Clarksdale Happening, December 2025
November 26, 2025
CLARKSDALE HAPPENINGS
December 2025
"There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about." – Margaret J. Wheatley
City Clerk Gone Dec. 3-9th
City Council Mtg Dec. 16th
(6:30pm City Hall)
Christmas (City Hall Closed) Dec. 23-28th
City Hall Closed Dec. 31st-Jan 3r
https://clarksdale-mo.com/ Find this newsletter, pay your bill, official minutes, reports, agendas, news about current projects, and more!
City Clerk Gone- Dec. 3-9th, For any emergency, contact the Mayor, Natascha Hays, 660-483-0955.
Clarksdale Advancement Foundation (CAF) - Next meeting Nov. 9th, at 6:30pm @ City Hall. All are Welcome!!!
The Clarksdale Lions Club - will be having our Monday night pitch tournaments at the Lions Hall at 7pm. December 1st, January 5th, February 2nd, and March 2nd.
Clarksdale Christian Church - Sing and Soup Supper, Dec 7th, 5pm. Come join us for beautiful Christmas music and amazing soup and sandwiches. There will be something for all tastes. Marry Christmas to All!
Breakfast with Santa- Saturday, Dec, 13th, 9am-11am, Clarksdale Community Center, Join us for a pancake breakfast! There will be crafts for the kids, a raffle with some great prizes and of course SANTA! Photo opportunities available with Santa!
The Clarksdale Lions Club meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month and we welcome anyone to come and hear what our club does for the community and we are always looking for new members.
We are seeking ideas - As we apply for grants, we would like to gather ideas for our parks, community center, and trail system. I.E. extended walking trail, bathrooms, repairs to shelters, made ADA accessible, afterschool programs, etc. Please email, write down, or leave a message.
Winterize your vehicle and keep it running smoothly during the cold months with these 10 steps.
1. Protect your vehicle's exterior
Ice and snow are rough on vehicles, but road salt can be even rougher. Salt has a corrosive effect, so start off the winter with a fresh coat of wax and wash your vehicle often to rid it of salt buildup. Protective sprays are also available for both under bodies and exteriors.
- Take a look at belts and hoses
Cold weather can be particularly hard on belts and hoses, be sure to have them checked out to make sure they're up to snuff before cold weather sets in.
3. Change windshield washer fluid
Not all fluids are suitable for sub-zero temperatures. Fair-weather fluids can freeze on contact with your windshield during an extreme cold snap, or even seize up inside the reservoir under your hood. Check the label and make sure your windshield washer fluid can take what your climate dishes out.
4. Make sure your battery is up to par
Batteries are easy to overlook when winterizing vehicles. Check your battery's age and life cycle and make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion before the weather turns cold. If you've had your battery for a while, now might be the time to consider a replacement.
5. Top off the antifreeze
Now is also the time to not only make sure you have enough antifreeze in your cooling system, but to make sure it is at the right mixture. Read and follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations, but a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water is considered the ideal ratio for most weather conditions.
6. Check tires
Full tires supply better traction, essential in snowy and icy conditions. Be sure to check and follow the mfg.'s placard inside the door on your vehicle for tire pressure instructions, they don't always match what's on the tire. Cold weather can make air pressure drop. Be sure to check the pressure and pump them up if necessary.
7. Refresh your four-wheel drive knowledge
If you have a vehicle with four-wheel drive and haven't used it in a while, make sure the four-wheel drive system is working correctly and that all the drivers in your household know how to use it.
8. Give your fuel a boost
If your truck runs on diesel, you should know diesel fuel holds paraffin, which can gel as it cools. Understandably, this can cause problems in extreme cold weather, so consider anti-gel fuel additives to keep your engine running smoothly this winter. A can of a good starting fluid is also something that can help when the temps are dipping low.
9. Protect the floor
When you are in and out of your vehicle in bad weather, the snow and mud will end up on your vehicle floor. Replace carpet floor mats with rubber car mats that have deep grooves to hold the moisture and make it easy to dump out the melted snow or rinse off the mud.
10. Pack an emergency kit
Put together an emergency kit including: blankets, flares, flashlights, non-perishable food, boots, a radio, jumper cables, a tow rope, window brushes and scrapers, a can of de-icer for windshield and door locks, a short shovel, a bag of sand or salt, a spare tire and the tools to install it.
Driving in Winter Weather
The Basics
Slow down. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. In fact, 2023 there were an estimated 101,390 police reported traffic crashes that occurred when there was snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.
Don’t crowd a snow plow or travel beside the truck. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car, and your surroundings.
- Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself.
- Let your car be seen. Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on.
- Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
Changes You May Notice
Tires
As the outside temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure. Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is in your owner’s manual and on a label located on the driver's side door frame. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself. That number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for the your vehicle.
Some other tips:
- Inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips.
- It’s best to check the tires when they’re cold, meaning that they have not been driven on for at least three hours.
- Check each tire’s age. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years regardless of use.
- An inspection is not just about checking tire pressure and age.
Remember to check:
- for any damage or conditions that may need attention;
- the tread and sidewalls for any cuts, punctures, bulges, scrapes, cracks, or bumps. The tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires; and
- your spare tire.
If you find tire damage, take your vehicle to a tire service professional.
