Today's Feature

"Old Mack" is Back in Town.

Fire Department Battalion Chief Ron Hitchcock informed the Public Safety Committee last week that plans were underway to secure funds to refurbish a 1939 Mack pumper truck.

Hitchcock said the fire truck was originally purchased by the City new and was retired and given to the local Shriners. They used "Old Mack" in parades and other events for several years but approached the Fire Department recently and asked if they would like it back.

The truck was used as an icon for Fire Prevention and Safety back in the 1970’s and the Department is discussing the possibility of reviving that use.

Several ideas have been put forward to get the pumper back in shape, although no solid plans have been put in place.

Anyone wishing to assist in this effort is encouraged to contact the Carthage Fire Department .

Mornin'

Out doin’ a little travelin’ over the weekend and stopped by at a convenience store on the way. Browsin’ a little I noticed they had bottled water with a date on it.- "Best used by Feb. 2010." Now I suppose there are those who can give good reason for water to go outa date. I had just never considered the fact. My first thought was that the company wasn’t gettin’ the stuff very pure in the first place. If it was, it wouldn’t rot over time.

I’d have ta guess that the date is more of a marketin’ ploy than any particular health concern. I’ve heard of water gettin’ stale, but airin’ it out a little oughta clear that up.

It looks like if a snack cake can last over a year, a gallon a drinkin’ water should make it at least that long.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Cheap Ways to Boost Your Home’s Value

Q: I know home prices are dropping like a rock, but I’m still considering putting my cottage in Maine on the market. Is there anything I can do to keep its value up? Sign me -- Ogonquit Snowbird, Fla.

A: The housing market has gotten pretty interesting in the past year, but while prices have sunk in many areas of the country, other areas have seen only a modest decrease. And, despite all the doom and gloom we hear about, homes are still being bought and sold. The biggest difference is that buyers can demand more for their money.

As a seller, you will need to offer a home that satisfies at least some of those buyer demands, while avoiding getting soaked on the final selling price. So, what does that mean? Renovations? Probably -- but now more than ever, you’ll want to be careful which renovations you make, because you want to get the biggest return for the amount you invest.

Steve Berges wrote a great guide in 2004 that tackles this concern. "101 Cost-Effective Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home" (Dearborn Trade Publishing) doesn’t just throw out ideas like redoing your kitchen; it breaks down, by the numbers, which project is most desirable to consumers and is therefore most likely to help improve that sale price.

Visual appeal ranks very high in his guide (and in general). That means improving your home’s exterior and its surroundings (the yard, trees and garden, for example). If your cottage doesn’t get much attention while you’re away for the winter, or the yard looks a little ratty, call a professional landscaper to spruce up the lot -- or completely redo it.

The interior of your cottage should get thorough consideration as well. A fresh coat of paint and clearing away clutter costs little, yet vastly improves the look and feel. Hire a decorator if you want to create a complete "look" in the house that will tempt buyers.

What if major repairs need doing, such as plumbing or foundation work? You can make them before putting the house on the market, or you can disclose the problems to potential buyers and work out an agreement on who will tackle the work before finalizing the sale. In this case, talk to your Realtor to get more details ahead of time.