Making Progress.

The funding needed for the expansion project for the Carthage Public Library is almost halfway to the $2.5 million needed by November 5th, 2004.

Carthage Public Library Development Foundation President Joe Lyon spoke to the Mornin’ Mail about the fund-raising.

"It is just two months after the sales tax increase passed," said Lyon. "And already half has been raised. We are very pleased with the progress."

The sales tax increase of three-sixteenths of one percent was passed November 4th. The increase is to generate funds for the renovation, expansion, and operation of the Carthage Public Library. The sales tax increase will not take effect until the Library Board secures $2.5 million through private funding sources.

Lyon also reported that both the Steadley and Boylan foundations committed to pledges. Two more foundations from outside the Carthage area will make their decision after the Library Development Foundation makes a presentation set for the first quarter in 2004.

Someday I want to meet somebody.

I was made acutely aware of this unseen person over the holidays.

"Somebody needs to go get ice."

"Somebody took the last piece of pecan pie."

‘Course typically somebody really means anybody but me.

I even heard the voice a few times. I rattled the door to the bathroom and I heard, "Somebody’s in here."

It’s dirty work, but somebody’s got to do it.

‘Course lots of folks would like ya ta think they are somebody, but few have the guts to stand up and take responsibility for their actions. Put an end to this little game once and for all.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by Carthage Printing

...

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Sam Mazzotta

Bringing a little chime back into your life

Q. Our front doorbell doesn’t always ring when the button is pressed. Is there a quick fix for this? — Trey J., Chicago

A. Yes and no. The problem you describe is most likely a fault in the doorbell’s wiring, but finding the fault may take a bit of work.

Doorbells are low-voltage systems wherein the electric current flows from a transformer (which reduces the current from the standard household rate of 120 volts to a manageable 20 volts) to the doorbell button or switch. When the button is pressed, current flows to a chime unit housing a magnetic coil that causes a small plunger to strike a musical tuning bar. Most doorbell problems occur when wire connections loosen or detach; sometimes, the switch itself breaks.

To see if the switch is broken, unscrew it from the wall. (Leave the current on, but work carefully.) Check the wire connections and tighten them; replace the switch and press the button to test. If the chime doesn’t sound, remove the switch again and carefully detach the wires, taping them to the wall to keep them from slipping inside the wall cavity. Use a continuity tester (available at hardware stores) to test the switch. If no current is indicated, replace the switch.

What if the switch works? Reattach it to the wall, then turn off power to the doorbell system at the circuit box. Check the wire connections from the transformer (near the circuit box — be very careful around it) to the doorbell switch, to the chime box. Reconnect loose wires and replace frayed ones; then restore power and test.

If there’s still no sound, switch the power off again and go to the chime box. Remove the coverplate and inspect the wire connections, reattaching them if necessary. Clean the inside of the unit, especially the chime plungers (which can get gummed up), using swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol. Restore power and carefully test the unit for power using a multi tester. Test the chime by pressing the doorbell. If the chime still doesn’t work, replace the entire unit. Be sure to label the wires before disconnecting them and, after threading them out of the detached unit, tape them to the wall.

HOME TIP: A multi-tester, continuity tester, and a neon circuit tester are good tools to have around the house; they can ensure that wiring is safe to handle before starting a repair job.