Today's Feature

Election Day Tomorrow.

The municipal election for Jasper County is tomorrow, April 4. Items on the ballot include the choice for two Carthage R-9 School District Board of Education directors. Those running for the board of education include Kent Hogan, Lee Elliff Pound and Michael Goolsby.

Other items on the ballot include the question of issuing bonds for a new High School building. The ballot reads; "Shall the Board of Education of Carthage R-9 School District of Jasper County, Missouri, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $30,000,000 to acquire land for a new high school; to acquire, construct, furnish and equip the new high school; and to renovate and improve its existing high school?"

For the Carthage City Council, James G. Woestman, current council member is running for mayor unopposed. Council members running for election for a two year term include; Claude Newport, Ward 1; Mike Harris, Ward 2; Jackie Boyer and Cynthia Curry, Ward 3; Bill Johnson, Ward 4; and Tom Flanigan, Ward 5. Current Council member Larry Ross, Ward 1 is running for a one year unexpired term.

Stench Report:
Friday,
3/31/06

No Smells

We had a small woodworkin’ shop in the high school I attended. Learned a little ‘bout tellin’ one wood from another and how to clean a finishin’ brush.

We didn’t have any group projects, each individual worked on somethin’ over the semester. Time was a pretty relative thing in our shop class. As long as your weren’t disturbin’ anyone, a project could be as simple or complex as ya wanted.

‘Course operatin’ power tools was always part of the day. I personally learned how to gently move a sawed off end piece while the blade of the table saw was still runnin’ so as to remove a window pane. Happened quick with a bang and tinkle of glass and pretty much got ever’one’s attention in the shop. I still remember that lesson ever time I turn on a saw, but I haven’t ever repeated the trick.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Tank Flush Keeps Hot Water Flowing

Draining the hot water heater twice a year improves its efficiency and prolongs its useful life by removing much of the built-up sediment at the bottom of the heater. Built-up sediment can reduce the amount of water in the tank. These deposits can harden over time, creating a problem that can only be resolved by replacing the tank.

Follow these steps to drain your hot water heater:

1. Turn off the water supply to the heater (the valve is usually located near the top of the tank).

2. If you have an electric heater, turn off the power (either at the switch or by turning off the circuit). If you have a gas unit, turn the gas valve to the "pilot" setting.

3. Locate the pressure relief valve (usually running up the side of the unit) and carefully lift the lever -- some steam may come out. Leave the valve open.

4. Locate the drain tap (usually on the bottom third of the water heater). Place a bucket underneath the tap. If the drain tap is too low, attach a short garden hose and run the hose to the bucket. Open the tap.

5. Allow the tank to drain until the water comes out clear -- or, if the water is clear to start, until at least four or five gallons have been removed.

6. Close the drain tap and remove the hose. Then, close the pressure relief valve. Turn the water supply back on.