Today's Feature

DUI Recoupment Proposal.

Police Chief Dennis Veach spoke to the Public Safety Committee about adopting a DUI Recoupment ordinance for the Carthage Police Department. According to Veach, each time a person is given tests to determine intoxicants there are costs applied to the process. This ordinance would allow for retrieval of those expenditures if the person was found to be guilty and was convicted.

Veach presented two sample ordinances from the Joplin and Webb City Police Departments and spoke favorably about the more succinct Joplin ordinance. The rate sheet showed processing at $16.00 per hour for the officer or officers making the arrest, breath test at $20.00, Blood test at $120 when applicable, and incarceration at $40 per day. The blood test would be necessary if the suspect refused a breath test or if an intoxicant other than alcohol was suspected. Veach further said that the judge in the case would have the ability to set the recoupment costs aside if he felt it to be unreasonable.

The committee approved a motion to forward the ordinance to City Council in the form of the shorter ordinance similar to the Joplin prototype.

Master Gardner Plant Sale.

News release

Daylilies, water plants, dahlia bulbs, black raspberries, ground cover roses are just few of the perennials that will be abundant at the annual Ozark Gateway Master Gardener plant sale.

This year’s event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 at Powers Museum, 1617 Oak St., Carthage (across from Municipal Park).

A wide variety of plants will be offered including annuals, trees, shrubs, houseplants, vegetables and lots and lots of perennials. River oats grass, pampas grass, rhubarb, irises, sedum are just a few of the reasonably priced perennials available for purchase. A nice variety of groundcovers are also expected.

Area master gardeners donate healthy plants to the sale from their abundant gardens as a fund-raiser for the group’s many projects including the Garden and Grow program for children to learn about gardening. This year’s projects include the fourth year at Turn Around Ranch.

Other projects can be found at the Carthage Public Library Gardens, Joplin’s Schifferdecker Park, Vantage Point, Ronald McDonald House, Lafayette House, Joplin Community Clinic, Brady Building, Earth Day, Sarcoxie Cave Restoration, Webb City Environmental Day and George Washington Carver to name a few.

Master Gardeners also work the hotline at the University of Missouri Extension Office to answer gardening questions from residents. Volunteers from the local group donated over 2,000 hours of work during 2004. For more information call 417-358-1024

I’ve spoke to several that are gettin’ their gardens in. One guy figured he rototilled ‘bout a quarter acre in a day. He’s puttin’ in around two hunderd tomato plants. Says some will be the size of grapefruit. Loves to garden I guess.

I’m particularly fond of plants I don’t have ta plant ever’ year. Strawberries and asparagus come to mind. Both take some time to be up and goin’ but pretty much keep comin’ for a time after they get a good start.

Even better than garden varieties, I personally like the wild strawberries and asparagus. Persimmons are good for jam. Just go out and pick ‘em.

They say dandelion greens are good if ya get ‘em at the right time. I figure with the feud I’ve had with the pests over the years, I don’t want ‘em at my dinner table.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

After the rain, when the sun pops out for long periods of time so will the bugs. It is a good time to remember a few hints to get rid of the pesky mosquitoes and other flying insects naturally. Taking a garlic supplement can help reduce the risk of being bitten or stung by mosquitoes or wasps. If you are bitten by mosquitoes, B-complex vitamins and vitamin C with bioflavonoids may help enhance detoxifying the poisons and prevent allergic reactions.

It has also been noted that mosquitoes are none too fond of the smell of peppermint. Dr. Bronner has an excellent peppermint soap which can be used as a repellant and is easily washed off after exposure. It is handy for camping trips as it is biodegradable and washes off easily leaving no residue. I have used it on my children and found it easy on their skin.

Citronella, although it does not smell as nice as peppermint, is also effective in repelling mosquitoes. It is often found in candle form. I’ve seen them at quite a few of the stores in town. They are also easy to make should you be inclined.

We have made our own bug repellent by putting a few drops of liquid peppermint soap, citronella, pennyroyal oils and some eucalyptus oil into a recycled pump hair spray bottle. Shake well before application being sure to avoid the eyes. It is always wise to test a spot on your skin before applying it all over.

artCentral

Diners treated to "artistic perspectives"

Now through June 11, diners at Shellie’s Restaurant with be treated to a handsome variety of paintings and pastels by artCentral member Pam Leisenring. This showing entitled "Artistic Perspectives" includes 14 artworks demonstrating her ability to depict landscapes and flowers with ease.

A graduate of the University of Indiana and a long-time resident of Neosho, Pam took on the creative challenge of capturing the beauty of Nature and the character of the Ozark region. She is a noted artist in this area, having captured awards and recognition for her creative endeavors over the years. "Art heightens our awareness of the world around us," she states. "It draws attention to details that might go unnoticed."

In addition to being a member of the Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, the Ozark Pastel Society, and art Central, Pam has been the driving force behind the Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibit which takes place in Neosho during October. This event draws artists from Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

Pam is also a well known teacher of art in the region. She shares her expertise and enthusiasm by offering classes for beginners as well as advanced students through art programs at Neosho’s Neighborhood Recreation Center, and at Hobby Lobby and Franklin Tech in Joplin.

Final Reminder: Last call to register for Peggy Dyke’s all-day painting workshop this Saturday (call 358-4404), and last chance to see the paintings of Dan McWilliams and digital photographs of Koral Martin, both closing on Friday.