Incentives from Phone Company.

According to a media release by Jasper County Presiding Commissioner Chuck Surface, he testified before the Missouri House Communications, Energy & Technology Committee. Surface reported that businesses in Jasper County and across the state are in an all-out battle to attract new jobs and investment to their areas. As companies seek out a location where they can relocate or expand, they must carefully weigh which communities can provide the vital services it takes to run their business.

"House Bill 1303 creates incentives," said Surface. "For our local telephone companies in Missouri to spend the money it takes to bring high-speed Internet services to every town in Missouri."

The committee is currently considering House Bill 1303, legislation that would encourage telecommunications providers to better meet the needs of customers in a competitive marketplace. The measure helps provide added incentives for communications companies to offer new services, like high-speed Internet services, to homes and businesses.

Heating Assistance.

The Economic Security Corporation has received an additional $85,000 for winter heating assistance from the Missouri Department of Social Services. This Funding is to assist low-income families and senior citizens 65 and over.

Eligibility is based on income, family size and primary heat source. Persons must have a shut-off notice from the utility company and meet 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Elderly 65 and over do not have to have a shut-off notice but must provide proof of age. Persons will be served on a first come first serve basis.

Applications can be obtained at any of their area offices or mailed by calling (417) 781-0352. The Carthage office is located at 600 east Sixth Street, 358-3521.

Last November the ESC received $287,000 for the (ECIP) Energy Crisis Intervention Program. This program will go through May.

Applications for ECIP assistance must be made in person. After hours appointments can be made for working clients by calling their local ESC office.

Transportation.

The Economic Security Corporation along with Region V Council on the Developmental Disabilities are forming a collaborative to address the needs of the unemployed in Jasper County. This collaboration is seeking public input and involvement to work on a long-term transportation solution for low-income families.

The ESC has identified lack of transportation as the main cause of able-bodied workers not being able to fill local jobs.

According to the ESC the unemployment that exists is often due to lack of money to acquire affordable and reliable transportation to reach the workplace.

The first collaboration meeting is scheduled for 12 p.m. February 27th at 601 Joplin Street, Joplin.

Winter Weather Scenes, Wildlife and Western Art.

by Lee Sours, artCentral

Well the weather hasn’t been too good for people to get out and see the art lately but we have sold a painting. The one that sold is a cold looking winter scene.

I’m looking forward to the temperature warming up and the time when I can plant things again. We hope to be looking good by the time the Garden Tour happens in May.

If you haven’t been on this tour I would advise you to take advantage of it. Carthage is a beautiful town both in the spring for the Garden Tour and in the fall for the Maple Leaf festival.

A lot of interesting things to do are being planned for this year in Carthage. The Saint Patrick’s Day dinner, the Garden Tour, artCentral’s stone carving, blacksmithing, and pottery workshops, and the artCamp for kids are just a few in which we’ll be participating. I’m also excited about the music festivals and Chautauqua.

If the weather gets nicer and you decide to go sightseeing, come out to artCentral and see the western art, wildlife and landscapes by artists Joe Prater and Gary Younger. This exhibit continues until February 27th. At Shellie’s restaurant on West Third we have beautiful oil and pastel paintings by Judy Maurer of Springdale, Arkansas.

HOURS: T-F 11-5

Sunday 12-5 Closed. Mon and Sat.

1110 E. 13th • 358-4404

ozarkartistscolony.com

I’ve never stocked a root cellar myself. My grandparents used theirs on a regular basis.

It was located just out the kitchen door and I can remember goin’ in as a kid and seein’ all those potatoes stacked in bins. Only taters I’d ever seen came in sacks.

I’m sure there were other stocks of goods in the cellar, but all I remember is all those tater eyes watchin’.

It wasn’t a place we were allowed to play, and I didn’t much care at the time. We were much more content just yellin’ down the vent pipe and rollin’ down the earth slope that formed the roof.

As far as I can remember there was never a lock on the door. I suppose there wasn’t much fear of tater snatchers back then.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herb

Natural Nutrition

By Mari An Willis

Garlic- one of the most commonly used folk medicine cures. It has been used for thousands of years and is mentioned in the histories of ancient Babylon, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It is said to be a potent antioxidant that supports immune system health, provides energy and stamina and supports the cardiovascular system. It is said to help maintain proper blood thickness, supporting blood vessel dilation, and aiding in the metabolization of cholesterol. It is available in an odorless cap if one is opposed to smelling like garlic.

Parsley has large amounts of chlorophyll as do most green plants. Parsley has been used to neutralize the odors of even garlic. It is high in antioxidants and has been used as a diuretic by some.

Dandelion root contains bitter compounds that enhance the body’s eliminative and detoxifying functions. If you remember your ancestors mentioning "bitters" so your liver would work better and increase the production of your digestive "juices", especially bile, and increase the flow of urine, your ancestors were talking like mine. Aren’t we lucky to have this information passed on to us by those who have tried it and know?

Rose hip contain bioflavinoids which enhance the absorption of vit C. Rosehips is an excellent natural source of vit C. and has been used by folks for the treatment of colds, fever, infection easy bruising and varicose veins. Much later in life, I found my great aunt used it as a part of her "dropsy" cure or hemorrhoids along with white oak bark and some other herbs.