The Carthage R-9 School Board held it’s regular meeting Monday evening at Fairview Elementary. The Board agreed to put a proposed 67 cent operating levy increase on the April ballot with a four year expiration through the tax year of 2007.

Currently the operating levy is at $2.75 per $100 in assessed property value. If the proposed levy increase passes it would raise the operating levy to $3.42. The current debt service levy is at 49 cents resulting in a total levy of $3.91 per $100 in assessed value.

Motorcycle Rally.

The Public Safety Committee held their regular meeting Monday evening in the Carthage Police Station. The committee listened as Joplin resident Joe Ristau presented his ideas for a motorcycle rally to raise money for the Salvation Army. Ristau and Shellie Ross of Shellie’s Downtown Restaurant are wanting to put together a bike rally in Carthage sometime in the month of June.

"This would be our first year," said Ristau. "We are in the early stages of planning. I need to know what you guys need from us."

Ristau asked the committee about possibly closing Third Street from Maple to Lyon Streets and closing the South side of the square beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday of the event. He also mentioned the possibility of acquiring a temporary liquor licence for a beer garden in front of Shellie’s Downtown.

Ristau stated that they were interested in Carter Park for a bike and car show and possibly live bands. He said they would like to reserve the space on 3rd Street and the square for bike accessory vendors and food vendors.

Ristau gave a tenitive schedule for June 11th and 12th or June 25th and 26th. The 25th and 26th would coincide with a bike rally in Joplin for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Carthage Police Chief Dennis Veach stated that his only reservations were closing two streets both nights and the idea of a beer garden. Veach said he would be more in favor of possibly closing Third Street on Friday after 5 p.m. and closing the South side of the square for Saturday’s event.

"We have never had a beer garden in the five years I have been here," said Veach. "It would be opening the door that every event will want a beer garden."

Veach also stated that the bike rally has a better chance of being approved by the City Council without a beer garden.

A friend a mine always goes into football withdrawal this time a year. After the Superbowl, he mopes around on Sunday afternoons and nearly goes whacko on Monday nights.

I’m guessin’ that one reason that Nascar races are so popular is the fact that they fill the void left on Sunday afternoons. ‘Course the same could be said of Nascar fans pickin’ up on the football season. They also have the symptoms when the racin’ season ends in the fall.

Although I like a good game or race, I find they both serve the same purpose for me. An excuse to sprawl out on the couch and take a nice nap. I can get in on the beginnin’ strategy, they wake up to watch the final few minutes and the recap. It makes for a refreshin’ afternoon.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• Nancy B. of Lancaster, Texas, writes: "I never could find the time to exercise. When I got home, I had to rush to get supper, etc., and afterward all I wanted to do was plop down and watch television. Then I got an exercise mat and a stationary bicycle. When I couldn’t work out very long, I worked out during commercials. I’ve lost 3 pounds so far!" Great idea for all those with fitness on their New Year’s Resolution lists, Nancy!

• Two wonderful tips came in from Gladys K. of Williams, Minn.: "To protect floors from being damaged by chairs being pushed around, glue rounds of carpeting beneath the chair legs. They are easily removed for replacing as they wear down. Also, when making bread or rolls, warm the flour in the oven or microwave so as not to chill the butter. The dough will rise faster."

• Bob W. of Parker, Colo., swears by brake cleaner to get rid of bad spots on carpets. "Regular automotive brake cleaner on the spot and a clean rag will remove almost all stains," he says.

• "In cold winter months, keep your robe (and slippers or whatever else) under the covers with you when you sleep. Pull it next to or over you a few minutes before you get up. It’ll be toasty and will help make the transition into the cold a little less harsh." — Giselle in Geneseo, N.Y.

• "If your animals try to get out when you go into or out of the house, keep some toys or treats in your pocket or near the door to throw across the room, giving you a few seconds to slip in or out." — Ariadne in Ithaca, N.Y.

• As tax time draws ever closer, try taping a large manila envelope to the fridge, leaving the top open. Immediately place all tax-related forms and receipts in the envelope as they come in. This way, when you are ready to start your taxes, all items will be together and easy to find.