Today's Feature

ADOPT-A-CAT MONTH.

News release

Carthage Humane Society is celebrating the American Humane Association’s national Adopt-A-Cat Month this June. It’s the perfect time to promote cat adoptions because the spring and summer months typically bring a surge of cats to the shelter.

"When cats are not neutered or spayed, they easily reproduce, and the spring and summer is that time of year when cats are more active, resulting in more kittens showing up at our doors," says Connie Shull, Executive Director of Carthage Humane Society.

In an effort to help more cats and kittens find homes, Carthage Humane Society is having a special adoption event Friday, June 20 and Saturday June 21. There will be no adoption fee for cats and kittens on both of these days*. Certain specially marked dogs will also be available for no adoption fee.

The shelter will be open Friday noon until 6:00 P.M. and Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. The shelter is located south of Carthage to Cedar Rd exit. We are on the east outer road, by the Highway Patrol Station. Call 417-358-6402 with any questions.

*Adopters will be required to pay a $30.00 -$35.00 spay/neuter deposit for each animal adopted.

Saw a blue bee floating’ around as I sat on the back porch the other day. Not bein’ partial to bees gettin’ too near, I watched as the critter landed near a small cobweb in the corner. I figured the bee could escape the thin web, but thought it might be interestin’ to watch the surprised look on its face when the spider’s trap was sprung.

The bee lightly touched the web and began workin’ its way toward the middle. I could see the little feet stickin’ a little and figured it was just a matter of time.

To my surprise the bee grabbed what looked like a gnat out of the web and flew up to the porch rail. After a couple a quick pricks with the stinger, the bug disappeared in to the jaws of the bee. I bet the spider was really ticked off he wasn’t watchin’ his nest better.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’

Sagging Ceiling Needs a Lift

Q: Last spring, my roof sprang a leak and water stained the ceiling in my daughter’s second-floor bedroom. We fixed the leak and repainted the ceiling. However, now the new paint is cracked. What’s going on? -- Laura L., Wytheville, Va.

A:The ceiling is starting to sag downward, it appears. But all is not lost. First, make certain that no other water damage is occurring by checking the attic or crawlspace above for dampness over or near the bedroom ceiling. Always repair any leaks before fixing leak-related damage.

To repair the sag, prop up the wallboard with a T-brace. You can make this yourself -- measure the distance from the ceiling to the floor, and cut a 2-by-4 board to that distance, plus one-half inch. Cut a second 2 by 4 to a length of 4 feet and attach it to one end of the long board to make a "T." Set the cross-piece (the top of the T) at the center of the sagging ceiling, lengthwise. Place the bottom of the brace atop a piece of plywood (to protect the floor). Slide the bottom of the brace forward until the brace is completely straight.

To secure the ceiling, place new wallboard screws along the popped seam (or joint), about 4 inches from the old screws. Be sure to screw them into the ceiling joists, For sagging sections that aren’t along the joint, place screws through them and into a joist (locate the joist by aligning the new screws with old fasteners).

Once the sagging is fixed, repair the surface by scraping away chipped paint and sanding rough areas. Place wallboard tape over the repaired seam, then smooth compound over the area and feather. Let dry, then repaint.

HOME TIP: Some wallboard patching jobs will show through no matter how much you try to disguise them. Consider using textured paint and some creative brushstrokes to create a stippled surface that will draw the eye away from patch areas.