According to State Senator Marvin Singleton, the Department of Conservation will not proceed with any type of plans for a nature center in Southwest Missouri unless a consensus is agreed upon in the various communities in the area.

Joplin, Carthage, and Neosho have all shown an interest in the Department’s proposal to increase its presence in the area.

Singleton is calling for a meeting to be held at the Neosho Municipal Hall, West Room, on Thursday, February 10 at 7 p.m.

"By taking the initiative in this endeavor and as the State Senator representing Jasper, Newton, and McDonald Counties, it is hopeful that we can avoid the parochialism that naturally occurs, and can come to a consensus and regional cooperation that is needed," said Singleton.

"Commissioners of the Department of Conservation have told me that unless a consensus is forthcoming, the Department of Conservation cannot, and probably will not, try to increase their presence until such time that a consensus is reached."

Carthage has proposed using the Kellogg Lake area for a nature center.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

There must be onea those unwritten laws up in Jeff City sayin’ somethin’ like ‘don’t get in the middle of local politics.’

We saw it durin’ the airport debate here in Carthage, and it looks like the discussion over some type of nature education center will follow the same lines.

It appears that as long as there is the appearance of upheaval surroundin’ a state department decision, it gets put on the back burner to cool off a mite.

I’m sure, at least I’d hope, they have better things to do than get in a hassle.

I loaned an extension ladder to a friend once. After a few weeks I mentioned it, he said the thing didn’t extend very well, it was a real pain. I told him to take it back where it came from. No sense in me gettin’ grief for tryin’ to help a guy out.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage
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PRIMETIME WITH KIDS

by Donna Erickson

As children grow, they become more skillful at distinguishing things that are alike or different. No wonder matching games like Old Maid, Concentration, and Dominoes are favorites from generation to generation.

Here are a pair of activities for adults and kids who enjoy matching things up! First, find a partner because in both activities you will play in pairs.

• Drawing in pairs. Each member of the pair will need some paper and a marker, or pencil. Sitting back to back, one person draws a simple object such as a car, house or baseball glove, and gives his/her partner directions on how to draw the same thing. The goal of the activity is to give enough explanation (without saying what the object is) so that when you’re done, you’ll have a pair of drawings that are - if not identical - at least very similar.

When one person is done, switch roles, with the other partner drawing a new picture and giving directions. Compare results.

• Scavenger hunt. Start by gathering items that come in pairs such as mittens, socks, gloves, shoes, earrings and cuff links. All players should sit on the floor in a circle. Place all items in the middle of the circle.

An adult or older child should hide one member of each pair of objects in rooms in the house.

Work in pairs to hunt for the objects. As one is found, bring it to the circle and match it with its mate. See how many pairs each team can make.

For an extra activity, ask your kids to think of things that are referred to as a "pair" even though they are really one item. For example a pair of pants, scissors, glasses, pliers, shorts, and tights.