Johnson Draws 58% for Mayor.

Stearnes and Ross Beat Incumbents Clark and Henry.

Newly elected Mayor Ken Johnson seemed to relax some after the initial vote was announced last night at the Courthouse. His 58 percent victory over Hugh Overton was decisive, but Johnson knew that Overton had made a good run for the office to be vacated by Don Riley. Riley choose not to run for reelection. The final vote was Johnson 887 and Overton 654.

In the four contested races for City Council resulted in the following votes:

Ward 1: Ross, 129; Henry 64

Ward 3: Boyer, 156; McCoy, 102

Ward 4: Burgi-Brewer, 304;

Dilcher, 176; Poulson, 65

Ward 5: Stearnes, 211, Clark, 144,

Baird, 44

The R-9 School Board was left intact with incumbents David Coffee, 1534; and Ron Ross, 1118 being reelected. Tony Diggs lost the second seat by only 16 votes with a total of 1102.

The State Constitutional amendments passed in the County by large margins; #3- 6801 yes, 2185, no. #4- 6147 yes, 2632 no.

Renovation Committee Gathering Info.

Members of the Memorial Hall Long Range Planning Committee heard reports last Thursday night from members of the Engineering Department and from Michelle Montague, coordinator of food services at McCune-Brooks Hospital.

Montague reported that it would be relatively easy to update the current kitchen on the first floor into a catering kitchen equipped to prepare simple menus for up to 500 people. She submitted a list of nine recommended purchases for a basic catering kitchen ranging from commercial cold storage units, both a refrigerator and freezer, to a portable food bar, a commercial ice maker and miscellaneous cooking and serving tools.

The Committee agreed to ask Montague to pursue pricing for the basic items needed.

Joe Butler and Tom Moore of the Engineering Department reviewed a report by Moore prepared last October for the Public Services Committee. Prior to the formation of the current Memorial Hall committee, Public Services Chair Jackie Boyer requested information on the feasibility of removing the existing stage in order to enlarge the floor space in the main auditorium.

Moore’s memo estimated the cost of removing the stage and constructing a new floor to be in excess of $250,000 because of the mechanical, electrical and air handling systems in the basement beneath the stage. While recommending against removal of the entire stage, Moore pointed out that 340 square feet of the stage (the part in front of the curtain) could be removed without any changes to the basement ceiling or systems below.

According to Moore and Butler, removal of the front section of the stage could be accomplished inexpensively and then cosmetic work to the floor and the new front of the stage would be required.

Economic Development Director Max McKnight reported on the progress of the survey planned to solicit input about the renovation and use of Memorial Hall from the citizens of Carthage. The Committee voted to proceed with the survey after suggesting some changes and additions. An estimated cost of $600 to conduct the survey was outlined by City Administrator Tom Short.

The Committee also discussed asking Street Commissioner Tom Shelley to examine the parking areas around the building and make recommendations and cost estimates for the necessary work, such as paving, striping and patching.

As the Committee adjourned for the evening, Chair Marvin VanGilder reiterated the Committee’s intention to provide a "thorough report to the City Council next month."

Biggest Big Top On Earth To Play Carthage

Release from Carthage Lions Club

A 5-ring circus is coming to Carthage. There will be 20 elephants, 100 exotic and domestic animals, and a host of performers from 17 nations. This will take place under the biggest circus tent in the world, and all in one day!

Carson and Barnes Circus is coming to Carthage on Monday, April 27 for shows at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This circus is being sponsored by the Carthage Lions Club. This company is the largest traditional big top circus touring America today. Its 396 tent is 100 feet longer than a football field, the largest on the planet. It takes a space equal to three football fields for the entire circus community of 220 family units to unfold. When you see its 80 transport vehicles and semis, including 30 private trucks and trailers, you will know that this circus is one big operation. It has been traveling America for over 58 years, owned by D. R. Miller, a circus legend in his own time.

The circus plays 240 days a year out of 250, playing in different towns and cities where folks of all ages turn out for some good old-fashioned circus fun.

Live in front of you, it's the best bang for the buck anywhere. Rated "G" with no sensationalism, foul language, or violence of any kind, Carson and Barnes Circus can be billed as fast-paced action-filled family entertainment.

Carson and Barnes is known for its wide array of animal acts. Thrill to the premier tour of Lioubov Koudriavtseva as trained Russian bears bounce, dribble and dunk a basketball. Watch in awe as lions, tigers, and ligers mix in the same cage. Marvel at the death defying double wheels of destiny as acrobats perform at the peak of the big top. Be astounded by flying trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers, and 20 mammoth elephants.

This season the show presents the only Liberty Horse Act in the United States composed entirely of Friesian Stallions. This rare breed of horses, marked by broad bodies, long flowing manes and tails, was common in the Netherlands prior to World War II. During the war nearly all of the horses were destroyed by Hitler's troops out of fear that they could be used by the resistance. The few horses of this exquisite breed and their descendants that survived the war are slowly making a comeback. As these six majestic stallions prance and parade around center ring, you will be entranced by their beauty and power.

Early circus morning see the large traveling zoo featuring exotic and domestic animals, as they are unloaded, watered, and fed. Many of these species are rare and endangered, such as the white rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebu, zonkie, zebra, camels and over 20 Asian and African Elephants.

Advance tickets at a special price can be purchased before circus day at several locations. Get your tickets at Carthage Wal-Mart, Southwest Missouri Bank (2 locations) and Burger King. On circus day, tickets are only available at the circus box office. Get your tickets in advance and save. Tickets are on sale now. The Carthage Lions Club has established a Circus Hotline number that may be called for general information; call 359-0011.

Don't miss the huge Carson and Barnes Circus on April 27, 1998. This circus is being sponsored by the Carthage Lions Club, with proceeds going to Childrens Miracle Network and other local benefits.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

One thing for sure, City Hall isn’t gonna be the same after next Tuesday. For better or worse, three new Council members and a new Mayor is gonna make things a little different goin’ into the budget season.

The two incumbents who will be leavin’, Clark and Henry, both deserve credit for their efforts durin’ their respective service to the community. Along with Mayor Riley and Bill Johnson who choose to move out of City politics, the Council will face a time of new challenges for a while.

The fact that Ken Johnson has served many years on the City Council and various City boards should make the transition somewhat smoother, but he also most likely find bein’ at the helm a little different than bein’ on an oar.

I have little doubt, however, that after a few weeks there will be plenty of discussion to fill the pages of this paper. There are some things that never change.

This is some fact, but mostly, Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Chamber of Commerce & Fastrip

U.S. CHAMBER URGES HOUSE TO PASS HIGHWAY FUNDING BILL

WASHINGTON, DC - In a letter sent to the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce urged members "not to shortchange our nation’s transportation needs" and immediately approve the "Building Efficient Surface Transportation and Equity Act" (BESTEA).

Funding for federal highway projects is slated to expire on May 1 unless Congress approves a bill reauthorizing funds.

"The federal government should keep its commitment to the American people and dedicate highway user taxes to fix transportation problems," said U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue. "This bill would significantly increase the level of investment in our nation’s roads, bridges and transit systems and contribute greatly to both the national economy and highway safety."

Increased transportation funding and renewal of ISTEA programs are among the U.S. Chamber’s top legislative priorities for 1998. The Chamber has been leading grassroots efforts to ensure that highway user fees are dedicated to road and bridge repair.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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