Today's Feature

Carthage United Way Campaign Results

The Cathage Area United Way has announced it’s final campaign result of $334,500. The Campaign Chairperson was Neel Baucom and Chuck Bryant is the 2008 Board President.The Spirit of Giving Award was granted to John and Carolyn Phelps.

With receipt of the pledge packets from H.E. Williams, Leggett & Platt and Schreiber Foods, Carthage Area United Way surpassed their goal of $300,000. Local businesses that increased pledges during their employee drive this campaign includes: Arvest Bank, Beimdiek Insurance Agency, Butterball, Carthage R-9 Schools, D&D Sexton, Dyno Nobel, Empire Electric, Innovative Industries, Re/Max Classics, and Schmidt Associates. Lowe’s and St. Ann’s Catholic School joined the community efforts this year. Schreiber Foods made a final check presentation at the Annual Awards Luncheon last Thursday.

The money collected in this campaign will help fund 15 local agencies that serve the Carthage area including: The American Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Camp Quality, Carthage Crosslines, Carthage Crisis Center, Carthage Community Clinic, Cerebral Palsy Center, Girl Scouts, Jasper County 4-H, Lafayette House, Salvation Army and Special Olympics.

Mornin’

It’s time for the annual warnin’ to ever’one of the male persuasion that reads this column and finds that ever’ now and then there is some content worth payin’ attention to.

I’m givin’ ya a little warnin’ to keep your head up come this Thursday. For reasons that remain elusive to many males of the species, February 14 is held in high regard by mates and wanna be’s.

For some reason, females have a sixth sense about last minute purchases. I suppose it has somethin’ ta do with the lack of variety at 4:30 on Valentines Day.

Another thing that some say is an unwritten rule, Valentines are only worthy if they serve no functional purpose. I mean real functional like a paring knife or a new dish cloth. Definitely no fryin’ pans or rollin’ pins.

Flowers will work but no dandelions.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’

This Is A Hammer
By Samantha Mazzotta

Toolkit Basics

Q: What makes up the "basic toolkit"? I hear people saying I should have one, but I don’t know what I need. -- Katie J., Pasadena, Calif.

A: Every toolkit -- for homes large and small -- should have the items below stocked in it or stored nearby.

--Hammer: a standard 16-ounce claw hammer for your everyday hammering and nail-pulling needs.

--Adjustable wrench

--Pliers

--Tape measure

--Utility knife

--Screwdriver set -- including flat-head and Phillips-head (pointed, with a cross shape) -- in at least two sizes.

--Staple gun (and staples)

--Awl

--Assorted nails and screws, different sizes

--Tape: masking, duct and electrical

--Glue: white, wood and permanent

--Level: a small level will help hang pictures straight.

--Stud finder: to locate support boards behind drywall.

--Scissors

--Small flashlight

--Pencil and scratch paper

--Sandpaper: different sizes and coarseness.

--Hacksaw

--Putty knife

--Lubricating oil (such as 3-in-1 or WD-40)

--Work gloves

There are several other items that will probably, eventually, find their way into your toolkit as the need arises. For example, your first "big" purchase may be a power drill and bit set. Chisels and metal/wood files may soon follow. And of course, should you decide to paint a room, you’ll pick up a whole assortment of paintbrushes and related gear. But the above list should get you through those "Shoot, I need to take care of this quickly" moments that every homeowner has.

When upgrading your toolkit, consider each purchase carefully. Will you use it more than once? Is there a better way to do the job? Do you need additional items in order to get the most out of the tool? Once the decision is made, purchase the best tool you can afford.