Additional Recycling Site Considered.

Carthage Director of Engineering Joe Butler presented the Public Works Committee with a possible location for a second recycling facility. Butler estimated that approximately $2,500 in chain link fence would be necessary to secure the area on the east side of town. There is also the possibility that volunteers could be available to man the site.

Butler told the Committee that the current recycling center, located just off Macon Street at the old landfill site, was attracting approximately 75 regular users. He hoped the second site might increase usage.

Committee member Trisha Burgi-Brewer didn’t like the idea. She said the Council passed up the option for curbside recycling and didn’t think it was a good idea to spend money on another recycling center. Brewer was a strong supporter of the proposed curbside program. Committee member Charlie Bastin agreed with Brewer. Member H.J. Johnson said that he would support paying someone to man the site part time, as long as the overall cost could be kept low.

Butler was asked to bring more details to the next meeting.

Christmas Parade Entries Being Accepted.

Entries are now being accepted for the Carthage Christmas Parade scheduled for Monday, December 6 at 7 p.m. There is no entry fee. The theme for this year's parade is "A Century of Christmas Memories."

Parade Marshals are John O. (Pat) and Carolyn Phelps. "Pat and Carolyn, both life long residents of Carthage, have tremendous respect for the history of our community as well as a positive outlook for its future. They have volunteered their precious time serving the Carthage R-9 School District, McCune Brooks Hospital, Carthage Historic Preservation, Missouri Southern State College to name just a few. Because of their tireless devotion and dedication, we are pleased to honor them as the 1999 Parade Marshals," states Diane Sharits, Main Street Carthage Program Manager.

Trophies will be awarded to first place in each of these categories: Senior High School Band, Junior High School Band, Elementary Band, Church Division, Youth Organization, Adult Organization, Twirlers/Dance Groups, Automotive, Business/Commercial, Horse/Rider, Horse/Wagon, Specialty/Miscellaneous plus two additional awards, Directors' Choice and Mayor's Choice.

Deadline for entries is November 22. Sponsors are the SkillsUSA-VICA Chapter of the Carthage Tech Center and Main Street Carthage, Inc. For more information call 417-358-4974.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

Accordin’ to conversation during the Public Services meetin’ last Monday evenin’ it looks like the $1 per round surcharge for golfers is still on schedule to begin on in April of 2000. The idea is to use the funds for capital improvements for the course.

The course basically takes care of itself as far as general operation is concerned, but some equipment and upgrades to the property typically is funded from the City general fund accordin’ to the Budget Committee figures.

The Committee also is gonna look at the rates for reservin’ park shelters. At this time there are only two rates, one for over a hunderd folks and one for under a hunderd. Some suggestions will be discussed at next month’s regular meetin’.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Metcalf Auto Supply

Click and Clack Talk Cars.

Dear Tom and Ray:

When I took my 1988 blue Honda Accord into the dealer last month for a new battery, they called me to say that I need new "front lower ball joints." Suspecting that they may just have had a boat payment due, I asked why they thought I needed these new ball joints. They said mine were old, worn and loose. "Yeah," I said, "and what about the ball joints?" They said the ball joints were part of my suspension, so it was a possible safety issue. I frankly didn't go for it. So now I'm wondering, will my engine fall out onto the road while I'm driving? I hate that. — Amy

TOM: Rest assured, Amy, bad ball joints will not make your engine fall out while you're driving. So you can completely erase that worry from your mind.

RAY: Bad ball joints can, however, make the wheels fall off. So if that concerns you at all, you might want to get them replaced.

TOM: This is actually a very common problem on Accords, so if I had to guess, I'd guess that the dealer is telling you the truth. And he's right — it is a safety — assuming you consider your front wheels "safety equipment."

RAY: Actually, I must say that I find it sad that we mechanics have such lousy reputations, that even when we tell someone like Amy the truth and try to warn her about impending doom, her response is "Yeah, sure, buddy!"

TOM: Well, after all those "dip-stick polishing specials" we've sold over the years, you can't really blame Amy, can you?

RAY: I guess not. Get a second opinion if you want to, Amy, but I'd get the work done soon. And while you're at it, have the rear ball joints looked at, too, promise?