United Way Report Luncheon.

Carthage Area United Way, Inc. held it’s Second Report Luncheon Thursday, December 1st at the new Carthage Water & Electric Community Room.

Dr. Greg Goetzinger, Campaign Chairman conducted the meeting and various company and division volunteers reported on how their campaigns were progressing. The campaign is at 88% of it’s goal.

Agency Directors or representatives attending gave a brief report on their agency and noted the increase in needs and gratefulness for volunteers and donors.

Quincy Charleston, High School Student Advocate captain, reported they have raised approximately $400.00 through a bake sale and are planning other fundraisers.

Amanda Fosdick, with Hometown Bank and volunteer Account Executive for United Way spoke about The Facebook campaign. When someone goes to Carthage Area United Way’s Facebook page and "likes" it, then sponsors Dr. Fly’s Salon, Beimdiek Insurance, Carthage Vision Clinic and Hometown Bank will donate .50 per "like" to the campaign. Donations online can also be made through the Paypal link.

Jasper County Jail Count

173 December 2, 2011

Total Including Placed out of County

I’ve always liked gadgets. Shucks, I just like the word gadget. Sounds kinda off the wall and fun. Most gadgets are based on some real great idea, but most just don’t seem ta be that practical.

I’m sure that little fishin’ rod you carry around in your pocket makes a lota sense to some folks. I don’t spend a lota time at the fishin’ hole, but I’ve never actually seen anyone usin’ one a the things.

Now a fly swatter, that’s a real practical gadget cause most anyone can use one effectively. If ya run into someone who can’t operate a fly swatter, keep your distance.

As a kid I put together a series of pulleys and cord to make my bed. ‘Sides nearly gettin’ strangled one night, it really didn’t save any time. It was just a fun gadget like most ya see.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Weekly Column

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Storm Door Won’t Latch Tightly

Q: I’m having a problem with my storm door not closing all the way. I think the problem is that the door is two steps from the landing, and everyone, including myself, has a tendency to pull down on the handle when we are standing on the outside landing. I have tried WD 40 and also reset the screws, but it continues to stop as it hits the striker and does not close completely. My concern is that the wind will get a hold of storm door and tear it up. Please help. -- Jack Z., via e-mail

A: Try putting a shim (a thin piece of cardboard or wood trimmed to the same size as the hinge) behind the storm door’s bottom hinge and retighten the screws; this may lift the door the few centimeters it needs to clear the striker.

You also should double-check the striker itself. See if it is loose, and if not, loosen the plate to find out if you can adjust its position slightly so that the latch engages completely.

The door closer is probably not the trouble in this case, but double-check its attachment points. The screws may have pulled loose over the years and the closer’s position may have shifted just a bit, preventing the door from closing fully. If the closer needs to be resecured, replace the old screws with longer ones (about 2 1/2 inches) so the closer attaches to the frame more securely.

Finally, check the condition of the door itself, including vinyl seals -- they should be tight around the storm door, not bulging out.

HOME TIP: To keep a storm door from slamming shut, adjust the tension on the door closer (the tube-like device set horizontally inside the door. Twist the tension-adjustment screw located near the end of the cylinder until the door closes quietly.

HOME TIP: To remove paint or grime from door hinges or window handles, remove the parts and place in an old saucepan filled with four tablespoons of baking soda to one quart water. Heat until the water reaches a simmer, then turn off and let the hardware soak for 20 minutes. Remove and scrub with a soft brush.