Grants at Work in Carthage.

The recent announcement that applications are being accepted for homeowner grants for the rehabilitation of substandard residential structures marks the third year the City of Carthage has been awarded the Missouri Housing Development Commission funding. The City of Carthage Affordable Housing Task Force has spent $134,582 since 1997 to repair thirteen homes. Cost per unit ranged from just under $3500 to remove and replace a roof from below the roof line to $15,000 for a renovation due to structure damage. The object of the Carthage Affordable Housing Task Force is to provide low income families, who currently live in substandard housing, with a safe environment by repairing the existing dwelling. The assistance is in the form of a grant and the homeowner is not required to repay the funds unless the home is sold within 5 years following completion of the rehabilitation.

The list of repairable or replaceable items include everything from roof to exterior paint, and in some cases, vinyl siding. Not included are items considered to be ‘accessories.’ If a home has carpet and the floor is replaced then the carpet is replaced also. If there is no carpet, then adding carpet is not an option.

Vinyl siding is not a standard option. It is used only where children reside and lead-poisoning is a real threat. In this case blood tests are taken as a precautionary measure.

Some of the more recent repairs included roof, vent, soffit, facia boards and gutters in one house. A kitchen and bathroom was remodeled and painted, and, a porch was replaced at a third dwelling. Exterior painting was included in some projects. Two more houses are scheduled for repairs this year.

Several variables are used to determine who is eligible for this program. Applicants must live in the dwelling or reside temporarily in HUD approved housing. Income guidelines must be met and the structure must meet established guidelines.

Richard Rogers, Carthage Inspections Department Head is enthusiastic about the program.

"The Carthage Affordable Housing Task Force, Mayor Johnson, and the City Council are very proud to be a part of this program and assures the citizens of Carthage that the program is working well and each year we receive additional public support," said Rogers. Applications are available at the Carthage Department of Engineering, 623 E. 7th Street.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

Just in case you are not quite clear on the changes for the meetin’ next Tuesday concernin’ the Post Office, here’s how it sets as of today.

The Post Office folks are going to be at the Public Works Meetin’ Tuesday at 5:15 in City Hall. My earlier announcement that the proposed sidewalk ordinance would also be discussed was accurate at the time of the announcement, but the schedule has been changed. The meetin’ on May 18 will deal more with the sidewalk issue dealin’ with problems with trees and such.

There is a chance that the downtown Post Office could be relocated. Options are bein’ considered and the public support will no doubt have some influence. Tuesday, May, 4 in City Hall.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herb

Natural Nutrition

by Mari An Willis

Rain, Rain go away come again another day! Thank goodness for rubber boots and sump pumps.

Diet season is upon us. Some of the tried and true methods are still popular among those in the know....meaning those of us who have dieted most of our lives. Among some of the newer products the active ingredient may be Ma Haung or ephedra. This herb certainly has a place in herbal blends, but one MUST be aware that it "speeds up metabolism" because it stimulates the central nervous system. According to the PDR for Herbal Medicine, it is used in diseases of the respiratory tract including asthma, cardiovascular stimulation and as a stimulant. The contraindications include "states of anxiety and restlessness, high blood pressure, angle-closure glaucoma" and more. It may have an interaction with many drugs and has the potential for becoming addictive with extended or overuse. As of the printing of this 1998 PDR "health risks following the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded." Just because an herb is naturally occurring does not automatically mean it is perfectly safe or has no potential side-effects. I feel as an herb specialist it is necessary to make on aware of these potentialities. Think before you use.

Growing right here is a commonly used weed for appetite depression, chickweed. Some have combined it with celery for a weight loss formula. In Louise Tenney's Today's Herbal Health, celery "should be cooked with milk and eaten freely to neutralize uric acid and other excess acids in the body." It also acts as a mild diuretic helping to rid the body of excess fluids.

As in any new diet plan, one should consult their physician if they are on medications or have other health problems. With a little study and a good look at ones self, you will probably be able to find a way to lose unwanted pounds.* This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.

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