Budget Cuts.

The budget committee held their third special budget meeting Wednesday evening. At Monday’s meeting the department heads presented their budget request, at Tuesday’s meeting outside agencies presented their budget request. At Wednesday’s meeting the budget committee, along with the Mayor Kenneth Johnson and other council members, review the budget and started making cuts.

"This is a tight budget," said City Administrator Tom Short, "everyone is going to have to bare some of the burden."

The committee discussed ways to make budget cuts that wouldn’t hurt the city. A concern for the committee was the Main Street Carthage budget. Main Street requested $40,000 which was double what they received last year.

"I don’t see how in the world they can justify they request," said Council Member Mike Harris.

The importance of Main Street Carthage was discussed. According to Short the state cut Main Street completely out of the budget for Missouri.

"If we cut Main Street who will be taking care of the small businesses," said Jackie Boyer.

"Shouldn’t the Chamber be," questioned Harris.

Last year Main Street received a grant to be used for The Chamber, The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Main Street to move in together and work together. The plan fell through for questionable reasons.

"Ideally if the agencies would swallow their pride and work together we would have a kick butt system," said Council Member Diane Sharits.

"I feel like we are double dipping and accomplishing nothing" said Harris.

"We are not going to accomplish what we want by punishing Main Street," said Boyer.

"Another year and we can do it to Chamber," said Johnson.

"The bottom line is," said Sharits, "how do you make three organizations play nice."

The council agreed to cut Main Street’s budget and only give them $10,000. The also talked about pushing to get the CVB, the Chamber and Main Street to work together.

Carthage City-Wide Garage Sale.

The Carthage Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the Carthage City-wide Garage Sale on Saturday, May 3 beginning at 7a.m..

The city-wide event is held annually and is expected to involve over 100 local residents selling a variety of items ranging from antiques and collectibles to furniture and clothing.

"The Chamber sponsors the event as a service to the local residents," said Debra Smith, Director of Member Services for the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. "We work with various media outlets to promote the sale to the surrounding area. We also work with the city so that residents can participate, reap the rewards of having the Chamber help promote the sale, and not be charged for the service."

The sale brings in hundreds of bargain-hunters to Carthage for the one day event. Those interested in bargain-hunting at this year’s sale can find a complete listing of participants in the Friday edition of the Carthage Press.

For more information call the Carthage Chamber at 417-358-2373. For a complete listing of upcoming Chamber events, log onto the Chamber’s web site at www.carthagechamber.com and click on the Calendar of Events link.

New Exhibit at Shellie’s.

By Lee Sours, artCentral

A new exhibit is now on display at Shellie’s restaurant near the post office. The works of Dan McWilliams and Verneil Roper are currently exhibited there. Shellie’s is a satellite gallery of artCentral. Dan McWilliams of Jasper, MO studied art at Missouri Southern State College. He and his wife own and operate "gem dandy’s pizza" in Jasper. He paints in the day and makes pizzas in the evening. Verneil Roper of Sarcoxie, MO owns "BYTHEWAY" gallery and frameshop. Her favorite medium is watercolor although she does numerous mixed media paintings. She has some great southwest scenes and florals at Shellie’s.

In May, we will be starting pottery classes at artCentral. Instructor Kim Kissel will be offering an introduction to pottery with basic tools and instruction for wheel thrown and construction pottery. This class will meet once a week for six weeks and the fee will be $120. Classes will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Beginning Handbuilding Ceramics class offered by instructor Jerry Long will meet from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This class will focus on slab and coil construction, carving and using molds. The class fee is $80 for 4 sessions.

Call artCentral at 358-4404 to make reservations or obtain more information. Class sizes are limited.

Don’t forget we will be having a drawing on Mother’s Day for an original sculpture entitled "The Helper" by Jerry Long. Donation tickets are located around the square. The sculpture is on display at artCentral.

HOURS: T – F 11 - 5

Sunday 12 -5 Closed Mon. and Sat. 1110 E 13th. 358-4404 ozarkartistscolony.com

If ya haven’t made it to one of the Civil War Reenactments, this weekend is your chance. I like the battle part o.k., but the most interestin’ to me is walkin’ through the campgrounds.

Not only are the participants dressed in typical Civil War era attire, all the equipment they have is supposed ta be similar to that used by many of the times.

Carthage is home to a full fledged reenactment only one ever’ three or four years, so if ya have an interest, don’t wait till the next time.

If ya really wanna get a feel for the conditions these folks endure, throw on a wool jacket and put ten pounds or so of extra "stuff" in the pockets. Then run up and down the block three or four times. Who knows, ya might wanna join up.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herbs

Click & Clack
TALK CARS

by Mari An Willis

It is a good time to remember a few hints to get rid of the pesky mosquitoes and other flying insects naturally. Taking a garlic supplement can help reduce the risk of being bitten or stung by mosquitoes or wasps. If you are bitten by mosquitoes, B-complex vitamins and vitamin C with bioflavonoids may help enhance detoxifying the poisons and prevent allergic reactions.

It has also been noted that mosquitoes are none too fond of the smell of peppermint. Dr. Bronner has an excellent peppermint soap which can be used as a repellent and is easily washed off after exposure. It is handy for camping trips as it is biodegradable and washes off easily leaving no residue. I have used it on my children over the years and found it to be easy on their skin.

Citronella, although it does not smell as nice as peppermint, is also effective in repelling mosquitoes. It is often found in candle form. I’ve seen them at quite a few of the stores in town. They are also easy to make should you be inclined.

We have made our own bug repellent by putting a few drops of liquid peppermint soap, citronella and pennyroyal oils and some eucalyptus oil into a recycled pump hair spray bottle. Shake well before application being sure to avoid the eyes. It is always wise to test a spot on your skin before applying all over.