Consider installing snow tires, but before buying new tires, visit NHTSA’s Tires page to review tire safety ratings. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) lets you compare tire treadwear, traction performance, and temperature resistance.
Car Seats
In colder weather, parents typically dress their children in winter coats. But it’s important to know that heavy coats can interfere with the proper harness fit on a child in a car seat. When your child will be secured in a car seat, pick thin, warm layers, and place blankets or coats around your child after the harness is snug and secure for extra warmth.
Also, make sure car seats and booster seats are properly installed and that any children riding with you are in the right seat for their ages and sizes. See NHTSA’s child passenger safety recommendations to find the right seat for your child’s age and size. You can visit NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find a free car seat inspection site near you, or to get information on virtual inspections.
Batteries
When the temperature drops, so does battery power. In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles’ driving range can be reduced. Have a mechanic check your battery, charging system, belts, and for any other needed repairs or replacements.
Safety Technologies
Familiarize yourself with the safety technologies on your vehicle and how they perform in wintry conditions. Know whether your vehicle has an antilock brake system and learn how to use it properly. Antilock brake systems prevent your wheels from locking up during braking. If you have antilock brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. If you don’t have antilock brakes, you may need to pump your brakes if you feel your wheels starting to lock up. For more information on driver assistance technologies, visit NHTSA.gov/DriverAssistTech.
Floor Mats
Due to slushy winter conditions, you might consider switching out your usual floor mats for thicker material or rubbery ones. Improperly installed floor mats in your vehicle could interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation and use retention clips to secure the mats. Always use mats that are the correct size and fit for your vehicle.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Lights
Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights. Be sure to also check your trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.
Windshield Wipers
You can quickly go through a lot of windshield wiper fluid in a single snowstorm. Make sure your vehicle’s reservoir is full of high-quality “winter” fluid with de-icer before winter weather hits. Make sure defrosters and all windshield wipers work and replace any worn blades. Consider installing heavy-duty winter wipers if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice.
Cooling System
Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle, and that it meets the manufacturer’s specifications. See your vehicle owner’s manual for recommendations. Check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace the old coolant.
You may also want to visit your mechanic for a tune-up and ask them to check for leaks, badly worn hoses, or other needed parts, repairs, and replacements.
Before You Go
Stock Your Vehicle
Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks, and supplies you might need in an emergency, including:
- a snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper;
- abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow;
- jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers);
- first aid kit, including tourniquet;
- blankets for protection from the cold; and
- a cell phone and charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine.
Gas Up or Plug It In
Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible.
Similarly, in the case for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, it is important keep your battery charged and to also minimize the drain on the battery. In general, batteries with liquid electrolyte have reduced energy storage and delivery capabilities at lower temperatures, which is why most all vehicle batteries use battery power for self-heating in low temperatures. The battery drain due to heating can be minimized by keeping your electric vehicle as warm as possible during freezing temperatures. A common way to do this is plugging your vehicle in at night during the winter – keeping the battery in its optimal temperature ranges.
Plan Your Route
Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out. If your roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you do have to go out, make sure you are prepared in case you become delayed while traveling. If making a long road trip when winter weather is forecasted, consider leaving early or changing your departure to avoid being on the roads during the worst of the storm.
Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go—even if you use a GPS—and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time. On longer trips, plan enough time to stop to stretch, get something to eat, check your phone, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy.
Year-Round Safety
Check for Recalls
NHTSA's Recalls Look-up Tool lets you enter a vehicle identification number (VIN) to quickly learn if your vehicle has a critical safety issue that has not been repaired, and how to get that repair done for free. You can also download NHTSA’s SaferCar app and enter your vehicle and equipment information. If a recall is issued, you’ll get an alert on your phone.
Avoid Risky Driving Behaviors
You know the rules: Do not text or drive distracted; obey posted speed limits; and always drive sober. Both alcohol and drugs can impair safe and responsible driving by affecting things such as coordination, judgment, perception, and reaction time. And remember: always wear your seat belt.
Winter Driving
Cleaning Snow off Vehicle Roof
Please thoroughly clean snow off your car — including the roof.
Snow left on car roofs can fly off your vehicle when in motion, creating potentially dangerous situations for you and those driving behind you.
Learn more winter safety tips at weather.gov/safety/winter
Bridges Freeze First
You’ve probably seen road signs advising that bridges freeze before roads, but do you know why? Having open air underneath the bridge means the cold air surrounds the bridge both above and below.
If there’s even the chance that a bridge might be frozen, SLOW DOWN! And do it before you cross the bridge — changing speed on ice is dangerous.
Freezing Rain
Compared to a typical snowstorm, freezing rain is much more hazardous — especially on the road. While both are dangerous, it’s far easier to lose control of your vehicle on icy pavement, not to mention the increased risk of falling branches and powerlines.
Bottom line: use extreme caution if there is, or recently was, freezing rain.
Black Ice
When recent rain or snowmelt comes into contact with freezing temperatures, black ice can form — and you might not even see it. And while black ice is more prevalent at night, it can often stick around for the morning commute. Use extreme caution when driving...don’t let black ice sneak up on you.
First Snow
While lots of snow in the middle of winter can certainly cause dangerous travel conditions, many times it’s the first little bit of snow of the season that can cause accidents. Be extra careful as you and other drivers adjust to driving in poor conditions. Slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t let the first snow sneak up on you!
