Today's Feature

Public Services Committee Meeting.

The City Council Public Services Committee met Monday evening in a regular session. The committee discussed a variance request for the catering policy at Memorial Hall. The renter cited difficulties locating a licensed alcohol distributor to cater the event, which is required by City code, and inquired if there were any other options. The committee discussed the situation but could not recommend any alternatives, and so approved a motion not to allow a variance for the hall.

During staff reports Parks Director Alan Bull noted that the Municipal Park pool had been leaking. Bull said that Carthage Water and Electric Plant was scheduled to inspect the water pipes this week, and that a solution would be discussed once the problem is identified. The pool was opened for swimming on Monday.

Bull also gave the committee an update on the driving range, which the City is currently leasing. Bull said that the token operated golf ball dispenser had arrived on Monday. The machine is large, and placement is still to be decided, according to Carthage Golf Pro Mark Peterson. Bull added that the quantities of balls dispensed per token still needed to be programmed into the machine.

The Parks Department is waiting for the arrival of a ball picker attachment, which will be used to retrieve the balls from the field. Once that piece of equipment arrives and a few other improvements are completed, Bull said that the range can be opened.

Small Business Information Session.

Representatives from the Springfield Branch Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and MSSU SBDC will be available for individual, one-on-one consultations at the Carthage Chamber of Commerce, 107 E. Third, on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Individuals interested in starting a small business, purchasing or expanding existing businesses are encouraged to come by the Chamber and visit privately with these representatives. These sessions are held to raise public awareness of the many SBA programs and services provided to small business entrepreneurs.

Mornin'

I suppose on average ever’one has about the same kinda luck. Some good days, some not so good. I supposed most ‘member the bad luck more than those times when ever’thing right.

My dad always advised given plenty of time for travel, just in case ya had a flat tire. I figure its good advise, even through I can count on one hand the time a tire went down durin’ a trip. Considerin’ the amount a miles driven, the chances are pretty slim.

Some I know are always pessimistic. "It’d be just my luck," they are fond of sayin’. I suppose that kind a thinkin’ keeps ‘em outa trouble in a lota cases, but it seems a lota opportunities are also eliminated. The best advise I’ve heard is to play your game and hope for a little luck.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Here's A Tip
By JoAnn Derson

• What’s on sale in June? Electronics, sporting goods, mattresses and, for you summer home renovators, building materials.

• Another underarm stain remover: good old lemon juice. Wet those deodorant stains with fresh lemon juice, then sprinkle with salt and rub. If it’s a hardy stain, hang the garment outside on a sunny day and let it dry in the sun. Then wash. Works well, and nontoxic too!

• "A fast way to freshen up your room in the summertime, with or without company coming, is to spray air freshener behind your fan when it’s running. It will distribute the scent throughout the room." -- S.H. in Ohio

• If you have a spice grinder or coffee grinder, here’s a little tip from me to you: When you are finished grinding, cut a piece of plain bread (white or wheat) in quarters, and grind it. It will flush the spice or coffee dust out of all the nooks and crannies. Toss the bread crumbs in the yard for the birds!

• "When you shop for shoes, go in the evening. Feet swell and expand throughout the day, so if you buy shoes in the morning, the fit might not feel too good later in the day." -- A.T. in Louisiana

• Summer fruits and vegetables hit the stands and stalls now. Wondering what’s in season for the next three months? Here’s your list of summer fruits and veggies -- eat them up! Apricots, peaches, berries (blue, black, boysen, logan AND strawberries and raspberries), plus watermelons and other melons. Beets and bell peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes, radishes, green beans and okra.