The Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area received $287,000 for the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). ECIP is a utility assistance program for low income families based on income eligibility. The program goes will go through May.

Requirements for program eligibility include meeting 125% of federal poverty guidelines and having a shut-off notice on primary heat source. Elderly 65 and over do not have to have to have a shut-off notice.

Priority for ECIP will be given to income eligible residents who have no service or have been shut-off.

Applicants should bring proof of income for the last month, a shut-off notice and social security cards for each household member. For information call 358-3521.


Free Tire Disposal.

The Jasper County Commission and Jasper County Highway Department will sponsor a free tire collection for all residence of Jasper County. The collection will take place Saturday November 22nd from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Jasper County Highway Department, 125 North River, Carthage. For information call Cary Lee at 358-0451.

Time to batten down the hatches.

This is onea those terms I had heard growin’ up and understood it to mean gettin’ ready for a storm or expected chaos. The interpretation was correct, but I was surprised to find the sayin’ had a nautical heritage.

A batten is a thin strip of wood used in sails to keep ‘em stiff in a light breeze. To "batten down" meant to use the strips of wood to lock down anything loose on the deck of a ship in rough weather, includin’ the hatches.

‘Course I was aware of the term "down the hatch." I learned that one from my grandparents I believe. Usually the term was used just before the dose of foul tastin’ medicine.

With winter comin’ on I’m guessin’ there will be plenty of sailer talk bein’ tossed around.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Winter Storm Kit

Q: I just moved to ski country, and this will be my first winter outside the Deep South (Mississippi, to be exact). What items should I keep at home in case of cold-weather emergencies? — Tara J., Denver

A: If the power goes out or heavy snow keeps you indoors, preparation is essential to keep you and your family safe and warm. Put together a winter storm kit before the snow sets in, and you’ll always have it available for emergencies. Put these supplies together:

• Extra blankets (one for each family member)

• Water for three days

• Ready-to-eat food for three days

• First-aid kit

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Emergency radio with extra batteries (or, a two-way radio with weather band, available at home-improvement stores for about $35)

• Snow shovel

• Ice melt, sand or cat litter

This is a basic kit that you can assemble and store (except for the shovel) in a water-resistant plastic storage box in the garage. With only a few modifications, you can create a miniature version of this kit and place it in the trunk of your car, along with snow chains, tire-repair supplies and an ice scraper. (Thanks to Lowe’s Home Improvement for storm-kit tips.)

Keep in mind a few things when shoveling snow this winter, too. Start shoveling as soon as the snow stops falling, so it doesn’t get packed in. Always do a few warm-up exercises indoors before starting to shovel; the work is harder than you think. Don’t "shovel" in the way you would dig dirt in the garden. Instead, place the shovel against the snowdrift, push it forward to scoop the snow onto it (don’t fill more than half the shovel), then lift the shovel just a couple of inches to deposit the snow along the edge of the driveway. Bend your knees when lifting, and take frequent breaks. (Tough to do when you’re trying to get to work, but important nonetheless.)

What if you’re trapped in the house during a multi-day storm? Hunker down with your storm kit nearby. If the power goes out, turn on the battery-operated radio for short periods only (10 minutes or less) to get news updates. Limit your activities and bundle up to stay warm and conserve your strength.