Today's Feature

Budget Committee Frustrated.

The Budget/Ways and Means Committee met Monday evening to discuss the computer report from Ultreya, a computer and networking analysis company.

The committee debated whether or not they had enough information from the report to form a plan to upgrade the City computers. All members agreed that the outline from Ultreya was specific enough about the areas that need improvement, but most felt in varying degrees of severity that the outline was not complete. Included with the information about weaknesses, the report was supposed to have software and hardware recommendations with prices, and the best order of implementing new equipment.

City Administrator Tom Short said that both he and City Clerk Lynn Campbell had made contact with Ultreya and told them that the City was not satisfied with the report, and felt that there were some key features missing. No promise has been made by Ultreya to continue pursuing the absent recommendations and prices.

Some committee members suggested taking a new tactic and getting help from the computer department at a nearby college, or hiring a computer and networking technician. Other members felt that since the money had already been paid for the report from Ultreya, the City should first pursue it until the report is complete and try to find a starting point in the information already received.

The committee also discussed the financing for the additions to the Carthage Public Library. The memorandum of understanding between the City and the Library must be updated to allow for a change of figures so the City can issue a single bond. The revisions as written by the Library board were read before the committee and were not entirely well received as the alterations were mostly comprised of statements indicating that the City would be solely responsible for increased operational costs of the addition.

Further discussion ensued about the Library using pledges as collateral on a ten year loan for their portion of the construction costs. In the previous meeting with representatives from the Library board, it was made known that the Library considered the interest on the 10 year loan to be an operational cost, which would be the responsibility of the City. The Committee will continue negotiations with the library board on the details of the memorandum until a mutual agreement is met.

I don’t know what the latest fad is for namin’ kids. I suppose if the study was found (I’m sure someone has done the study) there would be some relationship to a person’s name and when they were born.

I grew up with people with names like Ethyl, Sarah, Ray, Rick, Filmore, and Johnny.

There were also the locally famous Wall brothers, Stoney, Rocky, and Dusty.

‘Course there were those like Frank Zappa who wanted his daughter, Moonunit, to have a name that turned peoples’ heads (I think we can all guess what period in history that was).

My granddad didn’t have a middle name. He was just Arch. In the Army they wanted a middle initial so he picked C. The rumor was the initials, AC, sounded like Ace. He would have liked that.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Here's A Tip

By JoAnn Derson

• "We keep a basket of travel-size products handy for guests who come to stay with us. It’s very convenient, and our guests are very appreciative." — E.K. in Pennsylvania

• "I just love my digital camera. I took photos of each variety of Christmas cookie that I baked this year and added a photo to the recipe card. It was so easy, and makes the illustrated recipe easy to print and share." — P.L. in Minnesota

• "Hands down the best gift ever: My cousin threw a Christmas party last year and asked everyone to send copies of old photos and family videos. He then had it all edited into a three-hour movie, with pictures interspersed with footage. It played continuously throughout the evening, and we all got a copy." — C.T. in Oregon

• "If you live in a cold area where you might experience icy sidewalks and you have a dog or cat, don’t forget to protect your pet’s feet from the salt and/or chemicals that are frequently used to melt ice. Be sure to wipe down your pet’s feet after a walk outside." — F.F. in Alaska

• For stubborn dry patches on hands, like knuckles and around fingernails, try rubbing on a bit of Chapstick. It does the trick to moisturize, and it doesn’t wash off as easily as lotion.

• "To protect feet from getting soggy when out in snowy or rainy weather, cut a piece of plastic wrap about 3 inches longer than your foot on both sides, then step on it and fold it up on all sides before you put your foot in your shoe. It also keeps feet warm." — M.S. in Colorado