George Washington Carver National Monument Wants Public Comment.

(Diamond, Missouri) — George Washington Carver National Monument (Monument) Superintendent Scott J. Bentley announced last week that the Monument’s Draft Fire Management Plan and Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment are available for public review and comment for 30 days, until August 13, 2004.

In line with new National Park Service direction, the Monument has revised its 1984 Fire Management Plan. Revisions include minor terminology changes, a proposed ten-year schedule for prescribed burns, and a review for consistency with national policy. The park is asking interested individuals and agencies to comment on the proposed plan, so that a wide array of concerns can be considered when planning the fire management program activities.

The Fire Management Plan is an operational strategy that implements the Monument’s Resources Management Plan. Currently the prescribed fire program concentrates on reducing hazardous fuels and treating natural communities - such as native prairie areas - which require fire for survival. The Fire Management Plan revision includes a proposal to increase educational efforts in the wildland/urban interface areas, so that risks from wildland fires may be minimized in neighboring communities.

A copy of the environmental assessment is available from the George Washington Carver National Monument website at http://www.nps.gov/gwca. Once on the main page select "Management Docs" and then "Fire Management Plan" to review the draft Fire Management Plan or "Environmental Assessment" to review the draft Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment. Both of these documents can also be viewed at the Monument or a copy can be requested by writing George Washington Carver National Monument, 5646 Carver Road, Diamond, Missouri 64850. Comments must be submitted in writing before the end of the August 13, 2004 comment period.

Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver, scientist, educator, and humanitarian.

The monument is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri, on Highway V, then ½ mile south on Carver Road.

As a kid I always wished we lived in a two story house. Not because of any status or even the extra amount of room, but because I never had a decent place to work my Slinky. The metal spring lookin’ contraption would walk down our three steps on the front porch, but it wasn’t very impressive.

I longed for a real staircase where the slinky would slither forever on it’s downward trek. We even built an extension of levels for the life like wound metal to descend.

Like most of the toys that got attention from youngsters, our slinkys would eventually get a kink. Just one kink would ruin the effectiveness and forever limit the execution of acrobatics.

As I’ve grown older, I’m startin’ to have a kink or two myself. And I’m far less attracted to long stretches of stairs.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

This Is A Hammer

By Samantha Mazzotta

Cool Tips for Hot Weather

Now that we’re entering the hottest months of the year, maintaining the systems that keep you cool is more important than ever. Keep your air conditioning blowing cold, fresh air and keep other appliances working at peak efficiency, even in the hottest weather, with just a few simple tasks.

Window-installed air conditioners are generally low-maintenance, but be sure to clean the air filter regularly. At least every two weeks, remove the filter screen from the front of the unit, wash with plain water and stand up to dry.

Cleaning day is also a good time to inspect the unit and note any potential maintenance issues. Frost forming on the front coils, water dripping from the front of the unit, or an air conditioner that doesn’t cool as well as it should are all signals that repairs are needed. A professional will service the unit by cleaning the condenser, clearing the drain hole and oiling the fan motor or replacing the fan or belt if necessary.

Central air conditioners should be inspected by a professional once a year, and kept clean and free of debris (like fallen leaves and branches). Once a month, hose down the condenser unit outside the house to wash off collected dust. Change the filter monthly during the summer.

July is a good time to drain your hot-water heater. Turn off the heating element on the unit and, with a bucket in place, open the drain valve. Empty the tank by half to three quarters. If the water doesn’t clear with the first drain, let the tank refill and drain it one more time.

Hot weather can accelerate fungus growth in appliances, including air conditioners, dishwashers and refrigerators, so clean the inside of these items as well as possible. For window-unit air conditioners, pour a cup of bleach into the drain pan at the start of the summer. Once a week, wipe down the insides of kitchen appliances with a cloth dipped in a half-bleach, half-water mixture, paying special attention to the rubber seals around the doors. Clean out and wash the refrigerator’s crisper drawers every two weeks, using the same bleach-water solution.

Also, while not strictly a household-maintenance item, pay attention to room temperature wherever your home computer is located. Computers and monitors can generate a lot of heat, but operate best in cool air — so open the air conditioning vents in your home office.