From the Minutes.

Last Week’s Public Safety Committee.

"Mr. Stanley Walker was present and expressed to the council his complaint of the changed City Ordinance that allows the discharge of fireworks within the city limits. Mr. Walker explained that in the past years there had not been an issue due to the ban on shooting fireworks in the City, unfortunately this year he advised that fireworks were shot off at all hours of the night along with the use of drugs and alcohol in his neighborhood. Mr. Walker asked the committee if the City abides by the State Regulations pertaining to the discharge of fireworks, examples being fireworks cannot be set off closer than 600’ to any school or church or closer than 300’ of any gas station. Mr. Walker does not feel that the City should be above not following the State Constitution.

"Mr. Walker said he had contacted the police department and reported the disturbance on Forest Street from Macon to Pine being blocked off with lawn chairs along both sides of the street, karaoke, and loud music, fireworks, drugs and drinking going on all night. Chief Dagnan advised that the department had responded and had pictures of the fireworks trash and mess that was left from the incident. Mr. Walker also reported that he had two dogs that did not tolerate the noise of the fireworks and had to be given a sedative as to keep them under control. Mr. Walker advised himself and others in the City of Carthage are veterans of different departments of the service and such discharge of fireworks, cause distress. Along with the mental stress, there is the paper mess left over from bottle rockets being shot and landing on his roof. Mr. Walker reported that he had contacted the State Fire Marshall’s Office and spoke with Chief Thompson’s former boss regarding the issue.

"After a lengthy discussion, Chairman Rife advised he would discuss the issue with Nate Dalley, City Attorney and see what differences there are in statutes State vs City."

Jasper County Jail Count

192 August 19, 2011

Total Including Placed out of County

I’ve gotten into a couple a conversations ‘bout the trials of bein’ a kid in the last week or two. Not the stuff ya hear about taday, the important trials like fallin’ off a bike or gettin’ hit with a baseball.

I suppose as a kid we didn’t think much of a broken arm or a sprained ankle as bein’ anything that devastatin’. That’s why takin’ some risks while at play was so common. I was shown scars ta prove it.

I suppose I was fortunate that durin’ these conversations there were plenty of stories bein’ told and I didn’t get the chance to relay any of my own. I always thought of my childhood as bein’ filled with some adventure or another, but it seems it was pretty typical of the times. But even today skinned knees are pretty good teachers.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Weekly Column

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Fast Roof Patching

Q: While organizing the attic, I noticed there was an area of the floor that looked like it had gotten wet recently. I looked at the roof above, but did not notice any holes. But there is a little water streak down the plywood. Is this a serious problem? -- Carol H., New Bedford, Mass.

A: If you address it quickly, it will not become a serious problem. Minor leaks in a roof can be patched fairly quickly. They’re often caused by damage to the shingles on top of the roof, which occurs over time due to debris strikes, ice buildup or just general stress from extremes of hot and cold.

During the next rainstorm, go into the attic and note where the water is seeping. Follow the trail of water upward until you can see an entry point. That is the likely area of damage. Mark the spot clearly and brightly for now (put a piece of bright tape or tack a bright piece of paper over the spot).

To repair, you’ll need to be able to access the rooftop safely, with safety harness, rope and ladder, and have a helper. If you’re not able to do this, contact a roofing professional to do the repair.

If you can do it yourself, first re-mark the leaky area. From the attic, take a large (ten-penny) nail and drive it straight upward through the bottom layer so that it juts out past the shingles above. (Don’t sink it in all the way, as you’ll need to remove it later.)

Gather your repair materials: spare shingles, roofing cement, roofing nails, hammer and pry bar. Make your way safely to the rooftop, with your helper minding the ladder and safety rope. Locate the upward-jutting nail.

Remove the nail and patch the hole with a dab of roofing cement.

Inspect the shingle for damage. If it is very minor, like a ripped edge or small crack, it can be patched with roofing cement and a piece of spare shingle cut to fit. Or, you can completely remove the shingle, sliding it out carefully from the ones above and to the side, and slide in a replacement. Tack down on the top and sides with dabs of roofing cement. Tap in roofing nails along the top of the replacement shingle, holding the shingle above it up, then press the shingle above it back down into place. Secure the bottom of the shingle with a couple small dabs of cement underneath the flap.