The Annual Carthage City-Wide Sidewalk sale will be held on Saturday, July 26th, starting at 6:00 a.m.

All Carthage businesses are encouraged to set-up sale tables on the sidewalk. The Carthage Chamber of Commerce will be providing the publicity; area businesses are urged to participate in the Annual event.

Additional festivities scheduled to be held on the 26th of July include The British Car Show.

The British Car Show will be held on the Square along with the Sidewalk Sale. Some cars that will be showcased include all years and models of Triumphs, Jaguars, Mini Coopers, MGAs, and Motorcycles. There were approximately 100 cars in last year’s show and 140 are expected this year.

The square will be closed specifically for the Sidewalk Sale and Car Show on the 26th from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. as voted on at the Public Safety Committee Meeting June 16th, 2003.

Other area business, including those not located on the square, will also be participating in the Sidewalk Sale.

I’ve always heard that bein’ a half-wit is better than havin’ no wit at all. I’ve wondered what ya get when two half-wits have a conversation. ‘Course you could have a battle of wits between two unarmed opponents.

I’ve never looked up exactly what wit is. I suppose ya have ta know it when ya see it. My mom seemed to appreciate wit when I was growin’ up. I’d hear comments about this person or that bein’ "witty." Especially valued was the person with "quick wit." Someone lackin’ the skills, however defined, of course was referred to as a "dim wit."

Wit seems to somehow combine insight with humor and timing, but the exact formula is heavily reliant on the circumstance and personal taste, or complete lack thereof.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Why Drain a Hot-Water Heater?

Q: My friend tells me I should drain my water heater twice a year. What’s the logic behind this? — Joey L., Trenton, N.J.

A: Pretty good logic, actually. Draining your home’s water heater removes particulate debris that could reduce the heater’s efficiency. This stuff collects at the bottom of the water tank, and over time, depending on the water’s mineral content and other factors, a pretty thick layer can form.

Draining the tank is easy: Switch off the heater (either by flipping a switch at the top of the tank or turning off the circuit to the heater) and then turn off the water supply into the tank. Attach a standard-width garden hose (or drain hose) to the spigot near the bottom of the tank. Place the other end of the hose in a bucket (or nearby sink) and open the spigot. Allow the tank to drain about three-quarters of the way, and then close the spigot tight.

If you want to repeat the drain process, just turn the water supply back on to refill the tank, turn it off, and drain the tank again. Then, refill the tank completely before switching the heater back on.

While you’re at it, do some end-of-season maintenance on your heating system, too. If you have a forced-air system, turn it off and grab a few tools, as well as a fresh air filter.

Open the fan compartment and clean the blower or fan blades with a bottle brush. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove dust and dirt from throughout the compartment.

Check the motor and fan belt. If the motor is self-lubricating, leave it alone; if not, look for the oil ports at either end of the motor and squirt four to six drops of SAE 10W30 oil into the ports. Press down on the belt to check the tension; if it gives more than or less than one-third of an inch, tighten or loosen the tension belt accordingly. If the belt is worn, replace it.

Once your inspection is complete, replace the air filter. Now your furnace is ready for next fall (or a final spring cold snap). Just check it again when the summer ends and clear out residual dust, and that will be one less chore on your list this year.

HOME TIP

Always turn off the water heater before draining it, or you’ll risk burning out the heating element.