat of falls, especially in the elderly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control:

Dr. Cunningham advocates taking these steps to help prevent serious falls when wintry weather occurs:

Taking these simple steps can go a long way in preventing a fall and serious injury.

A print version of the infographic supplied is available at http://www.akrongeneral.org/web09/pdfs/PR/InfoGraphic_winterSafety_AG_1213.pdf.

About Akron General Health System

Akron General Health System is a not-for-profit health care organization with the mission of improving the health and lives of the people and communities it serves. Akron General Health System includes: Akron General Medical Center, a 511-bed teaching and research medical center, and Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Institute, the areas largest provider of rehabilitation services; Akron General Partners, which includes Partners Physician Group, the Akron General Health & Wellness Centers, Lodi Community Hospital, Community Health Centers and other companies; Akron General Community Health Ventures, which includes Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates; and Akron General Foundation. Recently, U.S. News & World Report ranked Akron General Medical Center as the fifth best hospital in Ohio. In 2013, the American Nurses Association bestowed the prestigious Magnet status on the more that 1,000 nurses from Akron General Medical Center, Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Institute and the Health Systems Health & Wellness Centers. For more information about Akron General Health System, visit http://www.akrongeneral.org.

###

Editors Note:

Originally posted here:
Deep Freeze Temperatures Gripping the Country Pose a Serious Threat for Falling

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

USPS Asks for Help to Keep Walkways and Mail Boxes Clear

Snow and Ice on Porches and Steps Can be Hazardous for Letter Carriers

KANSAS CITY, MO "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" is an inscription on the James Farley Post Office in New York City, which is a quote derived from 5th Century BC Greek Historian Herodotus.

And while city and rural letter carriers in southern Missouri and eastern Kansas are proud of the Postal Services unofficial motto, a bit of help from their customers is always welcomed especially with this week's snow and ice across the region.

"Snow and ice on sidewalks, front porches and around rural mailboxes present a serious safety challenge for our letter carriers across the Midwest," said Gail Hendrix, manager of the agencys Kansas City-based Mid-America District. The district covers most of western, central and southern Missouri and eastern Kansas.

"Our employees take their jobs seriously and take pride in reporting to work -- regardless of the conditions," Hendrix said, "but if access to the mailbox is blocked by snow or ice, we remind them that safety is paramount to delivering the mail."

The Postal Service also is reminding customers to keep access to their rural mailboxes clear should snow and ice become a hazard. "Our rural and city carriers will battle freezing temperatures, ice and snow in many parts of the Midwest," Hendrix explained. "We urge customers to do the right thing, not just for our letter carriers, but for everyone."

By taking these safety measures, postal customers might be able to make a bit of history themselves this year: an accident-free winter for everyone.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Original post:
USPS Asks for Help to Keep Walkways and Mail Boxes Clear

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) -

Many roads are still covered and crews continue to work to dig out from the ice, sleet, and snow that pounded the Heartland Thursday and Friday.

However, the US 45 Ohio River Brookport Bridge between Paducah and Brookport will be reopened to traffic around 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9 according to Ky. state transportation officials.

KYTC says engineers had been evaluating the bridge a number of times per day as temperatures inched above freezing to allow ice to melt from the bridge structure.

The bridge had been closed from just before 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6.

Ice and snow coated the bridge forcing the closure.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports a snow plow overturned on KY 128 in Caldwell County near the intersection with Travis Road.

They say the truck went off a 10 ft. embankment during plowing and salting operations. The driver was not injured.

According to KYTC, the road is open now.

Corporal Clark Parrott with the Missouri State Highway Patrol says troopers are working a lot of slide offs. He urges people to stay home unless it's an emergency to allow road crews to do their job.

Originally posted here:
Brookport Bridge re-opens, warming centers available

Egad, does anyone else hate the way the blogs were improved? The best part of reading blogs was that you could scroll down quickly to see if there was anything interesting to read. For me it was like walking through a book store and stumbling upon an interesting aisle of books. Now its like the bookstore is a long hallway with a series of doors and you have to open each door to see if thats an aisle you want to visit. I dont much like it but at least we can read blogs on our ipads and phones now (p.s. can we all stop saying smartphones, its like saying the World Wide Web. Just say phones. Anyone who has an old flip phone knows that cool stuff doesnt apply to them). That was a long overdue issue. So I guess the new and improved was the only way to accomplish this. Id better start thinking of some snappy titles and my first two sentences better kill if Im going to keep my readership.

