WASHINGTON---House Majority Whip Roy Blunt issued the following statement following President Bush's State of the Union Address:

"Tonight President Bush guided the nation through the next steps in restoring our safety and our economy. While the state of our union is very strong, our economy will prosper even more when the world is again safe for democracy and people who believe in freedom. We must remember that the freedoms and safety we enjoy everyday come at a price.

"The longer Saddam Hussein remains in power, the more those freedoms we enjoy everyday are at risk. He's been given every opportunity to leave Iraq freely and peacefully. The free world has been playing cat and mouse with him for too long, and the President tonight laid out the reasons why Saddam Hussein represents a clear and present danger. Saddam Hussein has used weapons of mass destruction on his own people and his neighbors, and he must be disarmed without further delay.

"Part of restoring America's security also includes a strong plan for job creation and long term economic security. Over 92 million Americans, including 23 million small business owners and 10 million seniors, will benefit from the President's economic package. The House Leadership will work to further strengthen this plan by incorporating capital gains tax relief to benefit even more Americans.

"After September 11th, the President put forth a plan to bring our country back from the losses it suffered. We've taken the first steps as a nation, and tonight he outlined a clear path for continuing our recovery."

Women’s Service League Makes a Donation to artCamp.

by Lee Sours, artCentral

The Women’s Service League of Carthage recently contributed $200 towards scholarships to artCentral’s artCamp for kids ages eight to fourteen. Classes offered in the past included clay, Chinese/Japanese art and culture, kite making, creating a book, mosaic tiles, tie dying, masks, candlemaking, and painting to name a few. ArtCamp generally runs for two weeks during the summer vacation from school. It makes a great social and learning event for homeschoolers as well as traditional school attenders.

The Women’s Service League is a philanthropic organization raising money in our community to be used for our community. The scholarship provided by this organization will allow students to attend artCamp who might not otherwise be able to participate.

Attendance to the latest exhibit of photography by Bill Perry III has been good in spite of the weather. Lately we have had people from Kansas City, Joplin, Granby, Webb City, and Carl Junction.

People have taken interest in the Richard Logsdon exhibit at Shellie’s on West Third also. The early Americana style of his paintings is quite popular and the rural New England scenes are sought after.

Don’t forget we have two spots left to fill for the painting with pastels class being offered at artCentral on Thursday mornings. So if you are interested give us a call. The classes are about 33 dollars per session and meet for six weeks.

HOURS: T – F 11 - 5

Sunday 12 -5 Closed Mon. and Sat.

1110 E 13th • 358-4404

ozarkartistscolony.com

I’ve never quite understood why some dogs like ta chase cars. Apparently they like puttin’ on the show and actin’ the part. After all, what would they do with an automobile after they caught it?

I’ve seen various suggestions as to how to break a dog from the chase. The most effective is ta drive by the house (assumin’ it’s your dog) with a bucket a water and dump it on the dog in the middle of the chase.

‘Course nowadays this advice must come with the caution that hangin’ out the window with a bucket of water could be hazardous to your health.

You should also take care not to attempt the feat durin’ a cold day like we had a week or so ago. Might clobber the dog with a huge ice cube.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herbs

Natural Nutrition

By Mari An Willis

Had a lady in from California who was explaining to me that the kind of freezing fog we had on Thursday is the kind that is responsible for many of the major accidents reported from CA. Apparently one cannot see through it as easily and even the headlights more readily distort other objects. It just felt colder than usual to me, but very greatful for the information.

Some of the common herbs and supplements used for stomach discomfort:

Calcium carbonate: although it is not the best source of calcium for assimilation and utilization by the body, calcium carbonate is effective in neutralizing excess stomach acid. This does not address the root cause, but can calm the stomach.

Slippery Elm Bark is a mild and nourishing food that soothes and coats the mucus membranes of the stomach and intestinal tract. Not only does it help to absorb excess stomach acid and help it mix better with food, it eases irritation along the entire digestive tract.

Ginger root has been used in many a formula or as a single herb for any digestive disorders. Ginger simulates the digestive process by increasing the production of enzymes and digestive fluids. It is often used to ease nausea and travel sickness.

Papaya fruit is also an excellent digestive aid. Nice thing about papaya is the taste. Pineapple falls into the same category of digestive aids, as well as tasting good it has anti-inflammatory properties as well.