Carthage Population 12,668.

Ranks High in Hispanic or Latino Origin.

Preliminary reports on the 2000 census shows that Jasper County increased its population by 15.7% since 1990. The county grew from 90,465 in 1990 to 104,686 in 2000.

The City of Carthage showed a 17.9% increase over the same time period. The increase of 1,921 brings the Carthage official population to 12,668. Carthage is now ranked as the 55th largest City in Missouri.

Results of the statistics show Carthage as third in the State in percentage of Hispanic or Latino origin. Carthage shows 1,589 in that category, or 12.5% of its population.

Ranked first in percentage of Hispanic or Latino is Noel with 540 out of the population of 1,480 or 36%. Second in percentage is Milan with 428 out of the total of 1,958 in that community. Monett shows 11.2%.

Based on the actual number of Hispanic or Latino citizens, Carthage ranks 7th in the State overall. They follow Kansas City with 30,604; St. Louis with 7,022; Independence with 4,175; Springfield with 3,501; St. Joseph with 1,929; and Columbia with 1,733. Joplin shows a total population of 45,504 and Hispanic or Latino origin at 1,144.

Census numbers are typically pretty dull reading, but the fact that Carthage prob’ly grew more in the last ten years than anytime since the late 1800’s is pretty amazin’.

That coupled with the fact that only six cities in Missouri have more folks livin’ there with Hispanic or Latino origin shows that there are changes on the home front.

The Hispanic population includes not only a large market, it also presents unique opportunities for the school system, housing needs, and eventually a potential voting block.

The impact on the community is only beginning to be felt and predictions are that the trend will continue. Carthage diversity is becoming the norm.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Workman's Loan

The Super Handyman

by Al Carrell & Kelly Carrell

Dear Al: I have replaced my metal toolboxes with a couple of plastic ice chests. I find them a much better choice. They are less expensive, they will not rust and they weigh less so I can put more stuff in them. Ask around and see if you can get some free ones.

I found some old ones that were destined for the trash because they had small holes in them and were leaking water. They work just great for me and my tools.-G.I.

Q: I had a rust problem in my freezer. I used a rust-stopping paint and then covered that with an enamel paint. Now the freezer smells like paint. How can I get rid of the smell? -M.G.

A: First, try cleaning all the inside surfaces with a bleach-and-water solution. Then wipe the freezer dry and place an open box of baking soda inside.

If the freezer still has odor after a day or so, you might need to remove the freezer liner and deodorize the insulation.

If some of the food in the freezer picked up the smell, the tainted food probably should be discarded.

Good luck!

Dear Carrells: My mother visited us and nearly broke her neck in the bathroom. She slipped on the bathroom mat. Now I have put double sided carpet tape on he back of the mat.

It no longer slips, and I think we are all safer. The tape might have to be replaced every now and then, but it is well worth the trouble.- M.P.