Parking Spot Vacated.

The Public Safety Committee held their regular meeting Monday evening in the Carthage Fire Station. Police Chief Dennis Veach reported that he received a letter from Sydren Industries concerning vacating a parking spot located on the corner of Fifth and Lincoln Streets.

"It is where the tee is on Lincoln," said Veach. "There is one parking spot right at the corner facing south on Lincoln, that is right before their recessed area where they make deliveries. In that one spot if there is anybody in there it really makes it difficult for them to back their trucks in."

Veach stated that there were other parking spots close by that people could use.

A motion was made to vacate the spot and the committee agreed.

Chief Veach also informed that the "Free Ride" on New Year’s Eve would be available again this year from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Anyone who calls for a taxi will picked up and given a free ride inside Carthage.

"No questions asked," said Veach.

This annual program is an attempt to keep citizens safe from the dangers of driving while intoxicated.

Some clarification and more confusion. The official interpretation of the City Code concernin’ the residence of a Council member is ya gotta be livin’ in the ward ya represent.

That leaves yet another question up for discussion. Council member Mike Harris lives across the street from Ward One, which he was elected last year to represent.

Now I don’t think anyone doubts that Mike is a good hand when it comes to the City Council, but the fact remains that his election last year was not accordin’ to the most recent interpretation of the Code.

The simplest solution is for Harris to run this year in the Second Ward where he now lives. That option may depend on whether current Second Ward member Bill Fortune decides to run for reelection.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• "My husband’s suitcase is just plain black, so to make it stand out at baggage claim, he put a bumper sticker from a band he likes on it. Now it’s easy to spot." — M.M., via e-mail

• An animal lover from Buffalo, N.Y., writes: "If you have animals in your home, be extra-careful with the trimmings of the season. Keep ribbon, bows, garland, ornament hooks, strings of any kind, chocolate and poisonous plants well away from your four-footed friends. And if you have lots of people coming in and out of your house, keep your indoor animals away from outside doors to make sure they don’t get out."

• "Here’s my tip: If you’re making turkey for Christmas and it isn’t producing much juice to baste with, try basting it with some chicken or turkey broth instead of adding more oil." — Megan in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

• "If you have vegetarian friends and are preparing holiday treats, remember that ingredients like rennet (found in many cheeses) and gelatin (used in marshmallows!) are not vegetarian. Your friends will be surprised and touched by your thoughtfulness." — Twila in Orchard Park, N.Y.

• "I had a friend over while decorating for the holidays this year, and she said I had to write in this tip. I keep my decorations organized using recycled household materials. I save tissue boxes to hold garland, and I wrap stringed lights around the core of a paper towel roll. Clean Styrofoam takeout containers can hold ornaments, and fabric items like tree skirts stay folded but unmusty when kept in a net bag, such as one you would buy onions or oranges in." — H.R., via e-mail