So in my last post you were able to see why we need to put some driveway edging in and why we need to add walkways to the 2 front doors (youll have to click the words Read Moreto actually see any photos). So heres what I ordered:

1. Walkways Nittenhouse slate pads (in Appalachian Gray) in the 2424 and 1224 sizes from Zappala Block in Rensselaer (these look like bluestone but are really concrete. If anyone asks, its real bluestone). They are about an inch thick so they should last. These come in different colors but I was outvoted on mixing colors (it will look too patio-ish) and it wasnt a battle worth fighting.

2. Edging Versalok standard caps (in Pebble color) from Colonie Block in Colonie. This is a bit of an unorthodox use. These blocks are supposed to be used as the cap on a wall. Were burying them standing since they are 12 x16. We will put them about 10 inches into the ground so there will be a clear delineation between driveway and yard. Right now its a bad transition with the yard taking over the driveway.

3. Stone dust got 2 loads of this from Colonie Block. Some of this will be used for the driveway and some for the walkways.

4. Driveway gravel Ill share what kind I used after the job is done. Im getting it from Troy Sand and Gravel. They have a bunch of types and Im hoping this stuff looks nice. I drove over there last week and ended up driving into the facility where cars arent allowed. A worker who swore alot showed me some samples (it was hilarious). Im getting 3 loads of that gravel to repair the driveway.

5. Mini Excavator (its got heat)- renting this for 3 days from Country True Value in East Greenbush. They will rent just about anything. I asked if it made that annoying beeping everytime it goes into reverse and they said yes. Gulp. My neighbors are going to hate me by Thursday.

So check out the photos are report back here next week. Were starting the work tomorrow.

Outtakes:

Read the original:
Step 2: Front walkway and driveway fix – materials delivered ...

How to Cover the Front Edge of Stair Treads

Of the many design considerations you face when refurbishing a staircase, the leading edge of the stair treads can become the most troublesome. Most carpeted stairwells tend to be squared off and blocky-looking along the front edge once the carpet is pulled, and even if made of hardwood and rounded, this detail receives the brunt of the daily wear and tear and usually shows its damage readily over time. Several techniques can soften this edge and provide an elegant and functional bullnose radius to the treads. The result will add a finished touch of beauty to your staircase and even

Recommended Rise for Interior Stairs

Less than 100 years ago you could build a home with little oversight. This resulted in features like stairs too steep to feel comfortable climbing, as builders attempted to save floor space and materials. A steep, narrow stairway is just one example of the lack of minimum safety standards that contributed to poor living conditions, accidental injuries and deaths. In 1927 the first standardized regional building code was introduced in the United States. Today, there is still no single national building code. Codes vary slightly by region with states and localities adapting regulations to their needs. All codes, however, address

How to Convert Closed Stringer Stairs to Open Stringer Stairs

Whether a stair stringer is open or closed influences the look it imparts. A closed stringer is created with either cleats holding the step tread in place or possibly recessed cuts that encompass the tread. The result is a step where you cannot see where the tread begins or ends. In contrast, an open stringer is cut to outline the tread in a distinct zigzag pattern and the tread ends are exposed. Builders typically install closed stringers against a wall and open along a free expanse. However, they are interchangeable, and converting your closed stringer to open will create an

How to Build a Small Handicap Ramp in the Garage

A handicap-accessible ramp can make all the difference to independence, allowing not only those in wheelchairs, but also the elderly who cannot use steps confidently to get outside, go shopping or make it to the doctor's office. The best wheelchair ramp design climbs only one inch for every foot of ramp length, or less. This translates into a 12-foot-long ramp for a rise of 1 foot -- not quite two steps, typically. Often a garage just doesn't offer the room, however, and a U-shaped ramp still proves too bulky. A shorter ramp is smaller but steeper, and may require assistance

Installing Concrete Treads With Rails

Concrete stair treads are a sturdy tread material with an abrasive surface to improve traction on stairs. Concrete treads are precast to fit within the stringers of a metal staircase. Bolt-on stair treads are a simple tread solution for the do-it-yourself homeowner because they require no mortar for installation. Instead, bolts secure the treads to angle tabs on the runners, which are welded in place at each tread location. A metal handrail attaches to the concrete treads with a base plate and anchor bolts, assuring safe stairway use.

