Today's Feature

Waste Rate Changes Approved.

The Carthage City Council met Tuesday evening in a regular session. The Council approved an ordinance allowing mid-contract changes to the City trash collection service, provided by Allied Waste. Changes include the elimination of the "single" trash collection category and increase of rates to $8.00 per month. A new category will be provided for senior citizens age 65 or older, costing $6.50 per month.

Council member Mike Harris expressed to Council concerns about the changes. Harris said he was uncomfortable with such significant mid-contract changes, adding that he had personally encountered problems with the pickup service under the current contract. Harris cited that residential collection had at times been made earlier than the starting time stated in the contract.

In the current contract, early termination by the collector results in a $150,000 fine. Council member Ronnie Wells said he felt that Allied Waste should buy out the contract for this amount and that the City should rebid the service. Wells added that he felt the buyout amount in any new contract should be raised to increase the penalty amount to $500,000.

Mayor Jim Woestman told Wells that Baxter Springs had taken an action similar to the one Wells suggested. Woestman said that the city ended up paying more after the rebidding process.

Council member Tom Flanigan added that the City had not been contacted by any other waste collection services wishing to provide this service at a lower price.

"Our backs are against the wall," said Flanigan. "I’d rather take what we’ve got than not know what’s out there."

Council member Cynthia Curry said she felt that Allied Waste had not made their case. Curry said that one of the primary reasons for the changes were high fuel prices, and that recently these prices had begun to come down.

Council member Claude Newport interjected that Allied Waste uses diesel trucks, saying that diesel fuel hasn’t reduced in price as much as unleaded fuel. Newport said that he felt approving the changes would be the best option for the City.

"I don’t think we’re going to be able to get a better deal," said Newport.

Council member Bill Johnson said that information provided by Allied Waste showed their last month’s profits at $1,000; an amount which wouldn’t even pay the employees’ salaries. Johnson said he felt the increases were warranted.

"It’s the most sound thing to do," said Johnson. "I don’t like it, but I think it’s the lesser of two evils."

The changes were approved in a 7 to 3 vote. Those against included Council members Cynthia Curry, Mike Harris and Ronnie Wells. Those in favor included Council members Diane Sharits, Bill Johnson, Bill Welch, Dan Rife, Tom Flanigan, Claude Newport and Larry Ross.

Public Works Director Chad Wampler said during staff reports that Carthage Water and Electric Plant, through whom the billing is issued, has a mechanism in place to attach information about the increase along with the monthly bills. Wampler said that CW&EP could include information making known the availability of the "senior" rate, but added that the first bill sent out after the rates are changed will charge every Carthage citizen $8.00. Wampler said that those citizens who are changed to the "senior" rate after that point will receive an adjusted bill upon the second billing, to compensate for the $1.50 difference.

BAND CONTEST WINNERS.

Following is the placement of the twirling groups and bands in this year’s Maple Leaf Parade.
Twirling Groups
1st Place — Ovation
2nd Place — Angela’s Twirling Angels
3rd Place — Show Me Stars
Bands
• Class Jr. High
1st Place — East Newton
2nd Place — Neosho
3rd Place — Memorial Middle School
• Class 2 High School
1st Place — Mansfield
2nd Place — Pierce City
3rd Place — Jasper
• Class 3 High School
1st Place — School Of the Osage
2nd Place — Mount Vernon
3rd Place — El Dorado Springs
• Class 4 High School
1st Place — Carl Junction
2nd Place — Monett
3rd Place — Neosho
• Class 5 High School
1st Place — Lebanon
2nd Place — Joplin
Outstanding Color guard Overall
Carl Junction High School
Outstanding Twirler
Joplin High School

Stench Report:

