Today's Feature

Senator Gary Nodler Encourages Municipalities and Non-Profits to Closely Monitor Federal Stimulus Opportunities.

JEFFERSON CITY — With federal agencies already beginning to report use of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Sen. Gary Nodler (R-Joplin) is urging cities, counties, and non-profit organizations to closely watch for federal funding opportunities. Many of the grants available require immediate action and are becoming available on very short notice.

"This federal legislation is hundreds of pages long and addresses funding for programs that address a broad range of areas from broadband communications to nutrition. I am confident there are grants that would benefit many Southwest Missouri communities and organizations," said Sen. Nodler. "There have already been instances when grant application periods have only been open for a matter of days, so community leaders and officials need to keep a close eye on the possible opportunities."

Missouri is estimated to receive approximately $4 billion in federal funding through the stimulus plan, but this does not include grants that could be awarded to programs and projects throughout the state.

Agencies distributing federal recovery grants include at least 25 national departments and organizations. Eligible projects are clearly and specifically defined and, in many instances, are required to begin work in a matter of months. The federal government is asking that recipients of federal funding begin reporting their use of funds by July 15th.

"With short deadlines and billions of dollars involved, I want to make sure that no one misses a valid funding option that could lead to economic development and job growth for our area," said Sen. Nodler.

More information on possible federal

Mornin'

Then there’s the one about the cat that was walkin’ along the muddy country road headin’ for the general store. He came upon a mouse in a rut in the road. The mouse called to the cat and asked if the feline could assist in getting him out of the rut.

The cat, amused at the rodents situation said no, he didn’t feel that he could be of assistance and went on his way.

Later in the day the cat was awaken from his nap by the mouse chewing on a grain sack.

"Get someone to help?" the cat asked.

"Nope, I got out by myself."

"I thought you said you couldn’t get out," mused the cat.

"A car was comin’," the mouse admitted, "I had too."

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Give Your Dryer a Good Cleaning

Q: I share a laundry room with the upstairs tenants, the washer and dryer get heavy use. The only thing is that the upstairs folks never clean out the lint screen, so after they are done drying several loads I end up removing half-inch-thick (or more) collections of lint. Lately, I've noticed that my clothes don’t seem to dry as well and that they sometimes have lint balls stuck to them. Does the dryer need cleaning? -- Nate in New Hampshire

A: I’d say yes. The parts of the dryer that remove lint need to be inspected and cleaned.

If the landlord supplies the washer and dryer, inform him or her right away that there is a lint and drying problem and that the dryer needs cleaning. Excess lint is a fire hazard. If you’re the owner or you offer to fix the problem in return for a break on the rent, here’s how to clean collected and trapped lint from the dryer and vents.

1) Unplug the dryer and detach the vent hose from the back.

2) Pull the dryer out from the wall.

3) Check the lint trap inside the dryer first: use a flexible brush (like a soft bottle brush) to rmove lint clusters. Vacuum out the space using the extension attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

4) Wipe or scrub away any buildup around or inside the lint trap, using water and a little detergent.

5) Wipe the interior drum clean.

6) Get behind the dryer and inspect the exit chute to which the dryer vent was attached. Vacuum out the chute.

7) Inspect the dryer vent and clean the same way. Also inspect and clean the outside exhaust vent.

This is about the most you can do to reduce lint buildup in the dryer. Lint also might be building up behind the drum, have an appliance repair person come and do that. Still, just this little maintenance effort, done twice a year, will significantly improve the efficiency of your dryer and reduce the risk of a lint fire.