Attorney General Koster urges to give wisely.

Jefferson City, Mo. – Attorney General Chris Koster today warned Missourians to be aware of disaster-relief scams in the aftermath of the tornado that devastated Joplin on Sunday.

"There are people who see opportunity in disaster," Koster said. "Scam artists will show up, pose as charities, and fraudulently solicit donations from people who are anxious to help those in need."

Koster advises Missourians to be cautious of anyone wanting on-the-spot donations or refusing to provide written, verifiable information about the charitable organization represented. He also said to use a credit card or check for donating so that you have a record of the expense.

Koster said those wishing to make donations to help the Joplin relief effort can feel safe doing so through established charitable organizations that are already working on the ground in Joplin such as: American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/), Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf) and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (http://www.namb.net/disaster-relief-donations/).

"At my direction, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and Deputy Administrator Rich Serino have traveled to Missouri to make sure our federal government is working hand in hand with state and local officials to give them the help that they need. And on Sunday, I myself will travel to Missouri to talk with folks who’ve been affected, to talk to local officials about our response effort and hopefully to pray with folks and give them whatever assurance and comfort I can that the entire country is going to be behind them." - President Obama

Jasper County Jail Count

May 24 - Tuesday: 190

Total Including Placed out of County

Accordin to Y Executive Director Bob Bower, thegraduating class of Carthage HS has donated over $10,000 to the Red Cross. The money came from funds that were to be used for Project Graduation. For their demonstration of maturity & generosity the Y hosted the event for free.

Bowers also reports that 10 van loads of food were distributed Monday from donations collected at the Y. A semi load was scheduled to be delivered yesterday.

The Jasper County Health Department will be providing tetanus shots for first responders and for volunteers and residents in the affected areas this Wed., Thur. and Fri from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Department located at 105 Lincoln.

Other good reports of help are comin’ from around the country.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

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Weekly Column

HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• Use a mesh bag to hold flowers in place in a vase. Just roll or wad it up and put it down in the bottom of the vase. When you’re done with the flowers, you can use a stick to swish the bag around and loosen any gunk inside the vase when cleaning. Launder the mesh or just toss it.

• When freezing leftovers, especially soup or stew, consider using zipper-closing bags. They can be filled and frozen flat, then stacked nicely. They take up much less room than standard containers.

• "To make a waterproof mattress protector in a pinch, slit a large garbage bag down the side and bottom, lay it flat over the mattress and cover with a beach towel. Then put the sheet over that. The garbage bag protects the mattress; the towel makes it comfortable." -- U.D. in Tennessee

• "Keep extra liner bags in the bottom of the garbage can. They are handy, so you’ll be more likely to reline the can as soon as you take the garbage out." -- K.P. in Massachusetts

• Keep a box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors. When it’s time to replace it, dump it down the drain and follow with a small bottle of vinegar and a hot water flush. Keep your kitchen smelling nice and use fewer chemicals to do it.

• "Here’s a fun invitation to make and receive: Blow up a balloon and pinch (don’t tie). Write the details of the party on the balloon in permanent marker. Let it dry fully before you deflate it. Then send it!" -- R.A. in Washington