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Published Sunday, November 15, 2009 in Local

Newnan Notes

By GINA SNIDER

City of Newnan Public Information Officer

The Newnan Fire Department would like to share a tip on winter fire safety. Every fireplace should have a sturdy screen across the front to prevent embers from flying or logs from rolling out.

A spark arrestor across the top of a chimney will prevent sparks from igniting your roof or your neighbors' roofs. Combustible items, including extra firewood, should be kept at least 3 feet from the fireplace opening. If you use manmade logs in your fireplace, follow package directions carefully; don't attempt to break a log up. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or any other type of flammable liquid to start a fireplace fire.

The fireplace is no place to burn gift wrappings, trash, or other debris. Burning these items can create and release toxic fumes or cause excessive heat that can damage the fireplace. When clearing ashes from the fireplace, be sure to put them into a metal container with a lid -- never into a cardboard box or paper bag. Otherwise, the embers are capable of smoldering for days with disastrous results. The chimney should be cleaned by a qualified professional at least once a year -- more if it's used extensively. Chimney sweeps can be found in the yellow pages.

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Limited tickets are left for Chubby Checker's only performance in Georgia. He will perform at The Alamo on Nov. 22. Concert tickets are $75 apiece and are being sold at downtown businesses.

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There were 17 new occupational tax certificates issued by the city. The business names are A Baby's Time, Dalton & Jordan Seafood, Georgia Lawn Equipment, Jilliebean's Hair Salon, MAA OM MAA Inc., Melinda Rowan, SHC Roofers, Solomon Home Construction, Inc., Southeast Gold Buyers, Essence of Movement, International Services and Products, Kelly Henry, Sherwood Landscape Services LLC, T.T.G. Hauling, Truitt & John, Unitex Hair & Accessories and Kingswere Furniture dba Ashley Furniture.

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The Clean Water Campaign and the city of Newnan Engineering Department would like to remind everyone that during this time of year, when all the leaves are falling, it is important to bag your leaves and not pile the leaves on the road or on the storm drains.

By bagging your leaves you can help prevent clogging of storm drains, prevent flooding, prevent harming the aquatic and biological life, and keep our streets clean.

For more information, go to www.cleanwatercampaign.com. To report any illegal dumping please call the City of Newnan Environmental Hotline at 770-253-1823.

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Keep Newnan Beautiful reminds everyone that today is America Recycles Day! It is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. The purpose of America Recycles Day is to continue to promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling and encourage more people to join the movement toward creating a better natural environment.

Even a small shift in your attitudes and actions, multiplied many times over by others accepting this challenge, can change the world. Maybe you'll throw those soft drink cans in the recycle bin or buy recycled-content products. Recycling makes a huge difference to our environment, our quality of life and our country's future.

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The city of Newnan Animal Control officer would like to give owners some winter care tips for their pets. Be aware: there are many other dangers that our animal companions face during winter. Here are a few winter tips:

-- Engine coolant is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

-- If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, minimize his time outdoors -- briefly take him out, and only to relieve himself. This includes puppies, who can be paper-trained during the colder months rather than housebroken.

-- Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter -- a longer coat will provide more warmth. And continue to brush your pet regularly during the winter months. This will remove dead hair and keep the coat clean to ensure better insulation. It will also keep natural oils distributed throughout the coat.

For more news and events in the city of Newnan, log onto www.ci.newnan.ga.us .