Shelter for Candidates.

The Jasper County Commissioners held their regular meeting Thursday in the Carthage Courthouse. Jasper County Clerk Ron Mosbaugh reported that Coglizer of Joplin is donating the use of a 20x20 tent February 23th and 24th. According to Mosbaugh the tent is to serve as shelter for candidates waiting to file.

February 24th is the first day of filing for County Declaration of Candidacy. This year’s filing is being held on a first come first serve for placement on the ballot. The last election used a lottery system where names were drawn for placement.

Mosbaugh also stated that he had been ask if persons running could put campaign signs on the Courthouse lawn for the 24th only.

Jasper County Residing Commissioner Chuck Surface said "no."

"We want to keep our Courthouse clean," said Surface. " There are plenty of lawns in Carthage people could use."

Surface explained that these types of requests can only be approved by the County Commissioners. Easter District Com

Judy Maurer’s Oils and Pastels
at Shellie’s.

By Lee Sours, artCentral

The paintings of Arkansas artist, Judy Maurer, are now on display at Shellie’s restaurant located on West 3rd Street across from the post office. Her Ozark landscapes and horses, cattle, etc. have a wonderful pastoral quality. Dining is always a pleasure at Shellie’s; both for the tongue and the eyes.

An opening reception was held at artCentral last Friday, Jan. 23. The food and conversation were very pleasant. If you haven’t been to an opening lately, make it a point to go to the next one. They are free and painless, which can’t be said for every social experience.

Currently showing in the Main Gallery is the work of artist, Joe Prater of Joplin. We are receiving many complements on his watercolor paintings of wildlife, western scenes and landscapes. The Canadian goose seems to be especially popular. He has won the Barrie Hunt Award at the Spiva art gallery and has been included in the Midwestern Gathering of Artists held in Carthage.

Now showing in the Members’ Gallery located in the upstairs at artCentral is the work of Noel, MO artist, Gary Younger. He does oil paintings of the beautiful area where he lives. He has several nice Elk River scenes. Anyone who has ever floated that river can testify to its beauty.

The artCentral exhibits continue through February 27. The exhibit at Shellie’s continues through April 18.

HOURS: T – F 11 - 5

Sunday 12 -5 Closed Mon. and Sat.

1110 E 13th • 358-4404

ozarkartistscolony.com

I like the idea of settin’ a tent on the Courthouse lawn for candidates arrivin’ early for filin’. Puts a little dramatic flair to the occasion. Politicians roughin’ it in the cold to gain whatever advantage there might be for bein’ listed high on the ballot.

The other unique aspect of the gatherin’ of the candidates is the fact that they all have to be on the honor system. Keepin’ track among themselves as to who shows up first. The way I understand the informal rules is once ya show up, ya can’t leave the courthouse lawn and keep your position in line. Come ta think of it, that’s about the only informal rule I’m aware of. I’m wonderin’ if bein’ able to make it through the night without a bathroom break is one of the stipulations. A porta potty may be in order.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herb

Natural Nutrition

By Mari An Willis

Colds. Flu. No School. After holiday bills. Snow & Icy driving conditions. Super Bowl. Elections.Meetings. Whatever your stressors are, they are manageable. Much of stress is attitude and we can control our attitudes. We can "own" our emotions.

A few suggestions from the professional to control stress may include:

1. Think positive and act in a positive manner.

2. Exercise helps to relieve stress (you can focus on your sore muscles!)

3. BREATHE...deeply. Check your breathing and shrug your shoulders several times if you find you are not breathing deeply. Up with the shoulders on the intake and drop with the breath out.

4. Stand up and stretch. Maybe take a yoga or stretching class.

5. Find a quiet time and quiet place if only for a few minutes. You may find meditation or prayer are good de-stressors for you.

6. Look into some biofeedback tapes. The kind that guide you into relaxation until you can accomplish it all by yourself.

7. The best choice of all.....laughter. Find something to laugh about or even laugh inappropriately if the situation is just too heavy. When attending a lecture of Dr. Andrew Weil, he began to laugh about nothing, then went on to explain how stressful his travel had been and that he knew he was holding on to it as he had not had time to stop before his lecture. Funny thing was, we all were laughing with him before his explanation...Laughing. It is contagious and healthy.

* 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.