Carthage R-9 Receives
Technology Grant.

The Carthage R-9 School District was awarded the Technology Literacy Challenge Fund Grant (TLCF) in the amount of $107,000 for the first year and $55,000 during the second year.

This is a federal grant program created in 1996 by President Clinton to serve as a catalyst to ensure that all students are prepared to live and work in an increasingly technological society. The teaching and learning component of this grant is intended to provide projects that can serve as a model for all K-9 students.

This grant, titled "Writing to Go," was written by the junior high communication arts teachers to provide two mobile computer labs, each consisting of 16 wireless, networked, laptop computers, a networked printer, a scanner, a digital camera and a SmartBoard with a projection system.

The grant also provides training in the use of the new technologies for the communication arts teachers for year one and for all junior high teachers for year two.

The communications arts teachers will work on a writing program designed to be used with the new technologies to increase the writing skills of all students in grades 7-9.

Several of the communication arts classes will work on writing projects in conjunction with English education students at MSSC. This partnership will enhance the junior high writing program and will assist English education students with evaluating projects.

The gas company is quick ta point out that they are just passin’ along the cost of their product and not makin’ any money on the increase on natural gas from the well head.

What ya might not notice amid all the discussion about the high price of gas is a little $5 charge per household the gas company is askin’ for.

Seems they could hold off of that request. ‘Course the timing is good cause most folks aren’t goin’ to notice such a relatively small amount compared to the total bill they’ve been seein’.

They may be figurin’ they’re takin’ all the heat (no pun) anyway, they might as well reap some of the benefits. Watch your bills for the latest update.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Workman's Loan

The Super Handyman

by Al Carrell & Kelly Carrell

Dear Al & Kelly:
One of our neighbors almost lost his child to an accidental poisoning. Since then, we don’t take any chances. All our poisonous chemicals and cleaners have a bright pink lid or top. We keep a can of hot-pink spray paint right outside the kitchen door in the garage and give each lid a shot of paint before storing it. Our kids know not to touch anything that has a bright pink lid. Better to be safe than sorry.

Dear Al:
Somebody ought to write a book about the many uses for old milk cartons and bleach bottles. For instance, you can make a really nice tool holder for the garden. You cut off the bottom of the jug, turn the top upside down and attach it to a fence post, porch frame or tree. You can stick your tool handle, shovel, rake or hoe down into the jug top, and it stays put when you leave.

Dear Al & Kelly:
Clamps are too big to use on small wooden craft projects when you are trying to glue them. I have a super way to secure them without crushing them. I use clothespins. The plain, inexpensive wooden ones work great. Since I use them for other odd jobs around the house, I’ve always got a few handy.