Public Service Meeting.

The Public Works Committee met Tuesday evening with an agenda including discussing election signs and reports from the staff and committee.

Street Commissioner Tom Shelley voiced concerns about the many election signs in town that are violating City ordinances and have become a nuisance to city mowers. Shelley has noticed that some signs are blocking the view of motorist at intersections.

City ordinances state a sign must be placed on property side of sidewalk rather than the street side. If there is no sidewalk the sign must be placed at least twelve (12) feet from the street and not on any public right-of-way. Permission must be obtained from the property owner before placing the sign on the property. If nongovernment signs are in violation of the ordnance the city or property owner has the right to remove it.

Police Captain Davis stated that if a sign is found in violation they will attempt to contact the owner and give them a copy of the ordinances and bring them into compliance.

Shelley reported the new Street Department dump truck should be arriving later this week. Shelley also informed the committee a citizen is interested in buying the lot located at 708 E 6th street. After many years of abandonment the property, on which a church was located, was condemned. The City, being unable to locate the owner, contracted with Alumbaugh Construction to demolish the church for $3,875.00. With renewed interest in the property it was suggested that City Attorney David Mouton look into finding the owner once again.

Director of Public Works Craig Menees reported the City is drafting a new ordinance on the Flood Plan which has not been updated since 1983. The changes are insurance driven and have been given a deadline of July 23.

After puttin’ another five hunderd or so miles on the family car over the Fourth weekend, I’m happy to report seein’ no accidents and somewhat lower gas prices. Carthage still can boast some of the lowest prices for fuel around.

I think I encountered a smaller number of idiots out on the highway also. I’m not talkin’ the ever’day, average driver, I mean real, honest to goodness idiots.

I even had a farm truck pull out from a side road doin’ twenty-some miles an hour and drive along the shoulder until I got passed. Makes ya wannna stop and shake their hand for bein’ so courteous.

They say that the Fourth weekend is the most dangerous to be on the road. I’m happy to say that this year at least, ya couldn’t prove it by me.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Metcalf Auto Supply

Click & Clack
TALK CARS

By Tom and Ray Magliozzi

Dear Tom and Ray:

I love your column, guys. I’m curious about a rerun of "MacGyver" that I saw last week. He was trying to escape from "San Arugula" or someplace south of the border. He found an abandoned jeep, and of course got it to fire right up. However, the radiator was riddled with bullet holes, so he thought he was a goner. Then his little light bulb went off. He stole some chicken eggs from a nearby farm, and with the engine running, he proceeded to separate the eggs, putting only the egg whites in the radiator. Voila! The leaks were sealed, he escaped, and he once again saved the world. My obvious question: Would that really work? — Ruth

TOM: Great question, Ruth. In the old days, we would have dumped the whole egg in there, yolk and all. But now that we’re all worried about cholesterol and heart disease, most repair shops have switched over to just egg whites.

RAY: Actually, it might work. Here’s the theory: If there’s a small hole in the radiator, the water or coolant is going to escape through that hole. When you dump in the egg, it goes in as a gooey liquid. But as it travels through the hot fluid (note: engine running), it cooks and hardens. And if everything works just right, the egg is dragged toward the hole, hits it, hardens up and plugs the leak.

TOM: That’s the theory. People have also used pepper flakes for this repair, which I also keep — along with the eggs — in my toolbox. Even if I don’t have a radiator leak, it’s nice to know I can always whip myself up a half-decent breakfast.

RAY: The egg trick can actually work, Ruth, as a temporary fix, if the hole — or holes — are small enough.