Wednesday,
10/25/06

No Stench detected on the
Carthage Square

The fact is, we as humans have flaws that are obvious to most ever’one. Pretending’ to not notice our own personal shortcomin’s only makes it more appealin’ for others to point ‘em out. Course, the best to play practical jokes on are those who are players themselves. First, they’re more of a challenge. But also, they appreciate the effort and attention.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I love. I have a habit of laying my cell phone behind the steering wheel, on the shelf just below where the instruments are. Recently, while waiting at a drive-through, I had a small slip of paper on which I’d written something very important, and I needed it handy. So, I stood it up right behind my cell phone. Dumb idea. The paper slipped down in front of the clear plastic that protects the gauges, down into the area above the steering column. I really need to get it out and I’d like to do it myself. Can you help me? How do I remove just that part of the dash? - Kaye

RAY: What’s it worth to you, Kaye? What was on that slip of paper? I’m guessing it was a phone number, given to you by a cute guy, and you want to call him. Or it’s a phone number given to you by a cute guy, and you want to find it before your husband does!

TOM: Well, we’re happy to help you, Kaye. Even if it’s just something mundane, like your dry-cleaning ticket (yeah, right!)

RAY: The piece that surrounds the instrument cluster is called a bezel. And luckily for you, that’s the first part you take off when you remove the dashboard. It comes off with a couple of screws that are visible from the underside of the bezel.

TOM: Then you can work off the bezel itself and retrieve the evidence - I mean, the piece of paper. Getting the bezel back on is a little trickier, but you can do it. And even if you can’t, a loose bezel will be easier to explain to your husband than a note that reads: "Call me, hot stuff. Love, Frank."

RAY: But before you even attempt to remove the bezel, try looking under the dashboard. If you get under there with a penlight, there’s a very good chance you’ll see the piece of paper up around the steering column. And you can probably reach it that way.

RACING
By Greg Zyla
Sponsored by Curry Automotive

Long Live USAC

Q: Greg, I am a big fan of midget and sprint racing, and I just moved to Florida. I am wondering if ESPN has considered televising USAC races like it did years ago with midget and sprint races every Wednesday or Thursday night. There are still many midget and sprint fans out here. Also, where in Florida can I catch some USAC action? -- Larry K.

A: Larry, although there is nothing official about an ESPN-produced weekly midget and sprints television show like we enjoyed in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, the good news is that The Outdoor Channel has picked up where ESPN left off, televising all of the major USAC shows. The 2006 season, which ran from Feb. 8 through Oct. 14, featured 20 races of Midget, Sprint and Silver Crown action called "USAC Thunder," with noted TV personality Jack Arute as host. I’ve watched the show (Saturday at 5 p.m. EST) and it is a well-done, one-hour, tape-delayed program. If you do not receive The Outdoor Channel on your cable network, DirecTV and Dish satellite companies also carry it.

As you now live in Florida, the Ford Focus Midgets run each February at East Bay, near Tampa, and Orlando Speedworld. Also, there’s the big USAC MOPAR sponsored Performance Racing Industry Sprint and Midget Classic double-header scheduled for Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, at Orlando Speedworld. If you’re interested (last year’s race was standing-room only), call 1-800-515-8445.

Have fun.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Mornin’ Mail

Dear Editor:

Thank you for this opportunity to say a few things about my dad, former presiding commissioner Danny Hensley, who is running as a write in candidate for presiding commissioner of Jasper County.

First and foremost, his love for the county is unparalleled and as a result he took his former job very seriously. Not only was he in the office every Monday through Friday, working for Jasper County residents, you could often find him at the courthouse on Saturday, picking up litter around the grounds as a matter of pride. It is well known that politicians find it nearly impossible to please everyone, but I can truthfully say my dad tried. In short, he is an honest and caring man with impeccable integrity holding a deep and abiding love for his country, state and county.

I realize that running a successful write in campaign for this office is unprecedented and may require a miracle. However, I also realize that miracles happen every day. I also know it is common for those running for office to be portrayed as honest, dependable and worthy of our trust, but please believe me when I tell you that Danny Hensley is a man that walks the walk of honesty and integrity.

As you go to the polls this November, carefully consider the kind of person you want as presiding commissioner of Jasper County. If that person has the characteristics I’ve described as those within my father, then please write in Danny Hensley for presiding commissioner of Jasper County. Thank you and may God Bless.

Shelly DeRuy