No Expectations, But Prepared.

Police Chief Dennis Veach told the City Council Public Safety Committee Monday evening that although there are no expectations for the need, the Police & Fire Departments are prepared for situations related to recent national events.

"We don’t want to talk publicly about things we’ve done or considerations we’ve made I don’t think, but," Veach said, "we do want to reassure this group that we discuss daily the national events that are occurring and the appropriate responses for things that are occurring and various scenarios that could happen here. We do not have an overwhelming sense that we are a target for anything, but it is appropriate for us to think of those things. Both departments have made some adjustments and considerations. We think its appropriate that you know that we have not ignored the national situation."

The Committee approved the purchase of seven hazardous material protective suits for the Fire Department. Fire Chief John Cooper told the Committee the items were budgeted for replacement this year. Fire personnel are fully trained in the handling of hazardous materials.

The Public Safety discussion about fireworks within the City limits was pretty well cut and dry. Looks like they will recommend that fireworks be allowed from the first of July through the fourth.

The only limitations indicated were bottle rockets and roman candles.

The selling of fireworks would also be allowed but the Committee has some questions as to hours of operation and whether items illegal to shoot in the City should be allowed to be sold.

The time bein’ considered for shootin’ fireworks is from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.

As of now, there have been no votes but it appears that the four member committee is in favor of the general idea. The Council will face the issue in the comin’ months.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing Services

PRIME TIME WITH KIDS

by Donna Erickson

If the tastes and interests of your emerging teen have clearly shifted from a once-adored Little Mermaid wallpaper border or Ninja Turtle lampshade, update the accessories in your child’s room or the portion of the room he/she shares. You don’t have to buy expensive materials for these decorating crafts; just use what you already have around the house and pick up the rest at a discount store. Once the materials are assembled, assist your child in the initial steps, then let him/her do the rest.

Sponge-Paint a Denim-Style Lamp-shade: Find a white fabric lampshade or recycle an old one that might be slightly faded or spotted. It should fit your child’s bedroom lamp.

On a plastic plate or old pie tin, squeeze out three puddles of acrylic paints in dark blue, light blue and white. Use a clean sponge to dab the paint on the lampshade, starting with the dark blue. Sponge the entire shade. While the paint is still damp, sponge the light blue paint randomly over the dark blue. Finally, lightly apply the white paint in the same fashion. For an even application, always dab the sponge on a piece of paper toweling before applying it to the lampshade.

Make an Eye-catching Bulletin Board: Cut a sheet of foam-core board to fit above your child’s desk. Then use scissors to cut geometric shapes from a clean sponge. Dab the cut sponges in bright colors of acrylic paints and apply randomly around the border of the board. Let the shapes overlap for a nice effect.

From a catchall for pencils and pens, glue a blue-jean pocket to one of the corners of the board. Simply cut out the hip pocket from a pair of old denim jeans and glue the two sides and bottom edges of the pocket to the board.

Decorate a Light-Switch Plate: Look for a light-switch plate designed for inserting wallpaper. Open the plate and let your child arrange tiny photos, magazine cutouts, or pressed flowers and leaves inside. Replace the clear plastic cover. If you use glow-in-the-dark stickers, it will be easy to find the switch at night!