County Planning Commission Decision.

The Jasper County Commission will continue to leave county planning issues in the hands of the fifteen member Jasper County Planning Commission.

Planning Commission chairman Loren Griggs presented a recommendation to accept a proposal from Simpson & Associates of Joplin for developing a county zoning plan at yesterday's regular County Commission meeting. The proposal outlines a 300 day time frame at a cost of $35,227. The plan would be presented to voters for approval before it could be implemented.

Presiding County Commissioner Danny Hensley says that he was confident the Planning Commission was capable of determining the proper choice for the County.

"We appointed fifteen members to the Commission," said Hensley, "If you come in with that recommendation, ah, that's kind of the law, you know. We appointed you all to do a job and if the first thing we do is come along and turn something down that you recommend, then we aren't doing our job. If that's who your recommend, we're going to back you."

Hensley had received some calls inquiring as to the process for choosing a planner. According to County Attorney James Spradling, the job is considered professional services and not required to be bid.

According to Griggs, the Simpson proposal was actually the least expensive of the proposals considered, but price was not the only consideration of the Planning Commission. He said a major consideration was having someone do the project that understood Jasper County. The Commission did not want a "boiler plate" plan developed.

"I think it's going to work very well," said Griggs.

The County Attorney is to meet with Simpson to draw up a contract based on the proposal.

Simpson has agreed to, in part:

1) research and produce a comprehensive plan for the county containing information on demographic patterns, current land use, infrastructure provisions, identification of residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural areas, and setting forth land use related goals for future development;

2) research and produce a master plan for the county containing studies and recommendations relative to the location, character and extent to highways and other transportation routes, bridges, public buildings, schools, parks, parkways, forests, wildlife refuges, dams and projects affecting conservation of natural resources; and,

3) research and propose land use regulations for presentation to Jasper County voters, as prescribed by law.

The proposal further states;

"Simpson & Associates will assist the Jasper County Planning Commission in the presentation of all findings at public hearings as required by law. The firm will meet with the Jasper County Planning Commission at all of its regularly scheduled and called meeting during the period of the production of the reports cited above. In addition, the firm will be available to the Commission for any reasonable additional requests for information."

Griggs told the County Commission that Planning Commission will hold a regular monthly meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at the County Annex at Lincoln and Central in Carthage.

Griggs also informed the County Commissioners that some of the Planning Commission members were having problems making meetings. He inquired as to possibly implementing a stipulation that if an appointee was absent two meetings in a row without a legitimate reason, a replacement would be appointed.

"Again," said Hensley, "I think we appointed you, fifteen people, to do that. We shouldn't have to guide you in that direction. If that's what you want to do, you should do it."

Office space for the Planning Commission has been allocated in the County Courthouse in Carthage.

Kit Tuck Paper Mache Workshop

by Robin Putnam

new release artCentral

If you're interested in Native American art and artists there are some really great things going on all around the Southwest this Fall and Winter. In November, in Dallas, TX there is the American Indian Art Festival & Marketing featuring 175 artists, tribal foods and dances. That is November 7-8. Sponsored by the American Indian Arts Council of Dallas.

In December there are Native American Arts events in Jemez Pueblo, NM, Sells, AZ and Los Angeles. Thanks to Dytri for bringing us this info!

For some regular artCentral news we find we have lost a board member, Judy Baucom, we will miss but understand the demands of a classroom full of first graders!! Good luck to her and her new teaching career and a big THANK YOU to her for all her help. We hope to see her at a few openings here and there!

And, as Helen reported in her newsletter, we know we will have to move yet again. It just isn't going to benefit anyone staying out here. We have had several interesting offers. Some are very creative to say the least!! We appreciate everyone's interest and concerns and are thrilled to know so many people want to help.

We have events planned and shows booked through the end of this year so keep looking for us Fridays in the Press and Mornin' Mail. AND out here in our little Geranium House at Red Oak II.

How about a stained glass workshop? One weekend. For beginner and intermediate. If there is enough interest then we can set a date. How about it?

But for now...how about Paper Mache with Kit Tuck, October 12 and 19. Cost is $50. Sign up now...you don't want to miss out, do you?

Helen says there are some great new books in our library!! AND we have a new art video!! This is a 3 volume set called The Heritage- A Russian Odyssey and is now available for members to check out!! Vol. 1, Catherine the Great: A Lust for Art, Vol. 2, Tyrants and Heroes: The Nineteenth Century Czars, and Vol. 3, From Czars to Commissars: A Museum Services. The purchase of this great set is thanks to the Art in the Garden tour held last June. Thanks to all who voted for us!!

There are also 2 new colored pencil books on loan from Helen, 1 donated water color book from Sally Armstrong and a darkroom handbook from the Library Annex sale!! The latest issues of Artnews and American Artist are on the shelves, too!!

Membership is pleased to announce 23 new members and scads of renewing members!! Welcome aboard!! We now boast a cool 70 artists as members!! This next year is going to be a great year! We have sooo many new plans and ideas..just watch!!

More.......................next week.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

The first meetin' with only two County Commissioners after Mike Cloud's resignation was not filled with power plays. With the realization that the Presiding Commissioner can break a tie vote (1-1), there has been some speculation that Mr. Hensley might move his personal agenda to the forefront. Apparently, this is not the case. Hensley seems content to wait until a third Commissioner is appointed by the governor so as to not take unfair advantage of the current situation.

County Clerk Elect Jim Lobbey is bein' introduced gradually into the system at the Courthouse. He has been present at the last several meetin's and looks ta be gettin' a handle on the workin's of the Commission. County Clerk Margorie Bull is passin' on as much knowledge as possible before her retirement. Another graceful passin' of the torch.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin'.

by

Oak Street health & herb

Wow! The brochures for the Maple Leaf activities are just beautiful. Amazing what a small town can turn out to showcase their assets!

We don't like to talk about it, but it can certainly cause some serious grumpiness, put a damper on a vacation and lead to dis-ease.......constipation. If the condition is caused by a fiber deficiency, that can be easily solved by adding grains, nuts, vegetables, fresh fruits, figs, prunes, and seeds. Try sprouts on a sandwich rather than lettuce. They are much more fibrous and nutritious than iceberg lettuce. Supplements which add fiber may also be used. Psyllium seeds or the powder stirred in juice or water a while so they don't cause gas. I also prefer the type which is unflavored or even in capsules. Flaxseeds are another choice which can be soaked in water overnight or added to hot cereals, sprinkled on a salad or breads. There are many benefits to taking flaxseed. Another choice may be acidophilus to establish healthy flora in the intestines. It is a boost to what we already have. The powder can easily be added to juices or milk, if you use dairy products. If you are going to add it to soy or rice milk, add it just before consuming the beverage. One can add it to the morning protein drink or stir it in with cottage cheese or even take the handy capsules or chewable tablets. Slippery elm powder is also an excellent choice.

Of course, exercise is an important factor in general health. Then don't get emotionally stuck on things and you may find that all systems work better. It has been noted that a deficiency in B vitamins, especially folic acid, can contribute to constipation.

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