"We don’t have any overall direction for the parks system" said Budget Committee Chair Jackie Boyer. "There are a lot of issues that the park board. (Public Service Committee) says that they are taking care of that would not have necessary generated a sales tax or need for a sales tax increase."

For now the purposed library bond issue is on hold according to Boyer. "We are waiting for a formal request from them for some participation in a build tax," stated Boyer. She felt the council would not "deny them the right to put it on the ballot"

"I think it’s very safe to say that the city will not be approaching the community about any kind of sales taxes for our benefit in April or June or August, " said Boyer.

Discussions of previous Budget meetings have indicated funds for the coming year are going to be limited.

City Administrator Tom Short said "I think it’s fairly safe to say that we can’t do any major improvements especially with the economic condition the way it is now."

"And I would imagine," Boyer continued, "we will have to go through the budget process to see what projects are not going to get funded this year and next year and what priorities are for some of those projects."

From what I’m seein’, the forecast is for two ta four inches of snow over the next couple a days. Tonight it may get down into the low teens, so stoke up that fire box.

‘Course I always figure the end a February as the end of winter, so a few more weeks and we’ll be headin’ to spring.

Now that way a thinkin’ doesn’t make March any warmer, but it does make these cold mid winter days a little more tolerable.

Maybe it’s those cold days that make me wanna play tricks on my thinkin’. ‘Course most folks have little illogical means of copin’ with different situations. Lotta people set their watches five or ten minutes ahead for instance. Trickin’ themselves when all the time they are tryin’ to figure out what time it really is. I personally like the challenge of makin’ up an excuse for bein’ late.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

YOUR AMERICA

By Amy Anderson

Going to Extremes This Winter

Extreme changes in temperature mark the winter season. Inevitably, this brings out a desire for travel that rivals the summer rush. And it isn’t just in snowbirds, who travel south and west to escape the bitter bite of winter. There are many who wander north in search of that perfect White Christmas, the brisk sting of an icy wind and, more commonly, just a good old-fashioned look at a snow-covered landscape. Consider these two contrasting destinations in the United States, equally, but certainly diverse.

The Florida Keys

With an average high temperature of 75 degrees in January, the Florida Keys make a spectacular winter getaway for those looking for the laid-back beach life to defrost. And with an average water temperature of 69 degrees, you can get by without a full wetsuit. Apart from walking the sands, there is lots to do: more than 80 art galleries, a dozen museums, literary events happening everywhere (this is, after all, the one-time stomping grounds of Hemingway) and more. There is deep-sea diving, snorkeling in the reefs and many opportunities to fish. The most prevalent part of a Keys vacation is the amazing difference in attitude and the way stress seems to melt away. Whatever else you do, don’t miss the impromptu celebrations at sunset at Mallory Dock on Key West (the southernmost and final key). For more information on travel to the Florida Keys, go to www.fla-keys.com.

The Inside Passage to Alaska

Alaska’s Inside Passage — the collection of channels and straits that make up the protected sea route from Seattle to the larger part of Alaska — is a hauntingly beautiful place any time of the year. Winter temperatures average highs of 31 degrees and lows of 18 degrees. The Passage follows a waterway passing by many small, landlocked communities. You can find treasures aplenty here. Some activities include: bear viewing at Admiralty Island National Monument near Juneau, "flightseeing" over the Juneau Icefield, walking on a real live glacier (Alaska has more than 5,000), viewing birds and eagles at the Alaska Raptor Center and more. Be sure to spend some time at Glacier National Park, and some more time gazing off the sides of the ferry as you travel through a true winter wonderland. For more information on traveling to Alaska, log on to www.travelalaska.com.