Today's Feature

Governor Blunt Visits Carthage.

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt stopped by the Carthage Chamber of Commerce this Monday as part of an ongoing trip through Southwest Missouri. Blunt spoke about upcoming projects and recent legislature before a group of approximately 12-15 people, including local business owners, Council representatives and City employees.

Chamber Director Max McKnight gave an overview of developments in Carthage, listing several new projects on the horizon.

After speaking, Blunt took part in an informal question and answer session with attending citizens. Senator Gary Nodler and Representative Steve Hunter were also in attendance, having traveled with Blunt to Carthage.

Spraying for Mosquitoes.

The City of Carthage will be spraying for mosquitoes through Friday July 28. Areas are to be sprayed in the evening of regular trash pickup, between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

It is recommended that citizens turn off attic and window fans while the sprayer is in the immediate area.

Stench Report:
Monday,
7/25/06

No Stench Detected on Carthage
Square

Onea my summer jobs as a kid growin’ up was ta sweep the crickets off the sidewalk in front of my parents sundry store. I’m not just talkin’ a critter here and there, one summer ya couldn’t walk to the front door without hearin’ the crunch under foot.

I don’t know why they chose the spot to die. Maybe the street light nearby attracted them, or the temperature of the concrete walks. I just know the storm gutter would be full after I was finished sweepin’.

Most folks don’t care for crickets for some reason. The only time I have a problem is when one creeps into the house and then chirps as I’m tryin’ to get to sleep. One move to try and find ‘em and they stop. Just as I’m ‘bout ta dose off, they start up again. Onea the many blessings of nature I guess.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

• "Add a few drops of water to votive holders before adding a candle. The wax will float on the water, and when the candle burns down, it won’t get stuck in the votive glass." -- O.J. in Wyoming

• "I keep a pack of Post-it notes in my purse at all times. They come in handy for so many things. I recently found a mini pen on a key ring that is wonderfully useful as well. I combined the two with a hole punch. I punched holes through manageable sections of a notepad and put the pen’s key ring through the holes. Now I always have a handy pen and sticky paper at my disposal." -- N.G. in Missouri

• "Whenever I make a meal that can be easily frozen, I always make two, freezing one and serving one. There are a lot of nights when I have limited cooking and prep time for dinner, so these premade, homemade meals come in handy often." -- P.L. in Florida

• Change your air filter to save money. Be sure to change it once a month to keep your air conditioner working at its most efficient.

• "A great fix for ‘traveling bowls’ when you have a pet is a rubber mat. Those rubber placemats work really well. Also, they will catch food spills and contain water spills somewhat." -- B.D. in California

• To get rid of oil or grease stains on concrete floors, simply brush or wipe off any excess and cover with an absorbent material, like cat litter or cornmeal. Wait for the material to work, usually overnight, and sweep away. Persistent stains might need repeat treatment.

• Cookie crumbs work well in the bottom of ice-cream cones to deter drips. Or use a small marshmallow. Larger marshmallows also mean less ice cream per cone, which can be a good thing for small kids.