County Revenue Up.

The Jasper County Commission held its regular meeting Thursday morning in the Carthage Court House. County Auditor Richard Webster gave a report on Jasper County’s Quarterly Financial Analysis. Webster reported revenues are up by 8.4% above last year in the first quarter.

Webster stated that revenues are up due to increased sales tax revenues and law enforcement. Webster explained that the increase in law enforcement was largely due to state reimbursements for criminal cost from last year. He also mentioned that since January 1st, the jail commissary has brought in $4,192 to make a total of $9032.90 since Jasper County took it over in July 2003.

Webster reported that expenditures are down 3.8% from last year but that as the year goes on, expenditures will increase.

"Historically our income diminishes," said Webster. "This year we have two elections to pay for totalling $150,000. In July we will have to redue the County’s health insurance and that is expected to go up. There has been an increase in unemployment costs, that we did not anticipate this year."

Webster stated that the 2004 budget was set at $10.9 million and that not all of that could be spent.

"If we spend all of it," said Webster. "We would be broke going into next year. We need to operate on $10.5 million or less. If we operate on the bare necessities, hopefully next year we will be able to fund what needs to be funded."

Presiding Commissioner Chuck Surface reported that the state is in violation of the law by not funding assessor’s fees.

"Since January 1st 2003," said Surface. "We have received no money what- so- ever from properties assessed. The County is funding the Assessor’s office and his personnel."

During the meeting, Surface stated that the issue of taxing internet sales has become a topic with legislatures in Jefferson City.

"This will be very important next year," said Surface. "The loss in revenues due to internet sales has been a loss to counties and cities state wide. Folks, this will be a big topic in coming years."

Koral Martin’s Photography at Shellie’s.

By Lee Sours, artCentral

Spring has arrived at Shellie’s restaurant on 3rd Street across from the post office! It is filled with pansies, daffodils, lilies, daisies and roses. The color macrophotography of Koral Martin is on display from now until July 18.

Koral Martin is a person who has successfully merged two hobbies into an art. She has combined her love of gardening with her love of photography with some fantastic results. In addition to showing work at Shellie’s, her work will be showing at the Tulsa International Mayfest in May and at the Prairie Village Art Show in June.

Last Friday’s opening reception was a well attended and fun event. People from Jasper, Joplin and Carthage were here. The award winning wildlife paintings and taxidermy of Kevin Guinn are on display in the Main Gallery.

The Art of Discovery contest entries are on display upstairs. We had lots of wonderful entries from these young artists. The Division I winner was Lindsey Porter of Carthage with her drawing of Sacagawea surrounded by petroglyphs. Molly Russell of Jasper was the Division II winner with her journal entries, wildflowers, and drawing of Seaman, the dog who accompanied the Corps of Discovery. The Division III winner was Aaron Ritchhart of Jasper. His entry included drawings of Lewis, Clark and wildlife. The Director’s Choice Award went to Luke Pryer of Jasper for his trail map done on leather.

Honorable Mentions were awarded to Kara Keene of Joplin for a painting of tipis and to Beth Housh of Jasper for a pencil drawing of beaver and trout.

HOURS: T – F 11 - 5

Sunday 12 -5 Closed Mon. and Sat.

1110 E 13th • 358-4404

ozarkartistscolony.com

I’ve gotten into a couple a conversations ‘bout the trials of bein’ a kid in the last week or two. Not the stuff ya hear about taday, the important trials like fallin’ off a bike or gettin’ hit with a baseball.

I suppose as a kid we didn’t think much of a broken arm or a sprained ankle as bein’ anything that devastatin’. That’s why takin’ some risks while at play was so common. I was shown scars ta prove it.

I suppose I was fortunate that durin’ these conversations there were plenty of stories bein’ told and I didn’t get the chance to relay any of my own. I always thought of my childhood as bein’ filled with some adventure or another, but it seems it was pretty typical of the times. But even today skinned knees are pretty good teachers.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herb

Natural Nutrition

By Mari An Willis

A recent article in a Womens magazine led to many questions regarding the amino acid L-Tyrosine. One of the leading authors on nutrition Earl Mindell explains tyrosine in his Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century.

Tyrosine is a high ranking neurotransmitter important for stimulating and modifying brain activity. "For instance, in order for phenylalanine to be effective as a mood elevator and strong appetite depressant, it must first convert into tyrosine. If this conversion does not take place, either because of some enzyme insufficiency or a greater need elsewhere in the body for phenylalanine, insufficient quantities of norepinephrine will be produced by the brain and depression will result." Tyrosine promotes healthy function of the pituitary and thyroid glands which are involved in mood and appetite control. According to Mindell supplements of tyrosine should be taken with carbohydrate meals or best at bedtime.

Louise Tenney Today’s Herbal Health helps to answer the questions about Borage oil. Borage oil contains essential fatty acids, especially high in GLA(gamma-linolenic acid). Borage is frequently used to treat menopausal symptoms, reduce inflammation associated with bronchitis. It has quite a long history as it was noted that Celtic warriors drank a wine flavored with borage to encourage courage and strength and the sixteenth century herbalist, John Gerard, regarded borage as an herb to comfor the heart and increase joy.

* This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. References available by request. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.