Today's Feature

Courthouse Clock to be Painted.

Original Colors Considered.

Jasper County Presiding Commissioner John Bartosh told the Mornin’ Mail that he would ask the commission to consider restoring the clock on the Carthage Courthouse to its original color when it is repainted in the near future. The clock face was originally black with gold numbers and hands.

The clock was installed during the original construction of the Courthouse from 1893 to 1894. The cost of the clock is said to have been about $1,200 at the time.

Research by the Mornin’ Mail indicates that the clock color was changed to white in 1937. The clock was repainted at that time according to county records, although no mention was made of the color.

A study of old Courthouse photos indicate that the clock was still black up into the late twenties. Interviews with individuals who were in high school in the forties confirm that the clock was white at that time.

The Mornin’ Mail suggested the change of color for the Courthouse centennial, but the cost was seen to be prohibitive by that commission.

Letter to the Editor.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Mornin’ Mail.

I graduated in 1959 from now the old Carthage High School, so this will be our 50th year class reunion.

There were many kids before me and many after me that made a lot of fond memories as I did.

This old school taught me, let me make my memories and make new friends that are still friends today, so I will always have these things to remember thanks to my old friend that stands on Main Street.

Now the kids can start making their memories in the new Carthage Senior High School and I hope theirs will be as fond as mine.

So to my old friend I’ll just end with the song that Bob Hope always ended his shows with, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.

George Dyer, Class of 1959.

Mornin'

A typical phone call at the office:

"Hello"

"Hello, it’s Maria from the psychic support group for the organization of united brotherhood of unicorn revivalists."

"That’s amazing," I respond, "I was just thinking of your work."

"We have been receiving mental inquiries from your office and are calling to open the channels of telepathy for your convenience and contribution to our cause."

"That’s unreal," I continue, "I’m sitting here with $10,000 burning a hole in my pocket and was wondering’ where I could spend it. I’m elated that you took the time out of your busy day just to contact me."

"This is a recorded message," I hear. "For more information press pound."

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Here’s A Tip

By JoAnn Derson

• Go Green Tip: Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors that leak air. As Dad used to say, "We aren’t paying to air-condition the outdoors!"

• "When I know I will need to make an appointment for a doctor’s or other visit in the future and can’t make it right away, I write the details on a small sticky note and put it in my checkbook register. I note the earliest date I can make the appointment and when it should take place. As I 'm balancing my checking account, I look at the notes and remember events coming up that I need to make appointments for. I feel like I am ahead of the curve." -- D.C. in West Virginia

• Need a place to keep plastic grocery bags for reuse? An empty tissue box is a great container for a small number, or the box from a 12-pack of sodas will keep a larger amount nicely.

• "With my photo album and supplies I keep a small pack of plain stickers. I note all the people in the picture, the date and other pertinent details, and stick the sticker on the back. It keeps ink from bleeding through." -- B.M. in Nevada

• "I just wanted to give three cheers for microchipping pets. I lost my beloved spaniel Daisy last week, and she was found and returned to me because the very smart person who found her took her to a local vet, who was able to get the microchip information. The company notified me where my baby was, and all is well." -- N.R. in Florida

• If you have a lot of medical visits throughout the year and have trouble keeping receipts for tax purposes, try investing in a small daily planner just for your medical information. You can note appointment dates and mileage to and from the doctor’s office and attach receipts to the pages (parking, deductible payments, etc.). At the end of the year, it’s all ready to hand over to a tax professional.