Today's Feature

Jasper County Declared Disaster Area.

News release

President Bush has issued a major disaster declaration for Barry, Jasper and Newton Counties in Missouri, triggering the release of federal funds to help individuals recover from the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred May 10-11. The tornados killed 16 people in Missouri, hospitalized more than two dozen others and caused widespread property damage in the three Missouri counties. Neighboring Ottawa County, Oklahoma, where six people were killed, was declared a federal disaster area earlier.

"The disaster declaration opens the way for federal aid to start flowing immediately into the three counties," Blunt said. "Federal disaster teams now have authority to help families with money and direct assistance to begin the process of recovering from the damages of the deadly storms."

First, disaster victims who suffered loses in the May 10-11 storms should register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling toll free 1-800-621-3362 or TTD 1-800-462-7585. The disaster declaration (FEMA-1760-DR) covers only individual and household loses not covered by insurance, but anyone suffering a loss should register so that their eligibility can be determined. Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation of extensive losses to utilities, public buildings and infrastructure.

Individual disaster assistance is money or direct assistance to individuals, families and businesses in an area where property has been damaged or destroyed and losses are not covered by insurance. It is meant to help with critical expenses that cannot be covered in other ways. This assistance is not intended to restore damaged property to its condition before the disaster.

Mornin'
I still get a big kick outa some of the studies and their conclusions.

I see the other day that some group has spent money figurin’ out that quality day care is somehow related to kids that don’t end up in jail as often . They compared these kids to ones who were visited at least four times a year at home by social workers.

Like all studies, the conclusions are drawn that fit the expectations. I suppose there are some who would conclude that social workers should stop checkin’ on the kids.

‘Course some common sense would tell ya that kids with any kind of quality care make for more stable adults. Just a guess, but stable adults prob’ly raise more stable kids.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Here's A Tip
By JoAnn Derson

• "I have a 42-inch plasma television with only one wall I can display it on. This wall receives two hours of direct sunlight each morning, and it shines directly onto the screen. I covered it with towels, but that seemed like too much work, so I purchased a mattress cover for a baby’s crib. It fits perfectly -- the dimensions of the cover are 42 inches by 27 1/2 inches. Being fitted with elastic corners, it fits snugly in place. -- D.J., via e-mail

• "I sew a lot and do alterations for many people. I have found that if I use invisible thread for the top thread and change bobbins for different colors, I save a lot of time by not threading the needle every time I do a different-colored garment." -- J.S., via e-mail

• Want to make that manicure last longer? Paint under the tip of your nail. Experts say it can extend the life of your polish for up to three days, by preventing chipping. To keep nails shiny between polishes, coat with a clear, UV-protecting coat every other day.

• "If you are just starting to gray, here’s a great tip that came from my hairdresser that has worked for me. Instead of plucking those random grays (we all do), give it a quick shot with an appropriate color of mascara. Madam Hairdresser says that when you pluck, you create shorter strands that mix in with the longer hair, and that can give your head a messy look. Mascara works for me." -- U.T. in Texas

• "Facial cleansers are less likely to irritate your skin if you apply them to damp skin. They will lather better, too." -- E.L. in Minnesota