Today's Feature

Mouton Gives the Go-Ahead.

City Attorney David Mouton addressed the Public Safety Committee at their last meeting. Mouton spoke about several items he had been asked to research by the committee.

Mouton updated on a proposed DUI Recoupment ordinance. This item was presented to the Safety committee by Police Chief Dennis Veach who said that both Joplin and Webb City Police Departments had implemented similar ordinances for the purpose of reimbursing the department for breath tests, blood tests and other DUI related costs. Mouton said he felt the committee should move forward with the policy. A motion was approved to forward the DUI recoupment ordinance to City Council.

Mouton also shared information with the committee concerning the institution of a independent collection agency for collecting unpaid court costs. Mouton presented a draft of an enabling clause similar to the one used in Joplin for this purpose. The collection agency proposed to be used is Alliance One Recieptment Management Inc. A motion was approved to forward the proposal to City Council.

Had another friend who thought that was a good idea but could never to remember to stop and pick up some note cards.

Another friend decided to write down a list of all the things he could do to be "cool." After puttin’ together the long list, he decided that havin’ to use a list to be cool just wasn’t cool, so he threw it away.

I’m sure that most of us have been "on the list" as well as bein’ taken "off the list" a few times. It typically depends on who’s makin’ the list and whether it’s a long list or the short list. Then there’s the fact that a boat can list. That’s when it leans to one side and just limps along. That could be the longest list of all.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Dear Tom and Ray:

I have just leased a 2005 Toyota Sienna van. The outside width, including the side mirrors, is 88 inches. The inside width of my single-stall garage door is 93 inches. This means I have to be a pretty good driver to get the vehicle into and out of the garage. I can rotate the mirrors toward the body of the vehicle to gain more clearance, but then I can’t see when I am backing up. Do you have any suggestions that would help guide me with the mirrors in the driving position? - David

TOM: You’ve probably noticed, David, that minivans are not so "mini" anymore. They’ve been getting longer and wider with each successive generation ... to the point where a Toyota Sienna is now nearly as wide as a Ford Expedition!

RAY: And you’ve obviously noticed, as well, that garage doors are not expanding at nearly the same rate.

TOM: Here’s what I would do. You would certainly want to fold the mirrors on the way in. That’ll give you a couple of extra inches on each side. Then, line up the van and drive it straight in. When you back out, don’t move the steering wheel.

RAY: Right. I have a similar situation at my house, which was built when cars were much narrower.

TOM: And, incidentally, when my brother was much narrower!

RAY: But I find if I don’t touch the steering wheel, I can go backward on the same exact path that I came in on, and navigate the garage-door pillars without problem.

TOM: And for everyone else, this is a good reminder to make sure the car you’re about to buy will fit into your garage before you buy it. Home remodeling is expensive. Especially if you do the demolition with your new car.

RACING
By Greg Zyla
Sponsored by Curry Automotive

Beam Wasn’t Fast, But Always Finished

Q: I enjoyed your article on Rex White and his new book, "Gold Thunder." Do you recall a driver named Herman Beam? He wasn’t fast, but he always finished and was nicknamed "The Turtle." - Gladys, North Carolina

A: Sure do, Gladys. The driver you ask about was a heavy-set University of North Carolina chemistry graduate who wore large horned-rim glasses. He looked more like a senator or professor than a race driver. Beam drove his No. 19 Ford Galaxie slowly on the apron of the track, just putting in laps and waiting for crashes and mechanical attrition to improve his position. He figured he could make a good living finishing races and keeping out of trouble. He was right, and earned the respect of the other drivers thanks to his courtesy on the track and never causing accidents.

Beam ran a total of 194 races in NASCAR’s top division from 1957 through 1963. His best finish was fourth twice, fifth once and, thanks to attrition, he compiled a total of 54 top-10 finishes. His career earnings came to $42,163, with his best year coming in 1962 when he took home $12,571 in 51 races. He also still holds a consistency record in that he was running at the finish in 84 straight races from April 30, 1961 through March 10, 1963!

Senior News
By Pam Madole
Sponsored by Generations

Prepare an Emergency Kit

This time of year we think about inclement weather and the experiences we have had with the results it leaves behind. Emergencies happen everyday and we have warning systems to let us know what measures to take for our personal safety but we don’t have methods to prevent natural disasters so we need to be prepared.

In recent years my husband and I experienced a week plus without utilities. We were not prepared but our son was. He came to the rescue with his emergency kit and our lives were the better for it during those days. Think about you and your family and what you need and put together a kit as large or small as you will need. Include those things in addition to the following.

Basic equipment includes a small fuel-driven stove and fuel, cooking utensils waterproof matches, plastic trash bags, duct tape, flashlights, radio, extra batteries paper towels, disposable plates, cups and eating utensils, and a manual can opener.

A First aid kit containing disposable gloves, gauze, tape, non-prescription pain relievers, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic, sterile bandages, cleansing agent and soap, moist towelettes and sunscreen.

Food and water for at least 3 days including bottled water, canned food, soups, meat, fruit, vegetables, energy bars, dried foods, honey, peanut butter, nuts, jams, sugar, coffee/tea, salt and pepper.

These are the basics that most of us would use, add anything you have a special need for such as prescription drugs, diapers, formula, extra clothing and don’t forget your pet food.

Next week a basic disaster plan and what you need to do to for you and your family.