Today's Feature

R-9 Foundation Names Director.

News release

Carthage R-9 School Foundation Board has chosen a Foundation Director. Vicki Cash began work as Carthage R-9 School Foundation Director on August 11, 2008. "I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the Carthage community, and the students and faculty of the Carthage R-9 School District," said Mrs. Cash. "I’m looking forward to assisting those within the community who are interested in partnering with the foundation to provide expanded opportunities for our students."

Mrs. Cash has lived in Carthage most of her life, and is a graduate of Carthage High School. She has a background in marketing, special events and fundraising. Mrs. Cash worked at Precious Moments, Inc. for 15 years, serving as Collector Relations Manager for six years. For the past year, she served as a consultant for Freeman Foundation, Joplin. Mrs. Cash is also a writer for Show Me the Ozarks magazine.

Current R-9 Foundation president Mark Westhoff said, "The Carthage R-9 Foundation is very excited and pleased to have a new foundation director with the skills and qualifications that Mrs. Vicki Cash brings to our organization. She has a true connection to our community and our schools. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership between Vicki and the R-9 Foundation as we all continue to work together for the benefit of our students as well as our district."

The Carthage R-9 School Foundation secures funding for scholarships, as well as special school programs or needs that are not included in the school or department budgets. Mrs. Cash will be coordinating the foundation’s first major fundraising project, the Alumni Football Game, scheduled for Saturday, October 11. For more information about the game or Carthage R-9 School Foundation, please contact Vicki Cash at 359-7000, ext. 11085.

Tax Sale Information.

The annual delinquent tax certificate sale was held on Monday, August 25 at 10:00 a.m. in the third floor of the Jasper County Courthouse. Information received from Jasper County Collector Stephen Holt notes the results from that sale.

281 properties were offered in the sale, of which 160 were sold. The total amount collected during the sale was $241,923.44. In the previous year, 251 properties were offered for sale with 163 having been sold. The total collected in that year was $199,215.87.

Mornin'

I’ve never understood why they put an eraser on a red pencil. In the first place, those wieldin’ such an instrument is supposed ta be lookin’ for mistakes, not makin’ ‘em. But even more to the point, as a youngster I saw more than one attempt to erase a red check mark on a less than perfect paper. I never saw anyone ever successfully erase a red mark.

Typically, after a futile attempt, there would be some effort to hide the mark with a doodle or two, or a random line meant to cover the obvious.

‘Course these observations were t the relatively young age of under 10. Those attemptin’ to fool their parents or other classmates hadn’t yet grasped the real art form of hidin’ mistakes. One lesson was ta never use a red pencil.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Here’s A Tip

By JoAnn Derson

"If you have open cabinets in your kitchen (or see-through doors), try painting just the insides of the cabinets a different color from the outsides. It makes a nice, cheap change." -- C.A. in Arizona

It’s still hurricane season. Get prepared by grabbing a few extra canned goods or a gallon of water on each trip to the grocery store. You’ll beat the rush when a tropical storm is on its way.

"After school has started, it’s a great time to get a jump on supplies for next year; EVERYTHING goes on sale. I get the list for the next year’s class and stock up. Also, it’s nice to pick up any items for the teacher’s wish list when those things get discounted." -- R.L. in Pennsylvania

Clean your sponge in the microwave. Just wet it, and zap it for a minute. Let it cool before you take it out.

"If you’re having trouble making it to doctor appointments, check with your city’s social services or your religious organization. Many will arrange a ride for you, as I found out last month. I had to be away from home for an extended period of time and was not able to take my grandmother to her doctor appointments. I was about ready to arrange taxis in advance at quite a cost when our pastor offered the church’s help. For free! I also have found out that our city has a program through public transportation for this." -- M.K. in Florida

Need buttermilk for a recipe? Here’s a healthy substitution: For one cup, use 15 tablespoons of skim milk plus two tablespoons of lemon juice.