Local News
A Springfield family and their pets are safe after escaping a house fire on Wednesday night. The Springfield Fire Department arrived at the Timberlake Drive address just after 10 p.m. on Wednesday and quickly put out the fire. The family of six and their six pets managed to get out safely, but their home sustained extensive damage. The family was put in contact with the Red Cross for assistance. Fire investigators said it appears the fire started in the garage and then moved into the kitchen when crews arrived.
Winter weather could arrive this weekend. In case that happens, the Tennessee Department of Transportation has prepared to clear roadways of ice and snow. TDOT’s statewide 2023/2024 winter weather budget is $26.6 million and includes salt, salt brine, overtime for employees, and equipment maintenance. The department has three salt vendors to refill salt bins as needed in all 95 Tennessee counties. For winter weather tips, travel information, and a regional breakdown of TDOT winter weather supplies and equipment, go.tn.gov/tdot.
One lawmaker wants to eliminate translation services for the written exam to get your driver’s license in Tennessee. A bill introduced by Rep. Kip Capley of Summertown would require all written exams for a Tennessee driver’s license to be administered only in English. It would also prohibit the use of any translation dictionary, electronic device, or interpreter to assist with the examination. Right now, the knowledge tests are currently offered in five languages: English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean.
From the Things to do while waiting for everything to get back to normal Department: Go back in time to increase your word power: Michigan’s Wayne State University released its 15th annual list of “long-lost” words due for a comeback. This year’s words include blatherskite, a person who talks at great length without making much sense; kaffeeklatsch, an informal social gathering at which coffee is served; and pettifogger, an inferior legal practitioner.