Fishing Prohibited.

Public Service committee chairman Jim Woestman reported at last week’s meeting, that the Department of Conservation wants to place signs at Kellogg Lake prohibiting fishing three days prior to "Kids Fishing Day." The event is scheduled for June 12th at noon.

Woestman stated that the Department would like to place signs at Kellogg Lake a month prior to the event to give sufficient notice to fishermen. He also said that enforcement of the prohibited fishing would be handled by the Department of Conservation and not our local law enforcement.

The annual "Kids Fishing Day" is scheduled for June 12th. The pond is scheduled to be stocked June 9th and the prohibited fishing will begin then and reopen at noon on the 12th.

According to Woestman, the Department stocks the lake three days prior to the event and are concerned that perhaps too many fish are being taken out before the kids get a chance to fish.

"I think most people will understand," said Woestman.

A farmer I worked for as a teenager explained the importance of unhookin’ the hydraulic line before pullin’ the tractor away from an implement. Pretty common sense stuff I figured. Don’t want to break a hose and possibly damage the equipment.

Once as I disengaged the clutch to pull away from a disc, I looked back to make sure I was clear of the hitch when I notice the hydraulic hose stretchin’ to a length longer than I remembered. By the time I reacted and got stopped, the hose was disengaged from the tractor with fluid pourin’ out.

When the farmer pulled into the field, he grumbled and pulled out a replacement breakaway hose fitting, built to snap off if ya had an idiot drivin’ the tractor. I felt better knowin’ I wasn’t alone in my ignorance, but I never pulled that trick again.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

First Aid for Frozen Pipes

Q: This is the time of year that below-freezing weather can cause problems. What action do I take if a pipe freezes and/or breaks? — Curtis L., Birmingham, Ala.

A: First, to prevent pipes from freezing in cold weather, open the taps that are at the farthest end of the water line (or just open them all), letting them drip or run at a very low rate. This keeps water from standing in the pipes, when it will be most likely to freeze at low temperatures. Also, keep the thermostat in your home set above 45 degrees, even if you will not be in the house.

Check the water taps frequently during freezing weather. If the flow of water stops, a pipe may be frozen. Follow these steps to prevent additional damage:

• Starting at the point where the water line enters the house, begin inspecting the pipe to find the frozen section. Look for a section with excessive frost, or check with your bare hands for a section that is significantly colder than the rest of the pipe.

• Immediately begin defrosting the pipe by wrapping the frozen section in towels soaked in hot water. Keep the towels hot by pouring hot water over them (place additional towels or a bucket underneath the area).

• Check every five minutes to see if the section is defrosted by turning on the tap at the farthest end of the line.

• Inspect the rest of the water line for additional cold spots and treat.

The hot-towel method is the fastest way to defrost pipes in an emergency, but an electric wrap is also available that can provide dry heat to the area.

If the worst should happen and a pipe should break, follow this checklist to make sure emergency action is taken correctly and safely.

• Find the broken pipe as quickly as possible. A puddle of water can be seen directly below it.

• Shut off water flow to the pipe; if a shutoff valve isn’t available, turn off water to the house.

• Call a plumbing service to come and replace the pipe.

• Check the rest of the line for other areas that may be frozen or broken.

• Defrost frozen pipes and mark broken sections for repair.