Roundabout Conclusions.

Three representatives from the Missouri Department of Transportation were on hand for Public Works Committee meeting yesterday afternoon in City Hall. They presented information on the possibility of modifying the intersection at Fairlawn, Airport Drive, Grand Avenue into a roundabout.

Several representatives of banks and other businesses in the area were also in attendance.

The discussion concluded that at the present time the current system of signal lights does an adequate job, but with increased traffic anticipated as the area develops, the need for more efficient traffic flow will become a necessity. The roundabout is one option and was represented as the choice of the MODOT representatives.

The Committee was told that a similar intersection cost approximately $300,000 and the State has approximately $100,000 available if a decision is made by mid 2001. If the City wants to go forward with the roundabout, a firm commitment for part of the remaining cost would be needed and other possible funding sources would be discussed.

I remember back when you could count on a couple a 60 degree days in December in these parts. ‘Course that was back in the late 1900’s.

I can remember as a kid hearin’ the old geezers down at the drug store talkin’ bout the old days. Hearin’ bout the last century seemed pretty distant at the time.

It’s hard ta believe that the year 2000 is about over. I’ve run into a dilemma that I need some help on. I’m wantin’ to refer to the year and the next decade as the ott years. I can’t find any reference to the spellin’ of the word as in double ott buckshot. I’ve tried the ought, aught, ott but not with any luck. Naught would work, and in fact that may be what I heard all these years, double naught, back in naught-two, that sort of thing. The n may a been dropped. Any help out there?

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing Services

PRIME TIME WITH KIDS

by Donna Erickson

It’s time to think about sending this year’s holiday cards. Though we don’t always get it in the mail before Christmas, we try to come up with a family greeting that conveys news and reflections on this special season.

Over the years, the kids have contributed either by writing a few lines, signing their names, licking stamps or stuffing envelopes. Before the hectic pace of the holiday season swings into full gear, set aside a quiet afternoon or evening to make special cards together with your children.

The most economical greetings are those you create on a plain, prestamped postcard available at the post office for the cost of the postage. Your family can decorate the plain side of the postcards in a variety of creative ways such as the popular technique of potato prints.

To make potato prints, an adult or older child may cut a potato in half with a paring knife. On the sliced side of the potato, carve a design such as a pine tree, star or any other symbol of the season. Sop up extra moisture from the cut potato with a paper towel. Dip the design in acrylic or poster paint and make prints on your postcards. Carve additional potato halves and dip in different colors of paint if you wish to make borders or other details.

For a beautiful snowflake design, make a print with a medium-size green bell pepper. Cut the pepper in half crosswise. Dry the freshly cut area of each half with a paper towel. Paint the cut area with gold paint and press the pepper firmly on the postcard. When the paint is dry, add a message and sign names.

If you prefer to create a personalized holiday letter instead of a postcard, ask each child in the family to write a few sentences describing milestones and memorable events of the past year. If you have preschoolers, ask them to tell you their ideas. Jot down their comments in their own charming style. Type or write the family greetings, including your own thoughts, on a sheet of paper leaving space for a family photo. Attach the photo to the paper and take the completed greeting to a print shop and make copies.