Council Faces But and Sell Decisions.

The Carthage City Council has a short agenda scheduled for Tuesday’s regular meeting, but will likely face some lengthy discussion before votes are recorded.

The agreement with Victorian Carthage for marketing services was postponed from the last meeting after Council members were informed that the organization was temporarily without a director. The contract helps pay some of the director’s salary and some members of the Council wanted to modify the contract to clarify the City’s responsibility if a director was hired at a lessor amount that previously presented.

The Council will also attempt to clarify a proposed contract with Southwest Agency for an exclusive agency agreement for the sale of Myers Park Development property. Discussion will include a new plat for the property recommended by the Planning, Zoning, and Historic Preservation Commission. Also unclear is the asking price for various partials.

The McCune Brooks Hospital Board’s request for authorization to purchase a portion of the old Consumer’s parking lot is also scheduled for vote.

Saw a blue bee floatin’ around as I sat on the back porch the other day. Not bein’ partial to bees gettin’ too near, I watched as the critter landed near a small cobweb in the corner. I figured the bee could escape the thin web, but thought it might be interestin’ to watch the surprised look on its face when the spider’s trap was sprung.

The bee lightly touched the web and began workin’ its way toward the middle. I could see the little feet stickin’ a little and figured it was just a matter of time.

To my surprise the bee grabbed what looked like a gnat out of the web and flew up to the porch rail. After a couple a quick pricks with the stinger, the bug disappeared in to the jaws of the bee. I bet the spider was really ticked off he wasn’t watchin’ his nest better.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Workman's Loan

Q: We have a heavy buildup of hair spray on our painted bathroom walls. How can we remove the buildup without damaging the walls? -J.H.

A: Since hair spray rinses out of your hair when you shampoo, we suggest trying any all-purpose cleaner, such as Fantastic or Formula 409 to remove the buildup on your bathroom walls.

Test it in a small area, to make sure it won’t affect the paint color.

Q: I live in a townhouse with a noisy neighbor. Can I install half-inch-thick rigid insulation on the walls to block out the noise? Is there a better way that’s just as easy? -M.C.

A: Your idea certainly would help, and the walls could be covered with a padded fabric to hide the insulation as well as block out even more of the noise.

An added layer of plasterboard also would help.

Maybe you could get the neighbors to give their side of the common wall a similar treament. They might welcome the added privacy.

Q: We have a concrete slab porch that leaches salt whenever it rains. What’s the best way to treat the slab to keep this to a minimum?-R.S.

A: If the slab is covered, try to make sure the grade is such that the rain water drains away.

Whether it’s covered or not, the leaching- efflorescence- can be retarded by applying a water seal to the surface.