Council Considerations.

Council bills that have originated in the Public Services Committee will dominate the agenda for this evening’s regular Council meeting in City Hall at 7:30 p.m.

Contracts with various groups for the use of public facilities include agreements with the Carthage Aquatic Team, Carthage Youth Baseball, Carthage Sports Association (adult softball) and the Carthage Girls Softball Association.

Appropriations for the Fair Acres Sports Complex will also be considered.

A vote is expected on a contract with Musco Lighting in the amount of $111,000 for ball field lighting. A bank requisition in the amount of $2,777 for items, including some engineering fees, is also on the agenda.

The Council will also hear the first reading of a request by Leggett & Platt, Inc. to rezone property located at 501 W. Central to heavy industrial. The bill comes with a recommendation for approval from the Planning, Zoning, and Historic Preservation Commission. A budget amendment and appropriation of $28,333 to the Chamber of Commerce for economic development services is also on the agenda.

I spent the day Saturday diggin’ out my snow removal equipment (gloves and a shovel). I figured I’d have some time Sunday to clear my own sidewalk and maybe make it to a couple of neighbors. By the time I got around on Sunday, ‘bout the only snow left was in the shady areas under a tree or two. I guess the old sayin’, "never do today what you can put off till tomorrow" really does have some merit.

By Sunday afternoon, I was puttin’ away the snow tools and diggin’ for the lawn mower. That little bit of moisture and the quick warm up sure started turnin’ the grass green. By next weekend I figure I’ll have to endure the first cuttin’. The neighbor’s will be watchin’ for flyin’ pecans and walnuts.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune
Brooks
Hospital

SAFE SKATING: As spring breaks out across the country, hordes of in-line skaters who have been hibernating for months are emerging and are ready to roll. But as their numbers go up, so does the rate of injuries associated with in-line skating.

However, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons makes the point that all that suffering doesn’t have to be an accepted risk for those who enjoy the activity. For example, wearing knee and elbow pads, as well as wrist guards and a helmet, can significantly reduce injuries.

Orthopaedic surgeons at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii studied 81 people ranging in age from six to 44 years who sustained in-line skating injuries. It was found that 90 percent of the injured skaters did not wear protective gear.

Thomas M. DeBerardino, M.D., chief resident of orthopaedic surgery service at Tripler, said, "Every in-line skater, no matter what age, should wear safety gear each time they put on the skates. Parents must insist their children use the equipment every time they skate..."

Dr. DeBerardino also advises skaters to minimize the risk of wrist fractures by using wrist guards with a built-in heavy metal or plastic splint.