Expected snowfall across the north-eastern U.S. – Courtesy of NY Times
The U.S. states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia are in a state of emergency as a huge snowstorm quickly moves through the north-eastern United States, bringing with it heavy snow and ice.
The United States National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings all the way from eastern Pennsylvania to south-west Maine. Areas in Virginia received snow as well, and wind speeds have rapidly picked up across the north-eastern United States.
The snowstorm began on Monday, March 13, 2017, and slowly made its way across the states. Forecasters predicted over 20 inches of snow in parts of New York and surrounding states, a storm that would be comparable to the Blizzard of 1888, which was one of the most severe recorded blizzards in the United States of America.
The storm tracked closer to the coast, bringing with it more warm air and only resulting in approximately 7 inches of snow in New York City. But, north and west of the city, around New England, received over 30 inches (over 2 feet) of snow.
Some states did not receive as much snow as originally thought, but still received enough to put the whole state at a standstill.
In New Hampshire, authorities say that a 16 year old girl lost control of her car and crashed into a tree. She was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. With winds up to 60 mph, residents of the snow-covered states were advised to stay off the roads in the harmful conditions.
As a result of this, schools were closed and thousands of flights were cancelled, as well as putting a hold on public transportation for a few days in and out of the cities. People who are stuck out in the snowstorm are asked to stay in their cars until they can be safely evacuated out of the area.
About 50 million people had been warned of the snowstorm. Within the next few days, temperatures are expected to rise in New York and surrounding areas, allowing for snow to begin to melt and commuters to break free from the standstill that the snowstorm caused.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was recently closed due to a wildfire spreading.
This fire has left many casualties, and buildings and structures have been burned to the ground. Hundreds of people’s homes have been destroyed, causing them to resort to shelters and the Red Cross. Others have been left without power. According to Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, 14 people have been injured, while three people have actually lost their lives.
The fire started at Chimney Tops Trail, which is a popular hiking peak at the park. The fire has also affected neighboring towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, causing the residents to evacuate. Dollywood, a well known theme park in Pigeon Forge, was closed as well due to the fire. It was untouched, but it’s operations will still be closed.
Due to wind gusts from the southwest, the fire has spread over 500 acres. The winds were moving at speeds of 40 to 60 mph. The wind and dryness from the drought this area had been experiencing was a major cause of the fire spreading so rapidly. This also caused the fire to burn downhill causing leaves and knocked over power lines to spark new fires.
There was some rain that helped dampen the ground fuels, but there are still hotspots. The area is predicted to be hit with more wind gusts only spreading the fire more, but there will be rain after that to help put the fire out.
The air quality of the area is not safe to live in as of right now due to the heavy smoke. People do not even know if they will have anything to come back to, to continue living there to begin with.
The Gatlinburg fire chief said that “the worst is over”, showing that there is hope that they will be able to recover from this tragic event.
Arnold Palmer: world famous golfer, successful businessman, leading advertising spokesman, skilled pilot, golf course designer and adviser, and loving family member. No matter what he meant to you, one thing is for sure: his impact on this world will remain unforgettable.
Palmer, the “King of Golf,” passed away on September 25, 2016, due to complications brought on by a heart condition with his two daughters and wife Kit by his side. He was 87 years old.
Palmer was born on September 10, 1929, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. As the son of a golf professional and country club groundskeeper, Palmer is known for winning the Masters Tournament four different times. He is considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of men’s professional golf.
His love for the sport of golf picked up as a toddler. His father, Milifred J. “Deacon” Palmer, was able to shorten a set of regulation clubs so his son could learn how to play.
By the time Palmer was 17 years old, he had already won two state interscholastic championships. He was also able to obtain a golf scholarship to Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, NC, where he won three Atlantic Coast Conference Championships.
Unfortunately, Palmer’s life quickly took a drastic turn in 1950, when one of his close friends and teammates, Bud Worsham, died in a car accident. His death had a huge impact on Palmer’s life; he dropped out of school during his senior year and joined the U.S. Coast Guard. During this time, Palmer went on a three year break from his sport. However, he returned to playing golf in 1954.
Dating back to 1955, Palmer has won numerous events on both the PGA Tour and what is now known as PGA Tour Champions. To be exact, he was the winner of 62 career PGA titles, including seven major championships, throughout his five-decade-long career. He has won a total of more than 90 tournaments during his career.
Before Palmer became famous in the world of golf, he was a superstar on his own. He owned an airplane and was a talented aviator, drew galleries, and was a role model to his peers due to his optimistic spirit.
