Today's Feature

Local Companies Needed.

News release.

The American Cancer Society urges local companies to take up the fight against cancer in their communities by becoming sponsors of Relay For Life. Cancer touches the lives of everyone, and involvement in Relay For Life is a great way to show that a company cares. Plus, sponsorships can be tailored to a company’s ability to give.

Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) and raise money for the American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at Central Park in Carthage and take turns walking laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

Relay For Life is also a fundraiser. Each team member is asked to raise money before the event. Teams solicit donations, have garage sales, hold car washes, and more.

To become a corporate sponsor or build a team for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Carthage, call Nora Tebbets at 358-8131, ext. 2402 or Crystal Jones at 358-8131, ext. 4804.

American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.

March 14 Siren Test.

According to a recent news release from the Fire Department, all City and Statewide sirens will be sounded Tuesday, March 14 at 1:30 p.m. The test of equipment is to be completed in conjunction with March’s title of Disaster Preparedness Month. The backup date for sounding, in the case of inclement weather, will be Thursday, March 16th.

Stench Report:
Friday,
3/3/06

Minor stench reported Thursday evening.

Seems he was in a fishin’ accident of sorts. His method of fishin’ was ta tie a rock to a string, then tie an M-80 to the other end. That was back when M-80’s still had some powerful kick for what was called a firecracker. ‘Course when ever’thing went right, this illegal technique did produce a good batch a fish floatin’ to the top of the creek.

In what I am guessin’ was his last attempt to fill his bucket, the string got wrapped around his thumb and as he tossed the rock, it snugged the M-80 right against his thumbnail. ‘Course he lost the nail in the explosion along with the better part of any meat above the first knuckle. I’ve heard lots a fish stories, but that’s the only one about the thumb that got away.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Pilot Light Safety Valve Prevents Gas Leak

Q: I’m writing in regard to your article on household emergencies. I agree with everything you said, except for the last one on "should the pilot light go out." You said that if the pilot light went out that natural gas could leak into the home. I disagree. If the thermocouple is working properly, all gas should be stopped when the pilot-light flame no longer heats the thermocouple.

I also have a conservation tip: We are gone a lot (we have a weekend home) and while we are away I turn our water heater to the pilot-light position in order to save gas. One time we came home after being out of town for a week, and I forgot to turn the water heater back to the "On" position. I was able to take a shower without any problems; unfortunately, my wife was not! She always reminds me now. -- Sam K., via e-mail

A: Thanks for the point about the thermocouple! You’re right, if it is working properly then little or no gas should enter the home should a pilot light go out.

The thermocouple is a type of temperature sensor that generates a small electric charge while the pilot light is lit and keeps the pilot gas valve open. If the pilot goes out, the temperature drops, the thermocouple stops generating this charge and the gas valve closes.

A slight odor of gas may be detected when a pilot light goes out. Before relighting it, open a nearby window to safely vent this gas. To keep the thermocouple and the entire gas appliance operating safely and efficiently, have the appliance serviced regularly (once a year) and keep it as clean as possible.

HOME TIP: Need to make sure you’ve switched off the correct circuit, but don’t have a voltage tester? Carry a small lamp to the area you need to shut off power to, and plug it in to each outlet. If it lights, power is still on.