Today's Feature

Carthage ranked among state’s best in recent publication.

Carthage, Mo. – The city of Carthage was recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in Missouri, according to the sixth annual Best of Rural Missouri Readers Choice awards. The awards celebrate the uniqueness of the Show-Me State while introducing distinctive shops and restaurants and one-of-a-kind destinations to the public.

More than half a million rural electric cooperative members were asked to vote for their favorite foods and destinations throughout the state. Carthage drew accolades for our beautiful courthouse, prosperous town square, and picture-perfect Victorian homes and historic buildings.

"This award is a great opportunity for domestic travelers to hear about and explore the many historical and cultural activities and destinations that make our city great," says Kate Massey, executive director of the Carthage Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCVB). "With our rich history, breathtaking scenery, and numerous activities, unforgettable vacation memories are available for the entire family right here in Carthage."

Massey adds, "With the increasing cost of gas, more families are choosing day and weekend trips for their family getaways. As they begin planning their summer vacations, we’d like to remind them to explore the treasures found right here in Carthage."

Other cities ranked in the Most Beautiful Town category included Hermann, Weston, Ste. Genevieve, and Cole Camp. For more information on tourism in Carthage, contact the CCVB by calling 417.359.8181 or log on to www.visit-carthage.com.

Rural Missouri is published monthly by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives.

Mornin'

One of my dad’s first priorities was ta make sure all us kids had plenty ta eat. We always did too. I know, cause ever’ time I’d ask for seconds, Dad ‘d say, "Nope, you’ve had plenty."

One a the problems with priorities is that ever’one has ‘em, just some folks won’t admit it. That’s when things get confusin’. It makes it a lot easier if things are laid out on the table for all ta know what you’re up to.

It’s like followin’ someone that keeps hittin’ the breaks ever time a car comes from the other direction. After a while ya start ta understand you’ve got a nervous nellie drivin’ in front of ya. Ya back off a little ta give ‘em plenty of room, then ya pass ‘em and get as far away from ‘em as you can.

It’s likely your priorities include gettin’ where your goin’ as quickly as ya can.

This is some fact, but mostly,
Just Jake Talkin’.

"I really abhor bar soap, but my husband prefers it. After cleaning the soap dish, I smear it with petroleum jelly. I do the underside too. There’s a little lip that will keep the soap from sliding off, but the petroleum jelly keeps the inevitable sludge from sticking to the soap dish, making my cleaning routine much easier!" -- A.D. in Idaho

"I make my own little good-behavior coupons for my three children. I print them on different colors of paper for each child. They can cash in coupons for activities or rewards, and if they go in together to get something, I will give them bonus coupons for working together. I think this has made goal-setting a priority for them, and it has helped them learn the lesson of shared goals -- an important one for a large family." -- R.V.F. in Arizona

"When I go to the grocery store, I put my wallet in my pocket, then as I move through the store and determine which coupons I will be able to use, I put them in my wallet pocket. Since I have started doing this, I have not accidentally forgotten to use my coupons. They are there in my pocket when I am ready to pay." -- O.B. in Indiana

To keep dirt from sticking to your dustpan, try spraying it lightly with furniture polish. Buff slightly and floor dirt will slide right off.

"I found a small waste basket that fits right between the wall and my dryer. There’s a gap that’s about 8 inches wide. The lip of the basket keeps it from sliding down to the floor, so it’s easy to clean out the lint trap and put the waste in the basket. Also, I used a strip of hook-and-loop tape to attach a tissue holder box vertically to the wall. I stick a box of fabric softener sheets in it, and they, too, are right where I need them." -- T.K. in Nevada