Mornin' Mail

The Mornin' Mail is published every weekday except major holidays
Thursday, October 11, 2007 Volume XVI, Number 82

Did Ya Know?... The Carthage Veterans’ Alliance will meet October 11th in the Legion Rooms of the Memorial Hall at 7:00 p.m. to plan the annual Veterans’ Day Program. All of the organizations and the members of the Community Band are invited to attend.

Did Ya Know?... Boy Scouts of America Eagle Project. There will be a coat drive from October 3-17 to collect coats for the Carthage Crisis Center and Souls Harbor in Joplin. Coats of all sizes are needed ranging from infants to adults. There is a drop off box at Walmart in the game room. If you need more information, please contact Andy Petersen at 359-5641.

Did Ya Know?.. Pleasant Valley PTO is hosting the 2nd Annual Chili Feed and first ever Chili Cook-Off October 13th from 5-7 p.m. All you can eat dinner includes hot dogs, frito pie, drink and dessert for $6.00 (adults), $3.00 (kids) and kids under 3 eat free. To-go orders just $3.00. Cook-off pre-registration deadline Oct 13, $4.00. Forms can be picked up at Pleasant Valley Elementary or YMCA bulletin board. Judges: Allan Mattthews from KODE and Food Columnist Cheryle Finley. For more info call 359-5126.

today's laugh

I’m not saying he’s stingy, but even if he was a canoe he wouldn’t tip.

When a golfer misses a drive he expresses himself to a tee.

1907
INTERESTING MELANGE.
A Chronological Record of Events as they have Transpired in the City and County since our last Issue.

Moonlight Driving Picnics.

Speaking of picnics this morning, an old timer remarked that the electric line had cut a great swath in the livery man’s business.

Formerly there was a drive picnic nearly every week or two during the summer, and most of the crowds went to Wildwood, or Tucker’s ford, as it was called.

Most of the Sunday schools also went there on their annual one-day’s outings. Cave Springs and Carytown, too, got a crowd now and then, big crowds going out in the big bus or wagonettes.

But now Lakeside not only gets all the picnics but the electric really uses the number of events by the cheapness and conveniences with everything that can be held. A moonlight driving picnic has come to be such a novelty that there is great disappointment that one cannot be held now.

Today's Feature

Payscale Study First Reading.

The Carthage City Council met Tuesday evening in a regular session. Council heard the first reading of an ordinance approving a contract with Kaatz & Associates, LLC, of Springfield for the purpose of conducting a "Comprehensive Compensation and Classification Study." The study would evaluate the payscales of City employees, after which Kaatz & Associates would make recommendations of adjustments to bring City employees to a more competitive level with other regional cities.

The Finance and Personnel committee has overseen the selection of a consultant to conduct the study. Five bids were received and reviewed by that committee, of which the two lowest bidders were interviewed prior to selection. After the interview process the committee agreed to forward its recommendation of Kaatz & Associates as the best bidder for the job. On Tuesday Council approved unanimously this recommendation, prior to the first reading of the ordinance approving the contract.

Little discussion was heard during the first reading. Council member Claude Newport noted during final remarks that he felt the City could conduct such a study in-house and do as well as any consultant, without spending the $22,000. Newport has stated this opinion several times, beginning during the budget process when the funding for the study was originally allocated. During those budget sessions Council member Mike Harris agreed with Newport that the study could be done by City Department heads instead of by a consultant. Harris voiced his opinion again on Tuesday evening and was joined by Council member Tom Flanigan.

The second reading and vote on the ordinance will be held at the next regular Council meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, October 23.

Correction:

Yesterday’s Mornin’ Mail column listed repairs for the Kellogg Lake fountain incorrectly at $275, a number which was transposed. The repairs are estimated to cost $725.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',
I’ve always heard the theory and take to be true, that kids who aren’t allowed to play in the dirt ever’ now and then never get exposed to small amounts of bacteria and other goodies that help the body build its immune system. Now, there’s nothin’ wrong with a little soap and water, but the fact is a parent can become so concerned with common dirt that they harm the kid’s health.

Same goes for bein’ over cautious ‘bout those childhood bumps and bruises. There could be a legitimate argument against lettin’ a kid ride a bike or climb a tree. Most feel that the positive aspect of self esteem learned by these activities are worth the risks.

I suppose the main point bein’ that ya can’t eliminate all the risks all the time. Nobody knows all the answers, but there’s always someone with questions.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Sponsored
by:
Metcalf Auto Supply

Click & Clack Talk Cars
By Tom and Ray Magliozzi

Dear Tom and Ray:

I own a 1992 Toyota Camry Wagon V6 automatic with 150,000 miles on it. Recently, I installed a trailer hitch so I could mount a bike rack back there. As I was standing there admiring the way the bikes easily went on and off the rack, I began wondering if I could use this car to pull a very light pop-up trailer. My brother says doing so would be the equivalent of transmission suicide, but several trailer-hitch Web sites say that my wagon is good for up to 2,000 pounds. I bought this car used. What do you think? Should I go for the light trailer or stick with my damp and humid tent? Thanks, - Mark.

TOM: I think you’re headed down a slippery slope, Mark. First it’s the bike rack, then it’s the pop-up trailer. Next time you write, you’ll be wanting to tow the Exxon Valdez. I’d quit while you’re ahead.

RAY: Towing puts a lot of stress on any vehicle. I mean, I’m likely to wear out after about 80 years, if I’m lucky. But if I had to drag my brother around my while life, I’d probably expire a lot sooner. Or, at least, I’d WANT to!

TOM: When you tow something, you’re asking the engine, the transmission, and the suspension to carry - in some cases, several thousands of extra pounds. Not to mention the added aero-dynamic drag of the refrigerator box you’re suddenly dragging around. That’s stressful enough on a new car, but here, you’re talking about a car that’s 15 years old.

RAY: So unless you’re eager to drive this old Camry into the ground so you can buy something new, I’d limit the amount of towing you do. Stick with your old tent. Splurge instead on a brand-new mosquito netting.