Today's Feature

Pneumonia Vaccine.

News release

The Jasper County Health Department will be holding a pneumonia vaccine clinic on November 15, 2004 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The Department will be targeting those residents of Jasper County, excluding Joplin City, who are 65 years of age or older. The recommendations are that persons receive two doses of pneumonia vaccine in a lifetime and the doses must be separated by at least 5 years.

Appointments can be made by calling the Jasper County Health Department at 417-358-3111 or 877-879-9131.

The Jasper County Health Department will bill Medicare/Medicaid cards. The cost of the vaccine is $20.00.

Computer Report Is In.

The Budget Ways and Means Committee will meet this evening at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. A presentation will be given by a representative from Ultreya, a firm that analyzed the City’s computers to find areas where improvement is needed. Ultreya examined the hardware, software, networking and servers and will give a full report at the meeting.

My first memory of dealin’ with city ordinances was discoverin’ that the practice of carryin’ a concealed sling shot was a crime. Once I realized that I could still carry it in my hip pocket and not conceal it, I relaxed some. The sling shot wasn’t that big, I just had real small pockets.

With all the action movies that show the laser sights on those huge weapons carried around, I have to admit that the first time I saw a random laser beam land near me I was a little disturbed. I soon realized it was merely some kids about a block away just pointin’ here and there. No malice intended as far as I could tell. Most schools have banned the little beamers I hear.

‘Course just havin’ a sling shot doesn’t mean ya broke the street light, but I never was a very good shot.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Heritage Publishing

Here's A Tip

By Jo Ann Derson

Hard-to-Reach Leak

Q: I read your article on fixing a leaky outdoor faucet. My problem wasn’t covered: When I turn on the faucet, it leaks inside the garage wall. Any recommendations? — Don R., via e-mail

A: It sounds like the problem isn’t the faucet itself, but the connection between the faucet and the supply pipe. If the seal between these two is no longer tight, a leak will occur at the joint.

You’ll have to locate the correct pipe run and the connecting joint to find the source of the leak. This means removing some wallboard inside the garage to find the problem and repair it — not a pleasant task, but necessary in order to fix this leak.

Have someone stand by the outside faucet and tap it, or the wall, while you stand inside the garage and mark the approximate spot where you hear the tapping. Using a wallboard saw or jigsaw, cut out a piece of the wall, about 6 to 12 inches square. Then, visually inspect the pipe run to the outdoor faucet; you may be able to verify the leak by having your helper turn on the faucet as you inspect the run. Mark the location of the leak with waterproof tape.

Assess the type and extent of damage: If the pipe is cracked, the entire section will have to be replaced. If the leak is originating from a joint, either the connection needs to be tightened and resealed, or the joint must be replaced. Another alternative is replacement of the supply pipe and connecting joints as well as the outside faucet.

At any rate, the leak behind the wall must be stopped as soon as possible to prevent damage to the wood frame, sheathing and wallboard. For now, locate the nearest shutoff valve and turn off the water supply to that faucet. If that’s not possible, then place a pan under the leak to contain excess water. Wrapping waterproof tape around a seeping joint is another temporary solution.