Today's Feature

Carnegie Library Centennial.

The Carthage Public Library will be celebrating its 100th birthday on Saturday February 5. A program will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Phelps House 1146 S. Grand and will feature speaker Dr. Jeffrey Smith, a professor of history from Lindenwood University. Smith will give a first person portrayal of "The Richest Man in the World," Andrew Carnegie. Also speaking at the celebration will be Head Librarian of the State of Missouri Sarah Parker.

Dr. Smith will also perform a children’s presentation for 4th, 5th and 6th grade students in the library at 612 S. Garrison on the 5th from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. A Centennial Exhibit will be featured in the library February 3 through 10 and will be available for viewing on February 5 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Details for the addition to the building are still being planned as reported by City administrator Tom Short at the Council meeting last week. Short said the City intends to send a revised memorandum of understanding concerning the funding of the addition to the library board for their review.

The Carnegie Library was formally opened to the public on February 6, 1905.

I guess we just take it for granted.

I was amazed to learn that the first functional mechanical cotton picker wasn’t invented until way after WWII. I guess I wasn’t around the cotton field enough ta notice. I’ve never picked cotton, but I understand it is not a pleasant way to spend a summer afternoon.

I grew up around wheat, corn, soybeans, and alfalfa hay. We had machines to do most of the real work. Figured other agricultural communities were the same.

Some of those I grew up with went with their families to the northeast to pick apples on occasion. Sounded like fun as a kid, but I never had the urge to make the trip.

I’ve heard it’s hard to get a kid to haul hay these days. A day’s work for a day’s pay just isn’t enough I guess.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Q: As a new homeowner, I’m interested in fixing as many things myself as possible. Are there some items that I would be better served by calling a professional to fix? — Trudy J., Huntsville, Ala.

A: Base your decision on whether to call in a professional on both the level of your home-repair skill and the time available to handle a repair. Some items are also more dangerous or dirty than usual — like electrical or plumbing repairs. If at any time you feel a repair can’t be done in a timely or safe manner, call in a professional.

Almost without exception, some large-scale jobs should be left entirely to repair and maintenance pros. These include major repairs (like replacing a roof or siding) and installation of gas appliances. Most homeowners also hire contractors for grimy, time-consuming jobs like cleaning the drain-waste-vent stack and other large drains, cleaning the chimney and emptying the septic tank. Pest control and removal are also best left to the pros.

There are still quite a few items to take care of around the house, and they will take plenty of time to complete on your own. Here are just a few:

• Minor plumbing problems — like plugged drains, clogged toilets and leaky faucets.

• Painting and wallpapering, patching drywall holes and covering blemishes.

• Patching carpet, dealing with squeaky floorboards, replacing underlayment and installing tile, laminate or vinyl flooring.

• Installing small appliances, like garbage disposals.

• Maintaining the furnace and air conditioner, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, electronics and yard-care equipment.

• Repairing or refinishing furniture.

These are, of course, in addition to the regular tasks of cleaning house, mowing the lawn, feeding pets and so on.

Completing the above items yourself can save quite a bit of money, and you’ll get a feeling of pride and ownership that hiring a contractor can’t give you. However, always be aware of just how much you can really do. If you don’t feel confident doing a repair or installation, or the amount of time needed to complete a job stresses you out, go ahead and hire a professional.