Main Street to Sell Building.

News Release from Main Street Carthage.

Main Street Carthage, Inc., a nonprofit organization established to preserve and promote the Carthage Square, is facing its own challenge of self-preservation. In an attempt to carry on few select programs, the Board of Directors of Main Street Carthage voted on Wednesday to downsize the programs and projects carried on over the past several years. The building that has served as headquarters for the organization will be sold and proceeds will support the efforts of a volunteer staff.

"Several charities, as well as city departments, have felt the squeeze of this economy," said Carol Green, Director of Main Street over the past two years. "Difficult choices were made by our city leaders and we all know that these are the type of choices that are hard to make...and hard to accept."

Green went on to commend those organizations that have stepped up to assist with projects in place at this time: Pinewood Nursery will handle the tree planting program which will add over 200 new Maple Trees to the Carthage tree population in the Welcome To Carthage Program; the Carthage Convention and Visitors Bureau will follow though with the popular Ticket To the City for visitors, additional holiday lighting is on order to add a more festive spirit to downtown for this coming holiday season and several events on the square that have been sponsored by Main Street Carthage are presently seeking funding elsewhere. She added that many projects remain available for adoption: the Carthage Christmas Parade, Farmer’s Market, cleaning trash from the square on weekend mornings, Second Saturday Antique/Collectible Show and Sale, The Ragtime Festival, flower baskets, The Carthage Acousic Music Festival and assistance to building owners on state and federal financial assistance with historic structures.

Main Street Carthage Board of Directors appreciates, and salutes, those who have been supportive to history for the future.

There is little doubt that Main Street Carthage has enhanced the downtown area. Recently there seems to be some question as to the City’s responsibility in funding the program.

Since 1989, when Main Street was organized, the City has invested a little over $200,000 in the project at annual increments ranging from $8,000 to a high of $25,000 in 1998 & 1999. Last year the City contracted with the organization for $20,400. Memberships and donations accounted for an additional $4,000. This year the Council appears to be setting the funding level at $10,000.

The Board seems to have moved in the direction of more volunteer involvement and a reduction of overhead. With continued support from the City and members, the new course could gather popular support.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune- Brooks Hospital

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

Summer Is the Season for

Lyme Disease

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Our daughter became sick during a visit to us last year. A large red spot appeared on her leg, and it grew in size. Lyme disease was suspected. When she returned to her home, blood tests indicated that she could have the disease, and she was treated with antibiotics. We would like to know more about Lyme disease and its treatment. — S.H.

ANSWER: Lyme disease is an infection that peaks in the warm months, when the tick population is at its height. Ticks carry the germ that causes it.

Three to 32 days following the bite of an infected tick, people break out with a circular spot (or spots) that has a red border that keeps enlarging. The center of the spot generally turns pale. In addition to the rash, people feel exhausted and often have headaches and a rise in temperature. They can also experience joint and muscle pain.

Those symptoms lessen, but weeks to months later, a new set of symptoms appears. One side of the face might droop, and the eye on that side stays opened. That condition is Bell’s palsy, and it is one manifestation of the second stage of Lyme disease. Other nerve troubles are more common. In addition, the heart can become inflamed, and it might develop irregular beats. The rash seen in the first stage can come back.