Fire Protection Tax Proposed.

The following is scheduled to be heard in first reading this evening at the regular Council Meeting in City Hall at 7:30 p.m.

"SECTION I: The City of Carthage, pursuant to section 321.242.1 RSMo., shall impose a one fourth (114) of one percent (1 %) fire protection sales tax on all retail sales made in the City of Carthage which are subject to taxation pursuant to the provisions of sections 144.010 to 144.525, RSMo.

SECTION II: An election is hereby called on the 8th day of November 2011 wherein the following proposal shall be submitted to the voters of the City of Carthage in substantially the following form, to-wit:

Shall the City of Carthage impose a sales tax of one fourth (1/4) of one percent (1 %) for the purpose of providing revenues for the operation of the Carthage Fire Department?

SECTION III: This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its approval by the voters of the City of Carthage.

SECTION IV: This sales tax shall end tbd (to be determined) years from the date of its imposition."

Jasper County Jail Count

183 August 8, 2011

Total Including Placed out of County

If someone wanted to become famous for inventing a device that would define technological advance, they would come up with an anti-bass filter.

No this isn’t a fishin’ story. I’m talkin’ ‘bout bass as in the clef. Those low thumpin’ tones that roll out of a vehicle when the windows are up. The device I envision would either block the bass notes from enterin’ my house after 11 p.m. or at least bring with them some portion of the melody so I could recognize it as music.

There surely must be some electroantibass molecules out in the universe somewhere. Sound waves have long been studied and examined as they flow through the atmosphere. There has to be somethin’ that could disrupt and disperse them into harmless drops of sonic waste. Thump—thump, thump. Thump—thump, thump.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Weekly Column

Acupuncture for Pain Relief

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have never seen you address acupuncture. I have had a bad back for three months, have seen two doctors and have followed their instructions. I have taken medicines that ease the pain. My back isn’t as sore as it once was, but it still bothers me. Acupuncture has been suggested. What are your views on it? -- M.L.

ANSWER: I have no misgivings about trying acupuncture for pain relief. The Chinese have used it for centuries. Any treatment that lasts that long must have some value. Fine needles are inserted into the skin at specific points and are left in place for 15 to 30 minutes. From time to time, the acupuncturist stimulates the needles.

The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society endorse acupuncture. A recent review article in the New England Journal of Medicine, a premier medical journal, also endorsed it. Who am I not to follow suit?

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: It’s that time of year again -- the no-see-um season. I can feel a sharp sting when bitten. It goes away and then returns as a large swelling with incessant itching. What can I do to prevent this reaction? Others don’t react this bad. I also use DEET to deter these diabolical pests. Should I wash it off as soon as I get indoors? -- C.R.

ANSWERS: No-see-ums got that name because they’re barely visible, only 1/16th of an inch. Dawn and dusk are their busiest hours. Avoidance is the best protection. The red welt you describe arises about 12 or more hours after the bite and can be as large as an inch in diameter. It does itch.

DEET is the best repellent, but it’s not a 100 percent barrier for all users. Have you tried a higher concentration? Are you following label directions regarding when to reapply it? When you get back home, wash treated skin with soap and water. Also, you can spray your clothes with permethrin. It will give you additional protection. Wear long slacks tucked into your socks and long-sleeved tops.

As for the itch, antihistamines are suggested. I admit they don’t work for everyone.