Two Hour Parking Debate.

The Carthage Public Safety Committee is scheduled to vote on a recommendation to eliminate the two hour parking restriction in the downtown area this evening at their regular meeting in the Fire Department at 6:30 p.m. Three of the four members were favorable to the idea at the last meeting. A trial period of two months was the proposal put foward at that time.

Nodler Resigns.

JEFFERSON CITY — Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, Friday announced he will resign his position as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee effective Monday, November 30. Nodler has served on the committee for all seven of his years as a state senator, and chaired the committee for the past two sessions. Nodler said his decision earlier this summer to seek a Congressional seat led to his decision to resign. Senator Nodler looks forward to the opportunity to be more actively involved in a broader range of legislative issues outside of the budget process during his final session.

"As a candidate for Congress, it would not be possible to give sufficient attention to both the time demands of a campaign and the time demands of being chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee," he said. "I also have a deep appreciation for the long-standing and strong tradition of the Senate Appropriations Committee being the most bipartisan committee in the Legislature. Republicans and Democrats work together and that carries through to floor unity to keep our budget recommendations intact throughout the process. Protecting the tradition of bipartisanship is vital to the success of the budget process. As a candidate, it would be difficult to maintain that tradition while I am involved in a partisan primary."

Senate Leader Names New Appropriations Chairman

JEFFERSON CITY –Senate Leader Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, Friday announced that he will appoint Sen. Rob Mayer, R-Dexter, as the new chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the standing committee that drafts the state’s annual budget. Mayer will assume the chairmanship on Dec. 1.

"In light of Sen. Nodler’s resignation as chairman, I am appointing Sen. Rob Mayer as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee," said Shields. "Rob is an experienced leader when it comes to the budget process and I have no doubt that he will build upon the bipartisan tradition of this important committee."

Current Appropriations Chairman Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, noted Mayer is well prepared to take the lead on the committee.

"Rob has been an equal partner in the appropriations process," Nodler said. "He is both prepared and has the characteristics to be a strong leader when it comes to the budget during these difficult financial times."

If you’ve got feelin’s one way or the other about the two-hour parkin’ restriction on and around the square, tonight is the night to let it be known. The Public Safety Committee meetin’ at the Fire House will be the place to let you say your piece.

The plan as I understand it is to cover the two hour signs with a bag for a couple a months startin’ around January. At the end of that trial period, the Council would decide whether or not to continue the practice. If they dismantle the ordinance, then the signs would be taken down.

Those who have made a habit of gettin’ out and movin’ their vehicles ever’ couple hours to avoid a ticket may show symptoms of withdrawal when they miss their adrenalin rush each day.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Dishwasher Phobia

Q: My husband went to add dishwasher soap to the dishwasher yesterday morning, but instead of soap he accidentally put Zep commercial drain care into the soap dish -- and turned it on! Now I’m afraid to use either the dishwasher, or any of the dishes or silverware that came out of it. What should I do? -- Alice S., via e-mail

A: Check the drain cleaner bottle’s label for either directions on cleanup of the chemical, or the manufacturer’s phone number. Zep also has a Web site at www.zep.com, where you can find information on that drain cleaner in the Products section under "General Maintenance," as well as a Contact Us section.

My instinct tells me that -- if it’s household-grade drain cleaner -- running the dishwasher through its full cycle several times while empty should clear it, and washing and drying the affected dishes and silverware with soap and water a few times should clear any residual drain cleaner. Wear rubber gloves while washing them, and keep the kitchen well-ventilated while the dishwasher is running.

However, you don’t have to do this if you’re uncomfortable. Like you, I’m a big fan of making absolutely sure the dishwasher and dishes are safe. That’s why I would recommend contacting the company directly, either by calling the number on the label of the bottle, or contacting Zep through its Web site. If you don’t get a satisfactory or timely answer, contact a plumber, who can either guide you through a cleanup process, or can come over to assess the situation and provide a solution that you can live with.

HOME TIP: For best results, run your kitchen’s hot-water tap for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher to make sure the first water fill is hot.