Today's Feature

Contamination Ordinance Approved.

The Jasper County Commission met Thursday morning to announce the enactment of the County-wide Environmental Contamination Ordinance. The ordinance would require areas with known mining contamination to be tested before new building permits are issued.

Part of the implementation of the new ordinance relies on a Graphical Information System (GIS) including aerial photographs of the County. The GIS will be used register what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists as areas of known contamination. The system will store information in a more tangible format with color codes on the aerial maps. Presiding County Commissioner Chuck Surface said that the next step will be taking action on the GIS research and photography. Surface expects the database to be completed within 18 to 24 months.

Surface also reported that funding had been granted by the EPA in the amount of $529,100 for the operation of the project.

"This will be an overall benefit to the County," said Surface of the ordinance.

Tony Moehr of the Jasper County Health Department elaborated on the funding, saying that it was to be used for the implementation of the ordinance, including the testing and potential cleanup to areas with mining contaminants. The funding will also provide staff for the project. It is the purpose of the ordinance to make the regulation of the contaminated areas the duty of the County.

According to Surface the money is to be provided over a three-year period. The funding will be in the form of reimbursements to the County for the expenses of the operation.

Stench Report:
Thursday,
2/16/06

No Stench Reported

I’m supposin’ that they still set the pair apart in the school room, teachin’ the various differences ‘tween those bein’ elected nowadays and those who set the standards.

I’m sure the fact that George was the first and that Abraham faced the most severe test of the union will secure their standin’ out in the history books for some time to come. But for some reason it seems that the traits we suppose were portrayed by these two are lost to history.

In the age of "Dumb and Dumber," it’s good ta think that there is at least the capacity for greatness.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

This morning I was taking a few moments to scan over Earl Mindells’ Vitamin Bible and had confirmation that PART of the reason one feels better at the beach is the iodine. We in the inland portions of the United States do not get as much iodine from the environment than those on the oceans or gulfs. Since lack of iodine is associated with goiters, I suppose that could be the reason the Midwest is often referred to as the "goiter belt".

Iodine is one of the 18 essential, active minerals in our body and aprox. Two thirds of that is utilized by the thyroid gland. Although the daily recommended allowance seems small, this mineral is the one that makes the thyroid respond.

I have heard the thyroid gland referred to as the key to many of our weight problems. Since the thyroid helps to increase metabolic balance, it can effect the amount of energy we have to exercise and start to get rid of those extra pounds.

Again, Earl Mindell states that the sea plant, kelp, contains enough iodine to help a thyroid that is sluggish or one that is overworked. Balance. Kelp can be used in cooking, toasted or used in a salt substitute blend. I know some who use it in place of the average salt shaker. It does have a sea-weedy taste, so don’t overdo it in something like beans that are going to cook all day.

Those who have taken a diet formula with cider vinegar and kelp know that the fat burning properties of the herb are beneficial to weight loss.

*Earl Mindell’s Vitamin Bible

artCentral
Art Notes from Hyde House
By Sally Armstrong, Director of artCentral

Springtime is emerging among the plantings on the grounds here at Hyde House! I see popping up various "shoots of things" and I am excited to see what will finally present itself in March and April. The director and board are excited to "present in March" the most anticipated first show of this winter season, "WOOF!" Pastel Pet Portraits by Becky Golubski. I will review this show next week.

In the same "green vein" artCentral is happy to announce a change-of-show and fresh hangings of a group of paintings at our satellite gallery "Shellie’s" near the square. These are oil paintings done by Katherine Hyde painted during many Florida-winters and tropical travels, in the 60’s and 70’s. Much color and exuberant style is exhibited in this selection of her amateur works and I think that you will be pleased to see her paintings hung publicly this way.

artCentral is housed in the large white Victorian house which was Katherine Hyde’s home. Her parents built the house and were the original owners of the greenhouse beside, now Fairview Greenhouse. She was a Lieutenant in the Army when her father passed away in the early 60’s and she returned home to Carthage to take over the family business. She was an avid amateur painter, spending numerous winters in Florida, and, after meeting life-long friend Rachel Sterns, her style changed. Of special interest to animal lovers, her beloved 4 dogs, Lassie, Peppermint, Timmie and Bambi are remembered with markers in the rose garden. Other of Katherine’s works will be shown later in the year at Phelp’s House during the "Water Garden Tour" weekend event.

We are always anxious to know of artists who might be interested in hanging their work at "Shellie’s" - call Hyde House for details if you would like to be scheduled. Thanks go out to Linda Teeter for the current display of her photography collection "The Doors of the French Quarter" which has been up this winter thus far and enjoyed by many.

Next week, details of the show opening with an artist’s reception on March 3rd. I hope all art and animal lovers will mark their calendars!