Today's Feature

Minutes from

Public Safety Committee.

Parking Issues Discussed

"Bud Savard, Owner of Bud’s Place – Barber & Style Shop, was present to discuss a parking problem in front of his business at 508 S Main. Mr. Savard explained to the committee that with R-9 GED Center and the beauty shop that is directly across the street from his business, he has a problem with parking in front of his building. Mr. Savard request that the committee consider putting either 2-hour parking in that area, or put a handicapped accessible spot to accommodate his customers."

Editor note: Carthage City Code: Sec. 23-424. Two-hour parking.

(a) No person shall park any vehicle within the following listed boundaries on any public street and leave the same continuously parked for a period greater than two (2) hours: The area bounded on the west by the east curb line of Garrison Avenue and on the north by the south curb line of Central Avenue and on the east by the east curb line of Howard Street and on the south by the north curb line of Sixth Street..

"Chairman Newport request that this item be put on the next Public Safety Agenda to be revisited for a decision as to fixing the parking problem. Mr. Savard advised that he would be present at the meeting.

"Jerry and Kathy Gilpin, Owners of Carthage Jewelers were present to ask the committee for a parking space on the West side of their building. They reside in their business and have no parking that is closer than 3 blocks away. The Gilpin’s explained that Chief Veach had given them verbal permission to park beside their business without being ticked due to the 2-hour parking restrictions because of them residing in their business.

After a lengthy discussion, Chairman Newport agreed to allow the Gilpin’s to park without being ticket and this item be added to February’s agenda for further discussion and an "official" fix can be made."

Mornin'

I still can’t out guess the coffee maker.

As fast as today’s drip pots are, the first pot never gets done fast enough. I am typically standin’ with cup in hand waitin’ for the drip process to run its course.

I wait ‘till the drip, remove the pot to pour a cup, and the maker spews a last shot of coffee all over the counter.

Sometimes I get the feelin’ that there is some semi-intelligent, munchkin livin’ in my coffee machine, patiently watchin’ for me to remove the pot long enough for that last spurt of coffee. It usually makes that growlin’ noise after the liquid hits, like it had held the fluid as long as possible.

There are reasonable solutions to this daily confrontation. But the use of large hammers and other implements of destruction sounds good to me.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Q: This is our first winter in the Northeast -- my husband and I moved from a warmer state -- and I must say the snow and ice are a real pain. Do you have any tips to deal with snow shoveling and icy walkways? -- Doris in Connecticut

A: My first tip is, get to know your neighbors, because there’s nothing better than having help when clearing your sidewalk /walkway. A next-door neighbor with a snow blower is worth his weight in gold after a big storm. But here are some other hints to make shoveling a little bit easier:

-- As soon as a snowstorm winds down, head outside and begin shoveling. The snow is not packed as heavily at this point, so you can move more of it off the walks with less effort.

-- Never "load" the shovel. Scoop up snow until the shovel is about a third full and then lift the shovel to dump the snow to the side of the walk.

-- Use your shovel to scoop the snow and push it to the side, rather than lift and toss. You won’t get worn out as quickly.

-- Never shovel snow from your walk into the street. In most municipalities it will earn you a citation; it creates a hazard and annoys the heck out of neighbors.

-- If you need to move a lot of snow farther than the end of your shovel, fill a wheelbarrow rather than walking back and forth several times.

Dealing with icy walks is an even bigger problem, since it’s typical for snow to melt slightly during the day and then freeze hard at night. Reduce your chance of slipping by:

-- Spreading a mixture of salt and sand along the walkways after shoveling. The sand provides traction; the salt keeps water from freezing right at the freezing point.

-- Walking with knees slightly bent in case you hit a slippery patch -- never lock out your knees.

HOME TIP: Ice-melting products -- even those labeled environmentally safe -- can still affect the area around walkways, so use only what is necessary to do the job.