In 1954, Palmer turned professional and married the love of his life, Winifred Walzer, which is when his life really kicked off. Walzer was his wife of 45 years and the mother of his two daughters, Peggy Palmer Wears and Amy Palmer Saunders. Walzer passed away to cancer in November of 1999. Palmer married his second wife, Kathleen (Kit) Gawthrop, in a private ceremony in Hawaii in January of 2005.
Outside of his love for golf, Palmer became a successful businessman. He was presented with numerous beneficial opportunities throughout his work, including investments in automobile and aviation companies. He is well-known for being one of golf’s greatest pitchmen in the world. By the end of the 1990s, it was reported that Palmer was taking in more than $20 million in endorsement deals each year.
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, a friend of Palmer, reflected on the legacy left behind by the popular sportsman:
“We have lost a great friend and giant in our sport tonight with the passing of Arnold Palmer. There is no way to adequately express the immense sense of loss that we all feel with this news. He obviously meant so much not only to the PGA Tour, but to the entirety of golf by lifting it to newfound visibility and popularity. It is not an exaggeration to say there would be no modern day PGA Tour without Arnold Palmer. There would be no PGA Tour Champions without Arnold Palmer. There would be no Golf Channel without Arnold Palmer. No one has had a greater impact on those who play our great sport or who are touched by it. It has been said many times over in so many ways, but beyond his immense talent, Arnold transcended our sport with an extraordinarily appealing personality and genuineness that connected with millions, truly making him a champion of the people. The fact that his popularity never waned more than a quarter century after his last competitive victory speaks volumes to the man, the icon and the legendary figure he was. We will all miss him so.”
Palmer’s legacy and accomplishments will remain unforgotten, as his life has left a positive impact on those around him, and even those who did not know him.
On Monday, the Smithsonian launched a campaign to raise $300,000 on Kickstarter aimed at preserving the the ruby red slippers worn by Dorothy (Judy Garland) in the beloved 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz,” using the hashtag “#KeepThemRuby.”
The slippers, which for more than 30 years have been one of the most beloved items at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, were crafted almost 80 years ago by the MGM Studios prop department.
The designer Gilbert Adrian dyed the commercially manufactured shoes red and attached a sequined netting to them. However, with the passage of time the color has faded, and the coating on the sequins is flaking off and some of the thread that held down the sequins has broken. The Kickstarter money will first be used to help scientists and conservators understand how the materials in the slippers have broken down. Once they’ve figured that out, they will then determine the best conditions for their preservation, taking factors such as light, humidity and temperature into account. The Smithsonian can then conserve and house the shoes in an environment where they can keep their slippers in the decades to come.
“This particular pair of ruby slippers really belongs to the American people, and so we thought as we sought support that we would invite the public to join us on this journey to help preserve them for the next generation.” said Melinda Machado, a museum spokesperson.
Walkertown High School is hosting its first ever Color Run/Walk in order to raise funds for the Booster Club. Participants are invited to run, walk, or jog through the fun-filled course while benefitting our school’s athletic programs.
The WHS Color Run will be an untimed fun run/walk that features a 5K course. Throughout the course, participants will have several opportunities to enjoy color splash zones where they will be drenched in color. The event will end with a celebration, including a color toss.
The Color Run will take place on Saturday, November 12, 2016 from 8:30AM-12:30PM at Walkertown High School, 5240 Sullivantown Rd, Walkertown, NC 27051. This event is open to people of all ages throughout the community. Bring your family and friends for even more fun!
Early registration, which ends on October 30, 2016, is only $30. Late registration, which will begin on October 31, 2016, is $35. Take advantage of this great opportunity. Early registration includes a race bib, color packet, and a t-shirt. These items can be retrieved on the day of the event at the registration table. Paper registration forms can also be requested. Participants have the option to purchase extra color packets for just $3.
Addie Peddycord, organizer of this year’s WHS Color Run, provides tips for having an unforgettable time at the fun run:
Bring a pair of cheap sunglasses.
Bring a bandana to keep the color out of your mouth and nose.
Prepare to get soaked in color. Your clothes are likely to stain.
Dress fun. Wearing a white t-shirt (do not forget, one is included in your race packet when you register early) and colorful accessories is highly recommended. Some ideas are tutus, colorful socks, and bright jewelry.
Have fun. Remember that this is for a great cause. We are raising money for our athletic department while getting exercise! What’s better than that?
Wear running/walking shoes–sandals and flip flops are not recommended. And keep in mind that they will get colored.
You will want to take pictures. You should bring a cinch sack or fanny pack to protect your camera/phone from getting colored or damaged.
The Howl: Walkertown High School News 