Today's Feature

HAZMAT RESULTS.

The household hazardous waste event that was held last weekend was well utilized by Carthage citizens, according to Public Works Director Chad Wampler. During the event, citizens were encouraged to deposit at the Fire Station parking lot hazardous household materials like paint and fluorescent bulbs. Wampler said that 160 citizens visited the site, which is at least 50 more than in previous years.

"It was very successful," said Wampler.

The yearly event used to be held in conjunction with the City-wide cleanup day, which has since been discontinued. The Carthage Recycling Center will continue to accept appliances without compressors through the end of the week free of charge.

PRCA Rodeo.

The first annual Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo will be held at the Carthage Saddle Club Arena inside Carthage Municipal Park on Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20th. The event is sponsored by Grand Lake Casino and Kix 102.5.

Ticket prices for adults are $15 at the gate and $12 in advance, for children are $10 at the gate and $8 in advance. Events begin at 8 p.m. each night.

Friday’s and Saturday’s events include calf scrambles for ages 7-12 sponsored by Race Brothers of Carthage. The first 5 places will pay $50 each.

A special event "Wild Ride" will be held on Saturday, and is sponsored by JR’s Western Wear of Diamond and the Country Mall & Flea Market of Carthage.

Stock contractor for the event is Wild Card Rodeo Roughstock, Inc.

Advance tickets may be purchased at Race Brothers of Carthage, JR’s Western Wear of Diamond, Race Brothers of Monett, Southwest Missouri Bank (multiple locations) and H&H RV Service of Carthage.

For more information call 417-359-6107 or 417-358-9059

Mornin'

I can’t pass a nail layin’ on the street without stoppin’ to pick it up and get it outa traffic. The habit comes from watchin’ my dad over the years. It was somethin’ ya did.

"Somebody will end up with that in a tire," he might say.

I’m sure he also had selfish reasons for doin’ his good turn. I also learned how to change a tire by watchin’ Dad. Usually a nail that had not been retrieved in time.

I suppose there are those who have never made the connection between a lonely nail or screw layin’ in the road and any consequences.

I suppose ‘tween my dad and uncles, my brother and me, we’ve put a pretty good dent in the flat fixin’ business, but I know of at least a couple of little pricks we missed.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

CLICK and CLACK

TALK CARS

by Tom & Ray Magliozzi

Dear Tom and Ray:

I recently purchased a new, 2008 Nissan 350Z. I allowed a friend of mine (from Australia) to drive it to the airport yesterday, and noticed that after stopping at a red light, he would start the car in second (instead of first) gear. He explained to me that this is better for the engine and would prevent first gear from wearing out. My question: Is he correct? And is this bad for my car? Thanks!---Darcy

RAY: Well, your friend certainly did teach you a valuable lesson, Darcy: Don’t let any of your friends drive your new car again.

TOM: Starting in second is not good for the engine. The engine is perfectly happy to start in first gear. In fact, starting in a higher gear under the wrong circumstances could cause you to "lug" the engine, which is bad for it.

RAY: But more importantly, starting in second is bad for your clutch. You need to use more gas and let the clutch out more slowly when starting in second. That wears out your clutch more quickly.

TOM: While first gear can wear out someday, it usually lasts the life of the car. So it’s not something you need to actively protect and "save." Second gear typically wears out first, because it’s the most used.

RAY: Now, there are situations to start in second gear if you’re facing downhill, or already rolling.

TOM: If you have an overpowered car, like you do, and you’re extremely careful with the clutch, you can get away with it. There is no advantage to it on a typical passenger car.

RAY: Right, So, in general, go first to first gear. That’s why they call it first gear.