Today's Feature
Arrested the Clerk.

Police Chief Dennis Veach spoke of a convenience store robbery at the Public Safety meeting this week. The robbery reported from a store on Central Ave. last week had resulted in the arrest of the James C. Tolson Jr., the clerk who reported the robbery. The arrest was on the charges of a false police report and stealing. Veach said that it has been his finding in situations involving convenience store robberies that historically the ratio has been high in cases finding a clerk responsible.

Veach also reported that the Ruth I. Kolpin foundation has approved a grant to equip a squad car with a new LED lightbar. The grant is for the amount of $2,100. Veach said that the funding was expected to arrive around late September.

Committee chair Mike Harris brought to the meeting a model ordinance for restrictions on abandoned cars. This was in response to a request by Council member Diane Sharits. Sharits questioned if there were measures that could be taken to place a time limit on how long a car could sit without being moved. Harris said the committee would research the matter further.

I know my yard hasn’t needed mowin’ near as often this summer. Even with the little rain we got the other day, the grass didn’t seem ta get that little spurt of growth. The ground musta soaked it up pretty quick.

I see where several municipalities around the Chicago area are restrictin’ the waterin’ of lawns. Some in the northern’ parts of Missouri also. Looks like it’s a hotter and dryer summer than usual all over the nation.

At least we can always count on the humidity to keep us steamin’ through those hot, dry months. It may be the only consistent factor in Missouri weather.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a ‘96 Ford Windstar. When I go to the convenience store in the winter, my wife and daughter usually wait in the car. Because it’s cold out, I leave the heater on to keep them warm. One time, my father-in-law was waiting in the car with them. It was night time, so not only did I leave the car running, but I left the headlights on. When I came out, I got a speech about how leaving the lights on when the car is only idling will greatly shorten the life of the battery. I didn’t believe him, but not wanting to start a fight, I went along with him and pretended it was a good idea. Is he right? - Eric

TOM: Well, let me say first, Eric, that you are a man of great perspicacity. You did exactly the right thing.

RAY: Right; You pretended you knucklehead father-in-law was right, and went along with his harmless suggestion in order to keep the peace. If only there were more international leaders with your wisdom.

TOM: To answer your technical question, your father-in-law is completely nuts. Virtually all modern charging systems are equipped to run the headlights without using any electricity from the battery. The engine will use a tiny bit more gas because the alternator is working a little harder.

RAY: And besides, shining the headlights into the window of the convenience store helps you see the labels on the beer bottles in the store refrigerator so you don’t accidentally take home a six-pack of Panther Pee Light.

TOM: So, when the old man is around, do him the kindness of turning off the headlights when you’re parking in idle. It’ll make him feel useful and respected. That’s important. Remember, he can still change his will.

RACING
By Greg Zyla
Sponsored by Curry Automotive

Pit Crews Win Races

Q: Greg, why is nothing ever written about pit crews? Without them, the driver would be in big trouble. It takes a whole team to win a race. I have a grandson who works with ARCA and is a pit crewman. These team members spend a lot of time away from home. They are dedicated. — Katherine L.

A: Katherine, you are correct in your statements about the pit crew. We recently interviewed Fox television analyst and former winning crew chief Jeff Hammond, who runs a pit training school.

"If you want to become an integral part of a race team, being a pit crew athlete is easier to do than being a driver," Hammond says. "You can take guys and girls with athletic ability and show them how to jack a car up, carry the tires, take the wheels off and so on.

"If they have athletic ability, and good common sense, they will contribute to a race team’s chances of winning just as much as an engine tuner, builder or chassis expert. We’ll train them to be an integral part of a pit crew and get them ready for NASCAR, ARCA, Craftsman Trucks or other series where pit stops are important."

Hammond said that the pit crew must work as one.

Hammond summarized the situation and agreed with you, Katherine.