Casey’s Request Rezone.

The City Council has only one item under new business tomorrow evening at its regular meeting in City Hall. "An Ordinance rezoning certain property at NEC of Central and N. Francis in the City of Carthage from "B" Second Dwelling and "D" Local Business to "E" General Business as requested by Casey’s Marketing Company."

According to the Public Works Department, no building permit has been issued at this time. The rezoning was recommended by the Historic Preservation, Planning and Zoning Committee.

Minutes of the Committee meeting included the following:

"Zeb (Public Works Director) started the discussion by presenting maps and plans for Casey’s Convenience Store. Teresa and JoAnne spoke concerning drive ways into the store, they were approved by MODOT.

Betty Kinnison voiced her concerns of another store in that neighborhood selling liquor.The ladies from Iowa were asked how much of their sales was liquor. Their reply was that it was a small percentage of sales, that food was their largest seller inside the convenience store."

Well, I can tell that March is almost here, the guy down the street finally put out his Christmas tree to be picked up. I’m not sayin’ he’s cheap, but this is the same guy who is tryin’ to sue because he got injured while watchin’ a professional ball game. He fell out of a tree. This is the same fella that complains that Christmas cards are made of such cheap material. Says they only last a few seasons now-a-days.

His kid came by the other day and told me his dad could do tricks. I asked him what kind of tricks. He said his ma says he can drink like a fish.

‘Course this is the same guy that thinks an autobiography has something to do with the history of cars and that Daniel Boone was born in a log cabin he built himself. It this in any way resembles one a your neighbors, it was strictly coincidental.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Major Home Repairs Tough on Seniors

Q: My front porch is in pretty bad shape, with holes in the floor boards and one of the corner posts looking like it’s about to fall. The city has already been by once and warned me about it -- next time I’ll get a fine. But I’m on a very limited income and cannot get around well anymore. How can I possibly get this fixed? -- Tony in White Plains, N.Y.

A: Major home repairs can put seniors in a really tough situation. In this case, your porch needs more than a new coat of paint. It’s got a structural problem that could affect the entire house, and the broken boards are certainly a safety issue.

Your first task is to locate resources for senior citizens in your area -- any resource, to begin with. The city of White Plains has a Senior Center (located at 65 Mitchell Place, phone 422-1423 or visit http://www.cityofwhiteplains.com). While the center does not directly address home repair issues, it does concentrate on support services for seniors with mobility issues and financial concerns, and it doesn’t hurt to have a sympathetic ear on this.

If you received the city’s warning in writing, check the paper for a contact number to the code enforcement office. If not, the government listings are usually listed in a "blue pages" section of your phone book. Contact the city and ask about getting help to fix the front porch. You may get a runaround at first, but be persistent and patient. You also should check with the office about how to appeal the warning or how to ask for more time to make the repair.

Put out the word that you need help with this, to neighbors, friends and family. Let the city know you need help to fix the issue. Now is the time to make noise and get help.