Unique Request.

The City Council Public Safety Committee was presented with a unique request during its regular meeting Monday evening in the Police Station.

Michael Banes, representing the Carthage Ministerial Alliance, told the Committee that the organization would like to donate a covered trailer to transport equipment used by the Fire Department to deal with hazardous material. The estimated cost of the trailer is $3,500.

According to Banes, the Alliance has been looking for a way to contribute to the community and had talked to Fire Chief John Cooper and Police Chief Dennis Veach concerning various equipment that might be useful. Chief Cooper told the Committee that currently the hazardous material equipment is carried on three different trucks. The trailer is something that is not a necessity, but would be a convenient way to move the equipment when it was needed. It would also free up space on the fire trucks for other needs.

Banes hopes to have the trailer purchased by the end of April.

Committee Chair J.D. Whitledge asked Banes to thank the Alliance.

As the April 2 City and School Board election is gettin’ near, the Mornin’ Mail is offerin’ a free column (about 350 words) to any candidate in a contested race to say what’s on their mind.

From my count, that would include the five School Board candidates, the two Mayoral contestants, and the two Fourth Ward candidates.

The Mail will publish the School Board candidate comments on one day and the City candidates on another.

The candidates are also bein’ afforded a few minutes to speak at the Chamber Egg’s and Issues candidate’s forum on Wednesday the 27th. Another opportunity to formulate your opinion to make an informed decision.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing Services

PRIME TIME WITH KIDS

by Donna Erickson

Kids love to hear the story of Noah’s Ark and how he gathered the birds and animals two-by-two. Lots of things we use everyday, such as clothing and accessories, come in pairs and kids become aware of the combinations at a very young age. Even 2- and 3-year-olds like to help sort socks.

As children grow, they become more skillful at distinguishing things that are alike or different. No wonder matching games like Old Maid, Concentration, and Dominoes are favorites from generation to generation.

Here are a pair of activities for adults and kids who enjoy matching things up! First, find a partner because in both activities you will play in pairs.

• Drawing in pairs. Each member of the pair will need some paper and a marker, or pencil. Sitting back to back, one person draws a simple object such as a car, house or baseball glove, and gives his/her partner directions on how to draw the same thing. The goal of the activity is to give enough explanation (without saying what the object is) so that when you’re done, you’ll have a pair of drawings that are - if not identical - at least very similar. When one person is done, switch roles, with the other partner drawing a new picture and giving directions. Compare results.

• Scavenger hunt. Start by gathering items that come in pairs such as mittens, socks, gloves, shoes, earrings and cuff links. All players should sit on the floor in a circle. Place all items in the middle of the circle.

An adult or older child should hide one member of each pair of objects in rooms in the house. Work in pairs to hunt for the objects. As one is found, bring it to the circle and match it with its mate. See how many pairs each team can make. For an extra activity, ask your kids to think of things that are referred to as a "pair" even though they are really one item. For example a pair of pants, scissors, glasses, shorts, and tights.