Fourth Ward Seat Open.

With only two days to file for City Council seats, the Fourth Ward is still without a candidate for representation.

Incumbents have filed in each of the remaining four wards, but all are thus far unopposed.

First Ward Larry Ross, Second Ward Bill Fortune, Third Ward Jackie Boyer, and Fifth Ward Don Stearnes will appear on this April’s ballot. Fourth Ward Council member Trish Burgi-Brewer has said that she will not seek a second term. She announced last week that she will run for the position of Eastern District Jasper County Commissioner.

Each of the five wards has two Council representatives that serve two year terms. One of the members from each ward is up for election every year. The Mayor serves a four year term.

Candidates for the City Council must pick up a petition at City Hall and return it with 25 signatures of registered voter in their perspective wards, or pay a $25 filing fee.

Council members meet two nights a month for their regular meeting and typically are assigned posts on two Committees that meet once or twice a month.

Last Day to File For Council.

Candidates for City Council have until 5:00 this afternoon to turn in their petition or to pay the $25 filing fee at City Hall.

Jasper County University Extension Council to Hold Election.

news release

New members of the Jasper County University Outreach and Extension Council will be elected in January from candidates nominated by county citizens.

"We need men and women who will give their time and talent to see that the people of this county are served by higher education programs available to them through University Outreach and Extension, an educational arm of the University of Missouri System and Lincoln University," said David Shaw, chairman of the council. "I think we have an outstanding slate of people who have indicated a willingness to serve their fellow citizens."

The county extension council is the governing body for University activities in Jasper County. Council members work throughout the year with University Outreach and Extension staff to determine the county’s needs for higher education and continuing education programming and then help plan activities to meet these needs.

Anyone 18 or older should vote for the nominees of his or her choice. The nominees are: Nell Marie Brooks, Carthage; Kathleen Dintaman, Carthage; Victor Dintaman, Carthage; Norman Jantz, Oronogo; Doris Johnson, Carthage; Dwight Madsen, Carthage; Beverly Mermoud, Joplin; Dale Mermoud, Joplin; Debra Weng, Jasper; Paul Miller, Joplin; Fern Schoenhals, Carthage; Roy Schoenhals, Carthage; Beth Spruce, Reeds; Kenny Steeves, Jasper; Erik Theis, Joplin; Lisa Tubaugh, Jasper; Ray Tubaugh, Jasper.

University Outreach and Extension educational programs emphasize increasing the profitability of agriculture; expanding resource development for the state, its communities and individuals; strengthening families as social and economic units; and providing lifelong learning for professionals, for individual life enrichment and for occupational changes.

Ballots may be cast from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the University Outreach and Extension Center in the courthouse in Carthage, January 14 to January 26, 2000. Other poling places are: Midwest Ag. Supply, Carthage; Cloud’s Meat Processing and Smoking, Carthage; Whitehead Farm Supply, LaRussell; Cadwell Super Market, Sarcoxie; Quakermill Park, Purcell; Tarwater Ag. and Home Supply, Carthage; Maneval Inc., Jasper; and Southwest Missouri Bank (7th and Duquesne branch) Joplin.

Any eligible voter who would prefer to vote by mail ballot can contact the Jasper County University Outreach and Extension Center, 358-2158 and request a ballot. When completed, the ballots can be returned by mail, or dropped into the box at one of the polling places. Ballots being returned by mail should be post marked by January 26, 2000.

Commentary

Martin "Bubs" Hohulin

State Representative, District 126

As you read this, you may wonder why I am writing about a situation in the Kansas City school district. After all, that is a long way from home.

Actually, it does affect you. You have been pouring millions of dollars into their school district and it is a dismal failure. A plan has been proposed to fix the problems, but as usual, partisan politics has once again reared its ugly head.

You see, the plan has been proposed by House republicans. As such, it has come under much fire and ridicule in the democrat controlled legislature. Even Gov. Mel Carnahan, who has presided over the demise of the K.C. school district, has belittled the plan.

Despite the millions of dollars poured into the district by the taxpayers of Missouri, the students of the district can’t perform at their grade level. Money has been misspent, credit cards abused and inferior teachers retained. We are proposing dividing the bloated district into smaller, more manageable districts, making it easier to get rid of poor teachers, allowing students to transfer from substandard school districts, and oversight of the spending of tax dollars.

In response, Gov. Carnahan said that we had been opposing him and his ideas for the past 7 years. Well duh! Of course we have! Look what his ideas and policies have accomplished. Things have gotten so bad that the State Board of Education has stripped the K.C. school district of its accreditation. You bet that we opposed the policies that took the district that far down.

The bottom line is that we have made a good proposal to fix a major problem that affects the kids in Kansas City, indeed the citizens of the entire state.

It will only heighten the tragedy if we aren’t allowed to pursue a solution simply because we happen to be from a political party that Gov. Carnahan doesn’t belong to or approve of. Gov. Carnahan, either join us in trying to fix this problem or get out of the way.

As usual, I can be reached at House Post Office, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or 1-800-878-7126, or mhohulin@services.state.mo.us for your questions, comments, or advice.

Business Location For Rent

Across Lyon Street from the new Jasper County Annex II

213 Lyon Street, Suite 1

Next to Carthage Printing Services

Just One Block Off the Square in Carthage, Missouri

Plenty of Excellent Parking • ADA Compliant Entry and Rest room

Approximately 1,400 Square Feet

Recent Complete Renovation

New Roof • New Wiring Inside/3 phase 220 to Building

New Drywall & Ceiling Tile

New Central Heat & Air • New Insulation Throughout

Private Front & Rear Entrance

Convenient to Downtown, Courthouse, Post Office and Banks

If you’re looking for a respectable place to do business, call

Heritage Publishing

417-358-3160

Or Stop By

213 Lyon Street, Suite 2 • Carthage, Missouri 64836

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

I never was around bass boats and the such when I was learnin’ ta fish. Folks mostly went cat (fish) fishin’.

A friend a my dads taught me and my brother how ta tie the simple knot to keep a hook on the line. Don’t remember for sure, but he prob’ly showed us how to weave a worm on the hook too.

I can’t ‘member who introduced us to stink bait, but I didn’t use it much ‘cause worms were free for the diggin’.

I’ve helped run some bank lines in the creek and used a lure or two, but the most fun was at the pond pullin’ out perch.

I was lettin’ the kids try their luck, and after a while they were droppin’ the line in without any bait. The perch started hittin’ the bare hook flickerin’ in the sun. Catchin’ always was more fun than cleanin’ anyway.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune Brooks Hospital

Health Notes

MOUTHWASHES are found in just about every American home. Indeed, most people consider them an important part of mouth hygiene that includes brushing and flossing.

However, in a May issue of Dentalnotes, a publication of the Academy of General Dentistry, John C. Brown, D.D.S., a spokesperson for the AGD, noted, "Before you use a mouth rinse, you should know what they will, and won’t, do for you. You should also know how to use them. When using an anticavity or an antiplaque rinse, be sure the teeth are as clean as possible (in order to) reap the full preventative benefits of the liquid fluoride."

The AGD cautions that habitual use of antiseptic mouthwashes that contain high alcohol levels (18 to 16 percent) have been linked to oral and throat cancer, and may also cause intoxication if swallowed or used excessively, or if children use them. Some of the products with more concentrated formulas may also lead to ulcers, sodium retention, root sensitivity, stains, soreness, numbness, changes in taste sensation, and painful sores.

To keep your mouth fresh and healthy, brush with a fluoride toothpaste, floss twice a day, and see your dentist regularly.