Today's Feature

New Beginnings Presentation.

Carthage City Council heard a presentation from New Beginnings Development at the meeting Tuesday evening. Council member Bill Johnson made a motion for Mayor Kenneth Johnson to send a letter of support for New Beginnings Development concerning Chapel Estates Phase II, located at HH Highway and Chapel Road. The motion was approved unanimously.

The Chapel Estates development offers 24 homes through the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program administered by the Missouri Housing Development Commission. New Beginnings has also constructed 14 homes across the street from the YMCA.

Council also approved an ordinance amending the Personnel Policy Manual for the City expanding the Classifications and Pay section. The changes allow for a training program in cases where applicants hired lack applicable qualifications.

Another ordinance approved by the Council authorized the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for a Non-Urbanized Area Public Transportation Operating Assistance Grant.

Hooked on Fishing offers Scholarships.

News release

Hooked on Fishing International (HOFI) has a contest for youngsters age 8 to 14 with a passion for fishing and a flair for storytelling. The winners will receive a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond and other prizes.

HOFI based in Tulsa, Okla., is the nation’s largest producer of youth fishing events. It set up the Kids All American Fishing Team Scholarship Program to reward exemplary young anglers. Winners will be selected based on how well they articulate their passion for fishing and how well they represent today’s youth as models for all Americans. Fishing ability is not a factor.

To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in public, private or home school and have signed permission from their parents or legal guardians. The application process involves listing extracurricular activities and writing an essay of up to 250 words about their best fishing trip ever.

Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 12. HOFI will announce winners in October. Every applicant will receive a free T-shirt. For more information, visit www.kids-fishing.com and click on "KAAF Program."

Stench Report:
Wednesday,
07/27/05

No Reports of Stench

I’m sure one a the most appreciated inventions of the century is that insulatin’ foam that comes in a can. The stuff ya spray into cracks around the foundation as it expands to close off any loss of coolin’ expense.

The invention also happens to be especially resistant to any of the more common forms of eliminatin’ a mess on your fingers. Soap has no effect whatsoever. The next higher level of solvent, gas or diesel fuel, have a similar non-effect. I did try to access some rubbin’ alcohol but was fearful by that time that the quickly dryin’ substance was going to leave me with a permanent plastic bottle stuck to one hand and a lid attached to the other.

I suppose I should read the warnin’ label ‘fore I make another attempt with the miracle insulation, but I won’t be leavin’ any fingerprints for a while.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a 1989 Jaguar XJ6. Every 3,000 miles when I change the oil, I also drain out 3 quarts of the automatic transmission fluid by removing the transmission drain plug. Then I put in 3 new quarts of ATF to replace it. I’m hoping this will prolong the life of the transmission. Am I correct? - Eliot.

TOM: Well, you’re certainly prolonging the life of the company that makes the automatic-transmission fluid, Eliot.

RAY: And you’re also lengthening the life of your transmission. As you drive the car, the transmission fluid slowly gets contaminated. That’s normal. But as the miles pile up, it gets more contaminated, and does a lousier job of lubricating.

TOM: What you’re doing is draining out some of that fluid every 3,000 miles. You can’t get all of it out because of the way the transmission is configured - but you’re draining out about a third of that contaminated ATF, and refreshing the mixture with some new stuff.

RAY: It’s easy to do, and it probably does have some benefits. In fact, I think I smell a new, $39.95 recommended service at our garage.

TOM: An even better case can be made for doing it on your car, Eliot, since a rebuilt transmission for this beast would probably cost you as much as a one-bedroom condo in a midsize city.

RAY: Now, if you could only change a third of the electrical system every time you change the oil...

RACING
By Greg Zyla
Sponsored by Curry Automotive

Toyota Gearing Up for Nextel Cup

Q: Greg, you said in a recent column that Toyota one day would be in Nextel Cup competition. When do you feel this will happen? I’m a fan who wants Toyota in the series, as I drive a Toyota! — Shelly, Spokane, Wash.

A: Shelly, the quick answer to your question is as soon as 2006! According to NASCAR, Toyota has satisfied all requirements to submit a car to compete in Nextel Cup or the Busch Series next season.

NASCAR vice president for competition Robin Pemberton said, "We’ve had conversations with Toyota all along, even though they haven’t officially thrown their hat in the ring. They’re evaluating the Busch and Cup Series now — though no decisions been made (on proceeding). They have done what they need to do by the (deadline), but they’ve made no official request to participate in 2006."

Pemberton said the deadline is Sept. 1 for getting a vehicle through the approval process, which includes wind tunnel and track testing, to race in either Nextel Cup or the Busch Series next season.

Personally, I expect Toyota to be in Cup or Busch racing no later than 2007, and if everything goes well, possibly 2006. Toyota is leaving the IRL as an engine supplier after 2006, which is another sign of things to come in NASCAR.