Hail to the Chief.

Well wishers paraded through the Carthage Police Department yesterday afternoon to extend their appreciation for Police Chief Ed Ellefsen’s 19 years of service to Carthage. Today is the Chief’s last day on the job.

Ellefsen notified the Mayor and City Council on May 21 that he would retire as Police Chief and take a position as the Director of the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center in Springfield.

Mayor Johnson presented Ellefsen with a proclamation of gratitude from the City as part of the activities.

Johnson said Ellefsen would be leaving Carthage a "modern, professional, and well-equipped department." The Mayor also wished the departing Chief "nothing but success and happiness in his new career."

"Carthage has been a great community to serve," said Ellefsen. "I stumbled in here 19 years ago. When they asked me to become Police Chief I was enjoying life as Chief of Detectives in Joplin and I thought I would retire there.

"I have felt the respect and reason from 1979 to the present. Overall, the community and the Mayors I’ve served for, and the Council members have been honorable individuals.

"I will miss not being able to work with (Mayor Johnson) longer because I think we would have a heck of a time.

"It’s been a good ride. I’ve got no regrets."

Captain Davis has been assigned the duty as interim Police Chief until the position is filled.

Mall Sidewalk Update.

The Public Works Committee approved a $1780 change order on the Mall Sidewalk project with a vote of three to one. Committee Member Charlie Bastin voted against approving the order.

The change order is for work around a doorway which provides access beneath the sidewalk, replacing that door and for expansion joints needed because of the patterned concrete used in the project.

It is not clear whether the doorway is actually on Mall Sidewalk property or on Carthage Eye Care property, but, according to the Engineering Department, access is necessary for the maintenance of the sidewalk. Assistant to the City Engineer Joe Butler reported that Dr. Soriano at Carthage Eye Care is willing to sign an ingress/egress easement so that the City has access regardless of who actually owns the doorway area.

With the change order, total cost of the project is $77,339 which is still below the budgeted amount. A voice vote of the Council is required to approve the change.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

Lots a folks stoppin’ by the Police Station yesterday. One former Council member commented that he voted against hirin’ Chief Ellefsen back in ‘79. Said then Carthage was just a steppin’ stone for a better position. He jokingly said it took 19 years, but he was proved right. Just goes ta show ya.

Once again Carthage is in position to take advantage of its high quality of life and great geographic location to attract a good caliber of person for a key position in the community. Who ever ends up as the new Chief will no doubt be impressed with the physical station and the personnel left behind by Chief Ellefsen, he’s built a formidable "force."

The Mayor will no doubt have some good candidates to choose from, hope the next Chief stays a little longer .

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street Health & Herbs

Natural Nutrition

by Mari An Willis

The more years I stand on these feet, the more they ache and the more varicose veins and spider veins crop up. If I would stop every couple of hours and put my feet up and change my shoes once a day during work, those two things would help a lot, but...there just doesn't seem to be time for that, although complaining takes no less time!@Q

In many of today's books there are suggested remedies for varicose veins. Among those are the following:

• Vitamin K, as described by Earl Mindell in the Vitamin Bible, helps prevent internal bleeding and hemorrhages and promotes proper blood clotting. It has been mentioned for keeping the veins strong. I have been using the creme and find that it is helping with the small spider veins when I use it consistently. One of my customers has been helped tremendously and states that he has less pain than he has had in years.

• Butchers Broom is supposed to help tone and tighten the circulatory system. I have found it takes some of the pain from the pressure off my legs.

• Recently in Dr. Gott's column (sometimes we agree!) he mentions horsechestnut extract as a remedy for "heavy leg syndrome." Feedback has been good.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids this time of year. Drinking small amounts at one time is easier for some people. I have been told many times that the thirstier you body is the more fluid it retains.

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