Today's Feature
Arranged the List.

The Public Services Committee met Monday evening in a regular session. Over the past few months the committee has undertaken the evaluation of all parks in Carthage. The evaluations covered work that needs to be done, ideas for improvements and areas of strength. At the meeting Monday evening the committee reviewed all of the lists and tried to place items in an order of priority.

The parks covered included Carter Park, Griggs Park, Central Park, Municipal Park, Kellogg Lake, Freer Park and Fair Acres. For most parks the improvement list included tree work. Many of the existing trees have dead limbs and some parks are in need of new trees. The condition and safety of several old buildings were discussed and repair options were looked at briefly. Restrooms were another concern for several parks as most of the original bathroom facilities are not handicap accessible.

Committee Chair Jim Woestman told the committee that a good starting point for the next meeting would be to discuss wading pool alternatives for Carter Park which has been a point of interest previously.

Stench Report:
Tuesday,
10/4/05

No Odors

A playground with a large swing set or other various equipment settin’ fairly close together was the typical setting. But in a pinch we’d put out a couple a barrels with a board or two here and there and jump from here to yon. If your feet hit the ground, you were it.

If we could round up enough barrels to go around, we’d just tip ‘em on their side and roll ‘em like a log roller around the open spaces. Another game would be to see who could knock the other guy off the barrel without touchin’ ‘em. Kinda rural bumper cars.

Aside from the occasional split lip or skinned shin, we weren’t hurtin’ anything.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

• "Wear heavy cotton or woolen socks turned inside out. The rough seams are now outside, making the socks much more comfortable and less likely to cause irritation or blisters. This works for regular socks and some other items of clothing too, and it is particularly useful to people with diabetes." — J.M. in Florida

• "I get a copy of the school’s lunch calendar and put it up in the kitchen. That way, I don’t repeat a meal at home that the kids have had at school." — E.S. in Arkansas

• "When the dust bunnies get too big to ignore, take a dirty T-shirt from the hamper and swish it around the floor with your foot. That will get most of the big ones. Then throw it back in the hamper. It all comes out in the wash." — A bachelor via e-mail

• To I.P. in Oklahoma: Nut grass is a very hard-to-kill weed found mostly in Southern climates. You can try table salt dissolved in water and sprayed directly on the weed, or a solution of 5 percent vinegar, also applied directly to the weed. Good luck!

• "My kids love snack crackers, but they can be easy to overdo. When I buy a box, I go ahead and portion them out into snack-size zip-lock baggies. Then the kids can grab a bag and won’t just keep eating out of habit." — O.V. in New Mexico

• This facial mask is good enough to eat. You might have a hard time deciding whether you want the facial or the snack: Mix together one mashed ripe banana with three tablespoons of sugar, and apply liberally to your face. Leave it on for about three minutes, and rinse with warm water. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.