Line of Duty.

The Carthage Fire Department lost one of their men Tuesday afternoon when they responded to a fire at Bronc Busters Restaurant and Lounge on Highway 59 Diamond, Missouri. Carthage Firefighter Steve Fierro was one of the four men who entered the building with firehose and it is reported that he lost his life in that fire. The other three men made it out of the building.

Carthage Fire Chief John Cooper reported that Steve Feirro had been with the Carthage Fire Department for about 10 years and Neosho for 2 years prior. He also worked part-time as an emergency medical technician for Neosho and Carthage EMT services.

Chief Cooper said that Fierro had just turned 40 years old and that he was married with two children.

Fantasy Island.

The Jasper County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting in the Carthage Courthouse. The Commissioners listened as concerned residents of the Morrow Mill area spoke of their concerns about Fantasy Island, sited to be an adult cabaret, owner Brad Baird obtained a business license a few weeks ago but the establishment has not yet opened its doors for operation.

A resident of the Morrow Mill area Paul Heidlage reported that Monday the building, formerly known as Rafters located at 8764 County Lane 118, was painted pink and silhouettes of nude women were also painted on the building. Heidlage explained that he was concerned with his property value decreasing because of the establishment’s adult theme. He also stated that he was concerned for the safety of his children and other children in the area.

Area resident Jim Johnson brought the Commissioners a petition with 74 signatures from residents of the area in hopes to keep the establishment from opening its doors. Johnson is also concerned with his property value decreasing.

Presiding Commissioner Chuck Surface stated that in order to keep it from opening the residents would need to seek establishing county zoning for regulations.

Currently there is not a county zoning organization in Jasper County. Surface reported that residents in the past have had similar concerns and were unable to obtain zoning regulations.

"But frankly folks, I’ve seen it turned down time and time again," said Surface. "We will do the best of our ability to address this matter."

Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney Dean Dankelson stated that the residents could consult with an attorney about pursuing the matter.

Jasper County Sheriff Archie Dunn recommended the residents get together and share the legal expense.

The proposed Ordinance 04-01 revising the 1999 Ordinance for adult cabarets was passed during the meeting allowing more restrictive policies of adult cabarets and give the sheriff’s department more policing power.

The changes made to the 1999 Ordinance are as follows; the background checks on all employees must now be delivered to the Jasper County Sheriff within 10 days of each person’s employment; the mandatory three security personnel on duty at all times of operation must now present their credentials to the Sheriff who must verify post certification prior to the employment of any security personnel and the monthly employee random drug testing policy by the employer of the cabaret must now use a testing agency licensed with the State of Missouri and must certify to the Sheriff monthly that said employees have been tested and the results of those tests.

"I will give the owner a copy of the ordinance," said Archie Dunn. "He may be waiting out front for a copy."

In other business, Eastern District Commissioner Jim Honey reported that he spoke with the Courthouse Preservation Committee. He stated that the new lights for the first floor of the Carthage Courthouse will be installed by March.

Jasper County Engineer Clayton Cristy recommended that the Commissioners accept Bill Wilson’s Breckenwood Eighth addition platt into Jasper County. The Commissioners accepted that request.

Lewis & Clark Art Contest
for Ages 8-14.

by Lee Sours, artCentral

ArtCentral is sponsoring an art contest for kids ages 8-14. The purpose is to celebrate the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition also known as the Corps of Discovery.

Our contest will be called the Art of Discovery. We are encouraging the submission of original artwork which represents the opening of the West and Missouri’s place in this historic event.

The expedition was to discover the wildlife, plant life, Native Americans, make maps, write journals and find a good route to the Pacific. So keep these things in mind as you plan your project.

We would like to receive posters done in any medium and mounted on heavy paper such as construction paper and not to exceed 12"x18". The work must be delivered to artCentral on or by April 7th. See gallery hours below.

The work will be displayed at our gallery from April 16-May 21. The winners will be announced at 7 p.m. at the opening reception held April 16th. You do not need to be present to win.

Winners will receive a tuition paid day at artCamp which is held at the last week of July. Classes may include such choices as making masks, painting, copper foil relief, tie dying and more.

Contact artCentral for entry forms.

HOURS: T-F 11-5 Sunday 12-5

Closed Mon. and Sat.

1110 E. 13th • 358-4404

ozarkartistscolony.com

I take it personal.

When someone routinely puts themselves in harms way to protect me, my family, my neighbors and my community, it becomes a personal thing.

The irony of it is that it is so routine. We take for granted that if we need police, or there is a fire, or a power line is down, these folks will appear and take care of the problem. It’s their job. In most cases they become so good at their job, the rest of us aren’t aware of the hazards they face on a regular basis.

When Steve Fierro accepted the responsibility of protecting Carthage from the ravages of fire it was likely little noticed. After he died this week carrying out that responsibility, the community mourns the passing of a good man just doin’ his job.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herb

Natural Nutrition.

By Mari An Willis

In a recent article in Vitamin Research News there was a most interesting article on magnesium. The following is from Vol. 18 Number 1 of VRN.

"Harvard researchers have discovered a link between magnesium intake and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. their findings are published in two studies in the January 2004 Diabetes Care.

In one study, researchers followed 85,060 women and 42,872 men who had no history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer at the study’s start. Magnesium intake was evaluated and after 18 years of follow-up in women and 12 years in men, the study authors documented 4,085 and 1,333 cases of type 2 diabetes. the reseachers discovered that the higher the intake of magnesium, the lower the type 2 diabetes risk.

During the six-year followup, the study authors documented 918 confirmed cases of type 2 diabetes.

The more magnesium the subjects consumed, the less their risk of developing this disease. "Magnesium’s protective effect was particularly strong for women with a high body mass index. In addition, women who consumed the most magnesium had lower insulin levels compared to women who consumed less magnesium."

* This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. References available by request. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.