Today's Feature

Old Lawsuit Dropped.

The Jasper County Commission at the end of last week agreed to drop a lawsuit against former associate commissioner Ben Johnson. The lawsuit was filed many years ago to recover money from a pay raise later deemed unconstitutional.

In 1998 a state statute was passed allowing a one time raise for Associate Commissioners when the term of office was increased from two years to four years. A Mornin’ Mail article from December 23, 1998, illustrates a debate seen prior to the approval of the raise in the budget:

"County Treasurer Jeannie Wells questioned the raises.

"‘Why would you do that when Jim Spradling says it’s illegal -unconstitutional?" said Wells. "And we’re trying so hard to trim the budget in other areas. Why do we have Jim if we aren’t going to listen to him."

‘Ben Johnson disagreed. "What Jim has offered is not a judgement, but a legal opinion," said Johnson. "Only a court of law can strike it down as unconstitutional."’

This dismissal marks the end of a debate which lasted for years. Anna Ruth Crampton, who also received a similar raise and paid back the money, will be refunded.

Stench Report:

Friday,
2/2/07

No Stench Detected Near the Carthage Square

I’m guessin’ that one reason that Nascar races are so popular is the fact that they fill the void left on Sunday afternoons. ‘Course the same could be said of Nascar fans pickin’ up on the football season. They also have the symptoms when the racin’ season ends in the fall.

Although I like a good game or race, I find they both serve the same purpose for me. An excuse to sprawl out on the couch and take a nice nap. I can get in on the beginnin’ strategy, they wake up to watch the final few minutes and the recap. It makes for a refreshin’ afternoon.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Jacuzzi Woes

Q: A replacement panel on our Jacuzzi tub arrived with a big orange sticker on the front. The paper and the sticky glue cannot be removed. I know I could remove it with fingernail polish remover but I don’t want to ruin the finish. I tried rubbing alcohol, but it didn’t work. Do you have a suggestion about what I could use to remove it? -- Wanda C.

A: Un-Du Adhesive Remover, a product found at craft stores, was suggested by one of my readers. Similar products like Goo-Gone are available at home-improvement stores. And I’ve actually seen a suggestion to smear peanut butter over the sticker (my guess is the oil in the peanut butter soaks into the label). If you try this method, don’t use the crunchy version.

Q: After purchasing an 8-year-old house, I noticed some scratches inside the Jacuzzi tub in the master bath. They don’t seem too deep. How do I get rid of them? -- Jesse in Plano, Texas

A: Depending on the extent and depth of the scratches, it may be possible to polish them out. However, this job takes a light touch and a lot of patience, because the fiberglass surface can be permanently damaged.

Purchase a polishing compound for automobiles. (This compound typically comes in two types: polishing and rubbing compound. Choose the polishing type only.) Apply in small circles using a soft, lint-free cloth. Don’t scrub the surface or otherwise try to hurry the process.

Another option, especially with a large area of scratches, is to use a power drill with a polisher attachment and a soft polishing pad. Pay close attention to the surface as you work, stopping frequently to make sure the polisher is actually minimizing the scratches and not just adding more to the surface. Don’t press down on the drill.

Complete the repair by rinsing and drying the surface, then applying a coat of wax (plain, not polishing, auto paste wax) over the scratched area to protect it and further hide remaining scratches.

If this doesn’t work or if the scratches are extensive and deep, contact a professional refinisher.

HOME TIP: Only clean fiberglass tubs and surfaces with a nonabrasive cleanser and a soft cloth. Even supposedly "safe" abrasive cleansers can damage these surfaces.