Today's Feature

Cleanup Deadline Approaches.

February 15th is the deadline for City contracted cleanup of ice storm related debris. On that date, J&R Disaster Services will have finished its third complete pass through the City to remove debris from right-of-ways, fees for drop-off at the City landfill will be reinstated, and the City landfill will no longer be able to burn limbs. Citizens wishing to have storm related debris removed from their properties are urged to place the debris in the City right-of-way, next to the street but behind the curb line.

J&R Disaster Services is also in the process of trimming hanging limbs that are over the roadway, and is approximately 80 percent finished with that job. The company will additionally continue to assist the Parks Department in its effort of trimming limbs in the City parks. Work was halted on Monday due to the weather, but is scheduled to begin again soon.

The deadline of February 15th was set by the Public Works Committee as a final date during a meeting early in February, based on the progress of the debris removal at that point. Citizens with questions about debris cleanup may call the Public Works Department at 237-7010

Mornin’

I grew up havin’ coaches of various sports that liked "trick plays." All within the rules of course, but some of ‘em down right sneaky.

One baseball coach instructed the catcher to call out "Watch the bunt Pete" when a runner was on third. If the runner moved down the base line with the third base man, the short stop was to slip over to the third base bag for a throw from the catcher.

A football coach would send in two substitutes, three players would run to the sidelines. One would stay in bounds and behind the line of scrimmage next to the coach on the side line. When the ball was snapped, the quarterback would raise and quickly throw a pass to the "wide-wide" end.

‘Never had a coach who encouraged cheatin’, just usin’ the rules for the best advantage.

This is some fact, but mostly,
Just Jake Talkin’.

Here's A Tip
By JoAnn Derson

To get a better, more even-burning flame, trim candle wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting. Remember: More flicker burns quicker (and that’s not a good thing).

Another nominee for removing antiperspirant stains: meat tenderizer. D.L. of Michigan writes, "Moisten the armpit area, and then drag it through some meat tenderizer. Work it in, let it sit for five minutes or so, then launder in the hottest possible water."

"Area rugs are wonderful in homes with hard flooring, as they add a nice coziness and a warm spot for feet, but you must take care to prevent them from slipping. You can glue eraser slices underneath the rug in all four corners to do this for a small rug, or use lines of silicone caulk across the entire rug." - O.S. in Minnesota

Who said white bread is not good for anything? Take the center of a slice of white bread, ball it up, and you can use it to erase marks on most wallpapers. No kidding, it works!

"Leaky faucet? Put a clean container or pitcher to catch the water that you are wasting and paying for, and use for plants, tea or coffee water or for other needs." - K.P. in New York

"I use ‘over the door’ shoe bags in almost every room. They are neat for holding office supplies, or toiletries, toys or craft supplies, etc." - G.J. in Georgia

COLLECTING
By Larry Cox

Quezal Vase

Q: I purchased a Quezal vase at a yard sale for 25 cents. It looks like a Tiffany, and I have several friends who wish to buy it. -- Pat, Riverside, R.I.

A: Quezal glass was made from 1901 until about 1924 in the Queens, N.Y., studio of Martin Bach Sr. Other companies made similar art glass, including Loetz, Steuben and Tiffany. Since Quezal vases generally sell for well above $1,000, my advice is to contact a reputable dealer or appraiser in your area and find out if your piece is authentic. If it is, you have a good eye and made a wonderful buy.

Q: I have a bisque Mickey Mouse that is almost 50 years old. It stands about 9 inches. -- Lucy, Goshen, Conn.

A: Since you sent no pictures and sketchy information, I’m afraid my answer will also be on the vague side. One of the better price guides is the Official Price Guide to Disney Collectibles, by Ted Hake (House of Collectibles, $29.95). If you suspect your figurine is valuable, it might be worth investing in this book to document your piece and find out for certain. You can order it at www.houseofcollectibles.com.

Q: I have a collection of "Golden Replicas of U.S. Stamps," plus other collections issued by the Postal Commemorative Society. How can I sell them? -- Sheila, Huntington, Md.

A: Like many of the "instant collectibles" issued by the Postal Commemorative Society, they are lovely to look at, delightful to hold and impossible to sell. I recommend you contact the company for advice, since the only other alternative is an online auction. The address of The Danbury Mint/Postal Commemorative Society is 47 Richards Ave., Norwalk, CT 06857.

Q: I have a lamp that first appeared to be glass-leaded. On closer examination, I decided the pieces of the shade might be plastic. I am enclosing a picture for your opinion. -- Brenda, Marion, Ind.

A: Your shade is made of capiz shell, a close cousin of the oyster.

Senior News Line
By Matilda Charles

Social Security Asks: ‘Paper or Plastic?’

In a few months some of us can add another plastic card to our wallet. This one, however, will be a means of getting money in, as opposed to taking money out. The Treasury Department will start rolling out a program called Direct Express, a way to get our Social Security and SSI benefits via a pre-paid debit card if we don’t have a bank account.

At first I wasn’t sure about this: another plastic card with a PIN. But the more I study the program, the more I like it.

The Direct Express card will ensure that we receive the money on time. No more paying hefty fees to check-cashing places. No more worrying that the check will disappear from the mailbox or be late. Instead, the money will be electronically added to the account immediately on the day it’s due.

There are pluses and minuses to the program. With the Direct Express card we can:

Make retail purchases and get cash back, buy money orders, make online purchases, get cash at an ATM machine, and more.

Check the account balance either with a phone call or online.

On the negative side, only a certain number of monthly transactions are free. The first ATM withdrawal is free, but only if you use certain ATM machines. Subsequent withdrawals could cost 90 cents each. Extra fees could be tacked on, depending on what machines you use.

If you don’t have a bank account, you can sign up for Direct Express by calling 1-866-675-5648.

If you do have a bank account and would like to have direct deposit, that’s available by calling 1-800-333-1795.

Keep an eye on the details as we get closer to the Direct Express rollout. Some of them may change, including the fee costs.

Land Transactions

Curtis Marlin Knight and Sharon Gayle Knight, Co-Trustees of the Knight Family Trust dated January 6, 2006 sold the property commonly known as: 111 W. 10th St., Carthage, MO 64836, to Hannah E. Robinson. The transaction was handled by Tami Adams & Roland Miller with ReMax Classic.

William Fraher Abernathy and Sandra Bremner Abernathy, Treustees off the Bill and Sandra Albernathy Trust dated June 13, 1995 sold the property commonly known as: 714 Howard, Carthage, Mo 64836, to Ernest A Morris and Terry I. Morris, husband and wife. The transaction was handled by Tammy Brand with ReMax Classic.