Library Vote Today.

Registered voters will be asked today whether the municipality of Carthage be authorized to impose a sales tax of three-sixteenths of one percent for a period of time not to exceed twenty years. The purposed sales tax increase would generate money for the renovation, expansion and operation of the Carthage Public Library.

The proposed tax would not take effect until the Library Board secured $2 million through private funding sources. In the event the Board does not secure the $2 million commitment from private funding sources by November 5th, 2004 the City’s responsibility would automatically cease.

The revenues from the proposed tax would provide approximately $2.5 million of the $4.5 million needed to complete the renovation and expansion of the Carthage Public Library. The proposed tax would generate approximately $285,000 a year and would expire in twenty years. Any of the $5.7 million generated over the twenty years not used on the financing or operations costs would go to local parks and storm-water projects.

The approximate cost of $5,200 for the election will be paid by the Library Board.

Letters to the Editor.
Opinions expressed reflect those of the writer and
not necessarily those of the Mornin' Mail.

Dear Editor,

I think everyone in Carthage agrees that our library is a beautiful historic building. What most may not know is that our Carnegie library is an endangered species-a Carnegie library being used as a library. There were originally 32 Carnegie libraries in Missouri, at present only 13 are known to be in operation. In order for the Carthage libraray to remain in that 13, the library must remain up to date. While our library staff has done a wonderful job utilizing every square inch, the building is bursting at the seams.

At the library forum on Tuesday, there werw questions concerning the need for additional computer terminals. This need is evident every day after scholl and on Saturdays when every computer terminal is in use. The proposed expansion would provide access to technology, and traditional library services, both of which are relevant to the citizens of Carthage.

Don’t let our library become extinct because we don’t have enough room to serve the community. Vote yes on Tuesday and continue a fine tradition of providing everyone with, in the words of Andrew Carnegie, a "personal library."

Mariann Morgan

Carthage Public Library

Board Member

Dear Editor,

I would like to take the time to encourage Carthage voters to support the proposed library expansion.

It has been approximately 100 years since the existing structure was built with minimal electrical upgrades and no new additions. The place is virtually bursting at the seams with window ledges serving as bookshelves and some reference materails stored in boxes for lack of space. Many of our senior citizens who cannot afford a personal computer utilize the library to keep in contact with children and grandchildren. Also, travelers visit the library to check on email messages on a regualr basis. The Carthage Library is an excellent source of genealogy references as well, utilized again by travelers as well as locals. Very few of the Carnegie Libraries are in existance today or are as well maintained as the Carthage Library.

The staff and board of directors have spent many hours working with the architectural firm putting together a thorough package to address all the issues concerning this expansion project.

What an excellent resource this facility would be for our city!! Come on everyone, support the Carthage community...VOTE YES on Tuesday.

Sincerely,

Diane Sharits

I suppose the first question is do ya want to see the Carthage Library improved.

If in fact you do want to support the idea of expandin’ the library facility, the sales tax seems to be the most equitable plan.

Aside from various donations the Library receives, the operation is currently supported by a property tax on those residin’ within the City. Those outside the City do pay a fee for a library card, but other than that, those who utilize the facility don’t contribute to the upkeep.

The sales tax, although it would be paid by those who live in the City, would spread some of the burden to those just outside city limits as well as those who are just visitin’ the area.

Back to the original thought, do ya want to see the Library improved?

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune- Brooks Hospital

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease. I never heard of it. I am now taking thyroid medicine but would like more information on this illness. Is it common? None of my friends have heard of it. How does a person get it, and how does a person get rid of it? — M.M.

ANSWER: The thyroid gland is a U-shaped gland, with the bridge between the upward limbs of the U located in the lower part of the neck. Even though neither you nor your friends have heard of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, it is a common disorder — the most frequent cause of thyroid gland enlargement (goiter).

An immune attack on the thyroid gland inflames it. The immune system makes antibodies that it lobs at the gland like rocket-propelled grenades. Thyroid hormone production slows. In an attempt to restore hormone production, the gland enlarges, but the enlargement does not revive hormone production.

Without thyroid hormone, all body processes slow to a creep. The skin coarsens and dries. Hair becomes dry and brittle. The affected person is intolerant of cold. What other people consider a normal temperature feels like Antarctica to the person without thyroid hormone. Menstrual periods lose their regularity, and the normal amount of flow stops. The heart beats less frequently. Constipation is the rule. The person loses all energy.