Today's Feature

To Discuss Sub-Station.

The City Council Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Carthage Fire Department. Items on the agenda include the discussion of a possible Fire Department sub-station.

The possibility of adding a sub-station for the Fire Department has been discussed for a number of years. According to Fire Chief John Cooper, due to the southern growth of the City a substation is needed to shorten response time and allow for better coverage. The recent construction of McCune-Brooks Hospital in a southern location, as well as the current construction of the new Carthage High School contribute to this need.

Cooper has previously said that when a City has 30% under-coverage a substation should be considered, adding that Carthage has been at that level since approximately 1998.

During the recent budget hearings, Fire Chief John Cooper told the committee of a .9 acre plot of City-owned property in Myers Park, on the southern side of Carthage, on which a 2-bay metal substation with living quarters could be built. Cooper included in his budget the first payment for having the building built, $30,000. The committee did not cut this item from the budget, and requested that Cooper discuss further details of the proposal with the Public Safety Committee.

One possibility mentioned by the Budget committee was to build a substation with more than 2 bays to allow better coverage for future growth.

The Safety Committee is also scheduled to discuss street closure requests for Relay for Life and Kids Fishing Day as well as updates on new hirings at the Police Department.

TORNADO CLEANUP TIP: REPAIRING DAMAGE TO HISTORIC PROPERTIES

News release from the Missouri

Department of Natural Resources

Recent tornadoes have caused significant damage to homes and businesses. Those trying to repair damage to historic properties may face additional challenges, but by taking a few special measures, many of these properties can be saved.

Before entering a storm-damaged building, be sure that it has been deemed safe to enter. Then take a few immediate steps to stabilize the structure:

• Ensure that gas, electricity and water are shut off.

• Consult a licensed engineer or preservation architect about the structural stability of the building and chimneys.

• Check walls and ceilings for any misalignment from the foundation.

• Temporarily secure broken boards with plywood.

• Secure door and window openings with appropriate coverings.

• Salvage broken historic elements for future repair or reuse.

• Maintain protective roof coverings.

Also, when repairing a historic structure, repair rather than replace by retaining original features whenever possible. If replacement is necessary, replace with similar features using items that match the original. If matching replacements is impossible because originals are no longer available or are too expensive, retain the historic character by reproducing the salient visual characteristics of the original. When possible, return to the original by replacing previously missing parts and removing inappropriate modernizations.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has additional resources available to help guide tornado cleanup efforts available on its Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm.

Mornin'
As kids, we used ta build wooden boats and anxiously wait for a rainy day. We’d wait for the ditches ta start runnin’ and plop in our crude 1 x 6 with a pointed top and a stick with a rag tied on top. Then we’d chase it to the end of the block and pull it out and go back for another trip.

I suppose what’s most depressin’ ‘bout rain as grown ups is it hampers rather than enhances our activities. Messes up the hair, gets the shoes soaked, makes it difficult to drive the car. Important stuff. It also has a tendency ta make you want to curl up on the couch and take a nap.

I think its depressin’ ‘cause we ignore our natural impulses when it’s rainin’.

I’ve never seen a kid yet that didn’t walk through a mud puddle rather than around it. Try it. You’ll feel better.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

This Is A Hammer
By Samantha Mazzotta

Home Warranties

Q: What do you think of these home warranties for women like us who can’t fix a darn thing? -- The Girls in Philly

A: I’d say, read the fine print very carefully.

Home warranties are service contracts that cover repairs to a home and/or appliances and other equipment inside the home. Much like car insurance, the homeowner pays a fee (usually each year) against the possibility of an appliance breakdown, a plumbing issue or other household damage. When or if a problem occurs, the homeowner calls the home warranty company, which sends a repairman or contractor to the house to fix or replace the broken item.

This is not a bad idea for the homeowner who isn’t hot on do-it-yourself projects. However, like any product or service, caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) is the watchword here. Research home-warranty providers carefully. Ask other homeowners if they have a home warranty, and about their experiences with repair services through these providers.

Always get a price quote from the provider. Ideally, get quotes from as many providers as possible. Then, compare them. Home warranties cover specific items based on the type of warranty you purchase, the square footage of your home and the age of the house, among other things. Look specifically for exclusions from coverage.

Ask the warranty provider any and all questions that come to mind. If an outside contractor works on a broken item, is the item still covered? Can you even call in an outside contractor? Are there additional fees for certain specialist contractors? What if you’re not happy with the repair? What legal recourse do you have?

So, while a home warranty can be a good expense, do your homework carefully to get the best coverage.

HOME TIP: Most home-warranty providers charge an additional trade service fee (about $100) when a contractor is sent to repair something in your home -- a small additional expense, but one you should be prepared for.