Link:
Walkways | Building & Remodeling | eHow - eHow | How to Videos ...

home section Interior Design Housekeeping Entertaining Home Improvement Gardening & Plants Landscaping eHow Home & Garden Landscaping & Outdoor Building Landscaping Walks & Pathways How to Fix a Concrete Step That Pulled Away From the Walkway

Samantha Volz

Samantha Volz has been involved in journalistic and informative writing for over eight years. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with a minor in European history. In college she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper and completed a professional internship with the "Williamsport Sun-Gazette," serving as a full-time reporter. She resides in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

Concrete steps form the stepping stones of walkways and entrances all around our homes, but time, weathering or unexpected pressure will damage these steps, causing all kinds of damage. When a step begins to separate from a walkway, it is often the result of high pressure or severe moisture changes. These areas can generally be fixed with a solid concrete patch and protective sealant that will help prevent separation in the future.

Brush out the damaged area with a wire brush to remove loose dirt and dust. Use a wet/dry vacuum or a can of condensed air to blow out dust particles. If necessary, chisel away loosened pieces of concrete with a chisel and hammer. The area must be completely clean before repairing.

Paint a thin layer of concrete bonding adhesive over the entire area that requires repaired. The bonding adhesive will help the cement patch attach to the old surface, creating a firm new hold. Follow instructions on the adhesive, as most will need five to 10 minutes to cure before you can apply the patch.

Mix quick-setting concrete with water per product instructions to create thick cement putty. When the adhesive and patch are ready, spread the concrete patch into the damaged area with a pointed trowel. Spread in thin layers, forcing the patch up against all old concrete surfaces.

Continue to add patching material in thin layers until you fill up the entire damaged area. Use the smooth edge of the trowel along the edges to bring the patchwork flush with the rest of surface.

Run a rubber float over the edges of the patch to feather out the edges and blend it with the rest of the concrete for a smooth look. Allow the patch to dry for 24 to 48 hours; if rain or dew will settle on the area, cover the patch with plastic wrap to protect it from moisture. If you have to use wrap, the patch will take longer to cure.

Seal the patched area with concrete sealant, spread onto the surface with a sponge or paintbrush. The sealant will prevent moisture from leaking into the concrete, preventing future separation and cracks. If your concrete steps were previously unsealed, seal them as well to prevent future damage.

Read this article:
How to Fix a Concrete Step That Pulled Away From the Walkway ...

Many decorative sidewalk projects will require steps to transition from one elevation to another, especially at entryways. To achieve a cohesive visual effect with greater dramatic impact, consider combining decorative concrete walkways with stamped or stained stairways and landings that incorporate coordinating colors and patterns.

Pac West Coatings in Carson, CA

Stairs and walkways share many of the same basic concrete requirements and safety considerations. Plus, the same methods used for coloring exterior concrete flatwork are equally suitable for stairways. The most popular include adding integral color, staining and applying dry-shake color hardener. Some contractors combine these techniques to produce unique color variations and marbling effects.

Walkway & Garden Path Ideas

Time: 02:07

Get ideas for your yard walkways and garden paths. Visit several award winning homes to see how the designer, Scott Cohen, designed the walkways using concrete to connect the home to outdoor rooms.

View All 35 Outdoor Living Videos

Read the original post:
Sidewalk Steps- Using Concrete to Create Stairways and ...

Roll out the red carpet with walkway pavers from EP Henry. From EP Henry's impressive selection of paving stones and wall systems, you can create more than just a path to your house or backyard. Add steps, columns, lighting and more - ensuring that your guests and your home get the star treatment. From inspiration to installation, EP Henry will help you implement the perfect paver path to your home.

There are a number of options for any path or trail that you create. You can design brick, concreate or stone walkways to fit your outdoor living space.

Besides the added visual appeal, adding a path to your property can have a number of benefits. It doesn't just increase your property value and add a grand entrance to your home. Creating a beautiful trail creates an experience for you, your family and your friends to enjoy. It also ensures that your yard is not trampled by mailmen and guests. A proper path leading to your home breaks up your yard adding clarity, atmosphere and curb appeal.

View our gallery of hundreds of paver patios for inspiration then call an EP Henry Project Consultant for design assistance, contractor referrals or to get information on our quick, personalized financing program, Project Funding. Call 800-444-3679. You'll be on your way to becoming the envy of the neighborhood with your EP Henry paver walkways.

Go here to see the original:
Walkways | Stone Walkways | Interlocking Pavers - EP Henry