At Large Vote.

The City Council is scheduled to hold their regular meeting Tuesday December 9th at 7 p.m. in City Hall. The agenda is to include a vote on a purposed ordinance changing the manner in which Council members are elected. The ordinance would allow electing members at large. Each of the wards would have one elected within that ward and the other five members would be elected by all of the voters in Carthage.

There were mixed feeling with members at last week’s Special Work Session.

Some members are still wrestling with the idea. The chance that the Council could become overweighted in a particular ward seems to be the biggest concern.

Council member Jackie Boyer stated at the work session she was for the change.

"I think this is just evolving government and an attempt to better serve the community," said Boyer.

Boyer commented that Council members represent the community as a whole not just the ward in which they live.

Citizens are encouraged to express their opinions concerning the ordinance. Log onto www.carthage-mo.gov for input.

I suppose it’s time ta see if the chain saw will fire up for the season. Startin’ to use some of the smaller branches cut up last spring from trimmin’ out some volunteer trees. Need to cut up some of the bigger limbs trimmed off the crooked maple.

I’m sure the neighborhood will be glad to hear the ring-ding-ding in the afternoon hours, specially on the weekends.

I see those opposed to leaf burnin’ are makin’ their feelin’s known. There are restrictions on burnin’ leaves in Carthage. Some type of containment apparatus is supposed ta be incorporated to keep embers from floatin’ to the neighbor’s roof. No burnin’ after 7 p.m. and somebody’s supposed ta be watchin’ the smolder.

If ya don’t burn, its illegal to rake your leaves into the street. Plugs the drains.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Gifts for the Do-It-Yourselfer

Q: My dad likes to work around the house. He’s got plenty of tools, especially his table saw (which he loves), but I’d like to get him something really useful that I can afford. Any recommendations? — Tracy J., Huntsville, Ala.

A: I’ve got a few! But, they’re mostly the tools I’m wishing for this year, so I did a little research and found items from other wish lists that your dad might like. All of them are under $50, and are things that can improve any do-it-yourselfer’s toolkit.

Dewalt Heavy-Duty Palm-Grip Sander Kit: $49.95 at Home Depot. This 2-amp sander packs a lot of punch and is perfect to break out for quick sanding jobs.

Irwin Laser Line Generator: $39.97 at Home Depot. Laser levels are a hot item this year, allowing do-it-yourselfers to "get it straight" whether laying tile or hanging pictures. The Generator casts a line on any surface without leaving a mark, and leaves one hand free for other tasks.

Safety set: Want to create a unique gift that says you really care? Purchase safety goggles ($4-$10), protective gloves (solvent-resistant, around $5) and a set of masks, including latex and chemical facemasks or a respirator with a variety of filters for different chemicals. Having these basic safety items on hand could preserve your dad’s health.

Ryobi 7.2-Volt Cordless Drill: $31 at Home Depot. Nothing’s better during a DIY project than to reach for the tool you need and find it right at hand. Having a cordless drill that allows you to grab it and go is really convenient. That the Ryobi also includes a 28-piece drill-bit set is just icing on the cake.

Yellow Jacket 25-foot Worklight: $18.74 at Lowe’s. For the DIYer who works into the night, this powerful light is perfect. The 25-foot cord allows the light to stretch outside the garage, and the hexagonal cage with two hooks allows the user to direct the light where needed and attach it securely.

Quick-Grip Mini Bar Clamp: $18.99 at Ace. A convenient "helping hand" at the workbench, the Quick-Grip can hold objects in place with just a few squeezes of the custom handle, eliminating the time it takes to screw down a traditional clamp. And while you’re at it, why not combine this gift with a set of standard metal clamps?