Jasper County Candidate Forum July 29th.

Carthage, Missouri – The Carthage Chamber of Commerce has organized a Jasper County Candidate Forum for Thursday evening, July 29th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. County candidates will be on hand for introductions and an informal meet-and-greet setting, enabling attendees to visit and ask questions of individual candidates.

The event will be hosted by Sassy Spoon Bistro at 413 Grant Street in Carthage. Conveniently located on the southeast corner of the historic downtown courthouse square, Sassy Spoon provides a relaxed social atmosphere and will provide hors d’oeuvres. Beverages will be available for purchase.

Jasper County candidates invited include, by office sought:

Circuit Judge: David C. Dally

Associate Judge Div 4: Joseph "Joe" Schoeberl

Associate Judge Div 5: Richard Copeland

Associate Judge Div 6: Stephen P Carlton

Presiding Commissioner: David L. Troyer, Jeff Hammons, John Bartosh, James "J" Pendergraft

Circuit Clerk: Linda Williams, Melissa Holcomb

County Clerk: Bonnie Earl

Prosecuting Attorney: Dean G. Dankelson

Recorder: Donna Grove

Auditor: Richard M. Webster, Jr.

Collector of Revenue: Stephen H. Holt

"We hope that the voters of Jasper County will take advantage of this opportunity to visit with the candidates prior to the August 3rd primary. This will enable each of us to ask questions and make a fully informed decision," said Sabrina Drackert, Chamber President. "We really appreciate Sassy Spoon hosting this informative event for the citizens of Jasper County."

With only one contested county race, it looks like the focus will be on the Presiding Commissioner for the primary. With four in contention, it may be a horse race.

The wild card this year will be the latest entry, T.J. Teed, who accordin’ to the election office has registered for the November election as an Independent. He doesn’t have to run in the primary, so the typical end of the county politicin’ in August will continue into the fall. ‘Course that means the primary winner will have to mount a second campaign if Teed becomes a serious contender.

The cut off date for independents to register is August 17 so the possibility of other entries is till out there.

If you don’t know your candidates yet, you’d better get on the stick.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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Weekly Columns

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Help Your Deck Live a Long, Happy Life

Q: We recently bought a home that had to have the deck in the back completely replaced -- the wood was not just weather-beaten, but rotted and unsafe. How can I keep the new deck looking good for a long time to come? I want to the keep the home’s resale value up, besides enjoying the outdoors. -- Lacy in Canton, Ga.

A: You’re right: A well-maintained outside deck can have a positive impact on your home’s value, while a poorly maintained one can really ding a later sale.

Using quality materials is the key to a deck that lasts more than just a few years. When one rots away within a short time frame, the culprit is often substandard building materials rather than just a lack of owner maintenance. Most decks today are constructed using pressure-treated pine, which when installed properly, can last 40 years or more.

But regular maintenance can extend the appearance and health of any deck for many years. Here are a few tips to give your new deck its best chance:

• Sweep away leaves and dirt daily.

• Don’t place potted plants directly on the deck; put them on raised surfaces to allow drain water to quickly run off.

• Shovel snow from the deck lengthwise down the boards -- not crosswise -- to prevent scratches.

• Tackle mildew as soon as you see it, using a cleaning solution that’s safe for wood decks.

• Treat and seal your deck annually to reduce discoloration and prevent splintering and wear. (Note: A new deck should be sealed a few weeks after installation, when the wood has stabilized.)