Today's Feature

Annual City Wide Clean Up.

News Release

The City of Carthage, under contract with American Disposal Services, will conduct its Annual Residential City Wide Spring Clean Up on Saturday, April 23, 2005.

Trash should not be put out until the Friday night before clean up day. Items to be picked up should be placed at their regular designated trash pick up location.

Appliances may be dropped off at the Carthage Recycling and Compost Center April 16-30. The compressors must be removed from all appliances before drop off. Containers weighing over 75 pounds, yard waste, paint, rocks, batteries, chemicals or hazardous household waste will not be picked up.

Up to four tires (without wheels or rims) per household will be allowed for drop off at the Carthage Recycling and Compost Center April 16 through April 30. Tires with wheels or rims will not be accepted.

Contact the Public Works Department at 237-7010 for more information.

I’m supposin’ that professional painters are well aware that a job looks good doesn’t necessarily mean it is a functional paint job. ‘Course the real trick is ta have a function that is also pleasin’ in appearance, but no matter what, the effort of paintin’ is only worthwhile if it does the job intended.

The philosophy a friend a mine once took not of, that two think coats are always better than one thick coat, came from a paint can. He may have taken it a little to serious, but then he did tend to use a spray can in an unventilated room on occasion.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

• If clutter bothers you, watch the placement of your furniture. Tables and other flat surfaces can be real clutter catchers. Position these pieces away from the door, or install an organization system to control clutter before it controls you.

• "Always dust from the top down. My mom taught me that, since the dust falls and then you vacuum it up at the end. Also, don’t use too much furniture polish, since using a lot can actually attract dust." — B.O. in Pennsylvania

• Another great use for knee-high stockings, this one from K.P. in Mississippi: "If you need a way to store leftover wrapping paper, roll it up tight, place a small amount of tape at each end, place each roll in a knee-high and tie the end. They stretch all the way up."

• "Keep leftover slices of good meat and veggies in zipper-lock plastic baggies and freeze. When you make canned soups, just add the appropriate bits from your baggie. It really bulks up the soups, and you save money and don’t waste precious food." — P.R. in California

• For a great springtime facial, mash up a small can (or a snack-size serving) of peaches in juice. Add to it 2 to 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and gently massage into skin. Let sit for a minute or two and then rinse with warm water.

• "Styrofoam peanuts are great for adding to the bottom of plants for drainage. You can usually get some for free if you get packages in the mail. If not, you can ask your local shipping store for a few handfuls, and they are usually quite gracious. Mine is." — A.R. in Florida