Health Department Offsite Flu Shots.

The Jasper County Health Department will be providing flu shots to residents of Jasper County (excluding Joplin City) at several off site location. The cost of the flu vaccine is $15.00.

Those that have Medicare Part B or Medicaid must bring their card to the clinic. The clinic cannot bill supplements (i.e. Humana, AARP).

The Department will be scheduling more off site clinics at other locations in the county as vaccine becomes available. Anyone with questions should call the Jasper County Health Department at 358-3111 or toll free (877) 879-9131.

Alba City Hall 10/14 • 9-11 AM

Oronogo City Hall 10/14 • 1-3 PM

Jasper Methodist Church 10/21 • 9-11 AM

Duquesne City Hall 10/18 • 9:30-11:30 AM

Duenweg City Hall 10/18 • 1-3 PM

Jr. High Band Fundraiser

The Carthage Jr. High band is hosting a Chili Supper & Silent Auction with live music at the Fairview Christian Church November 8th at 5:00 pm to raise money for new uniforms.

Once again the Maple Leaf Week has sprung up. Looks like another full schedule for the next few days. Most of the traditional activities seem ta be takin’ place along with some changes.

If the weather cooperates there might be the opportunity to spruce up a little around the home place in preparation of expected guests.

Think I’ll make an effort to attend some of the activities I don’t typically see for lack of time. Seems there is always somethin’ I miss if I don’t do a little plannin’ ahead a time. So much goin’ on it gets a little tough to focus.

‘Course I always seem ta work in that late afternoon nap on Saturday. Settles the nerves a mite.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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Weekly Columns

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Cracked Toilet Tank Is Beyond Repair

Q: After noticing that the floor around the base of my downstairs toilet was constantly damp, I found a very thin crack inside the toilet tank, running out from the opening in the bottom where the water drains (note: the flapper valve). It’s not very big, but there is a very slow seepage from it. How can I patch this up? -- Geraldine S., Longwood, Fla.

A: Unfortunately, patching a cracked toilet tank will only delay the inevitable. The patch won’t hold for long, and the stresses placed on the tank by daily draining and refilling of water, temperature changes, etc. will widen the crack and even cause more cracks to form. You’ll need to replace the tank.

Fortunately, tank replacement is not very difficult, nor too expensive. The tanks themselves range in price from $30 to more than $300.

You’ll need to get the brand name (such as American Standard) as well as the model name and if possible, the model number. This is usually printed right on the tank or the toilet. Then contact your local home-improvement or plumbing-supply store to see if they carry it. If your model is no longer made, you can measure the width and height of the tank, as well as the diameter of the flush valve (the hole at the bottom of the tank) to find a matching size.

A toilet tank flush valve replacement kit should come with the tank.

To install, turn off the water supply valve to the toilet and flush the toilet to drain the tank. Scoop or sponge out remaining water. Using a wrench, disconnect the water supply pipe from the underside of the tank and lift the flush valve assembly up and out. Then remove the large connector bolts that attach the tank to the toilet bowl.

With a helper, lift the tank up. This may be difficult at first as you get it past the old valve seal. Place the tank safely out of the way, then remove the valve seal, trying not to damage it too much. If your tank replacement kit doesn’t have a new seal, take the old one to the home-improvement store to find the correct size replacement.

(By the way, there’s a great instructive video by expertvillage on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66wLbx-W9F8.)