The Campaign Begins.

The only contested race for a Jasper County office as of yesterday afternoon was for Presiding Commissioner. Incumbent John Bartosh filed and will face David Troyer and Jeff Hammons in the primary for Republican nominee in August.

The Election and Registration Office reports that all other incumbents facing reelection this year have filed, except for Associate Judge of Division 6 Steve Carlton. It is expected that he will file, but was occupied with a trial yesterday. All candidates that filed were Republicans.

Other incumbents that filed were:

Division 4 Judge Joe Schoeberl

Division 5 Judge Richard Copeland

Circuit Clerk Linda Williams

Prosecuting Attorn. Dean Dankelson

County Clerk Bonnie Earl

Recorder of Deeds Donna Grove

Auditor Richard Webster Jr.

Collector Stephen Holt

Candidates have until March 30 to file their candidacy. The Election and Registration Office is located in the Carthage Courthouse and is open from 8:30 to 4:30.

Ever’ now and then I get the urge ta go campin.’ It usually passes fairly quickly, but ever’ couple a three years it seems ta be a good idea. It is always amazin’ to see a campsite develop outa some wooded area into a comfortable setting. After the initial choosin’ of the site, the two most critical placement decisions are the campfire and the latrine (or more likely nowadays, the portapotty). From there the "camp" pretty much is a matter of preference. (Naturally most try to be up wind of both.)

‘Course a large portion of time is spent around the campfire, mainly preparin’ and cookin’ meals. The activity also allows a good excuse for a nice nap afterward before ya start gatherin’ firewood for the next meal. Campin’ can be really relaxin’, as long as ya don’t forget ta pack the air mattress and the toilet paper.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’..

---

HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• To make your own cleaning wipes, cut a roll of good-quality paper towels in half or thirds with a bread knife. Smash down to loosen the cardboard roll inside, and slip it out. Set the partial roll into a baby-wipes container or other sealable plastic container and add your favorite cleaning product to moisten, with just a little extra solution visible in the bottom of the container. Set one on the kitchen counter, in the bathroom, even in the car. They can be refilled over and over.

• Apply a light coat of mineral oil to the outside surface of your stainless-steel appliances to keep then from getting smudges. Repeat monthly.

• "When replacing a button in a spot where the fabric has been torn, use a small scrap of fabric on the wrong side as reinforcement. Sew the patch in, and then replace the button." -- F.K. in Montana

• Clean brass or copper with this mixture for a shine at a great price: To 1 cup of white vinegar, add 1 teaspoon of salt and enough flour to make a paste. Apply and remove as you would a commercial brass cleaner. Buff to a shine.

• "To check a new garment for colorfastness, blot gently with a damp cotton ball. If the color transfers, you’ll know that you need to wash that item separately." -- J.C., via email

• If you have a piece of wood furniture that has a scratch, try this tip you’ll go nuts for: Rub the scratch with the meat of a nut. Brazil nuts, walnuts or pecans are best. But don’t use any nuts that have been salted or honey-roasted. That will attract bugs.