Today's Feature
Month End Report.

Public Works Director Chad Wampler presented the City Council Public Works Committee with the month end report for October at the meeting this week.

According to the report the total cost of construction for the month was over $17 million. Some of the larger projects which made up the total included the permit for footings and foundation for the new hospital building and a permit for the Schrieber’s development. These projects were listed under New Commercial and New Industrial categories respectively. The total fees collected by the department totaled $35,488.00.

Wampler told the committee that the two large projects resulted in a high total numbers but added that the actual number of new construction projects for the month is lower than the previous year.

Compared to last year, however, the number of property maintenance permits are higher. The current figures show property maintenance permits at 157 for this year whereas last year at this time only 72 permits had been issued. Wampler and the committee expressed encouragement at the trend of increased home maintenance in the City.

Stench Report:
Thursday,
11/3/05

No Stench Detected

The small town we lived in didn’t have trash pickup. Ever’one took care of their own. After a few months the can would rust out and need replacin’.

The community demand for barrels meant a little extra pocket change and more than a few evenin’s entertainment for us kids.

We came up with a variety of games that used the containers. Most involved puttin’ the barrel on its side and standin’ on ‘em like a log roller. We got pretty good at maneuverin’ and developed the "bumper barrel." Tryin’ to knock your buddy off his barrel by rammin’ into it with yours. ‘Course someone would eventually come along and buy your ride and turn it into a trash can.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

In the old days, a headache, fever, sore muscles, rheumatism and chills may have been treated with white willow bark. During the 18th century the herb was used to treat the fever of malaria. Research began on this herb in 1821 by 1838, researchers succeeded in producing salicylic acid. In 1874 it was conclusively shown to reduce the aches and soreness of rheumatism. By 1893 it had been chemically reproduced in the form of acetylsalicylic acid from salicylic acid (in white willow bark). It was then able to patented (unlike a God-given whole herb) and turned into aspirin.

And so the story goes.... on and on extracting and duplicating the whole herbs which the Bible so clearly states are for the use of man. Ironically in the case of white willow bark, the body automatically converts through oxidation the salicin to salicylic acid. Because the body is doing the conversion process for you, salicin is slower-acting than aspirin, but its action is stronger and longer.

*Reliable Discussions of Herbal Research by Daniel B. Mowery, Ph.D

* This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. References available by request. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

artCentral

Art Bears Featured in "Soft Sculpture Menagerie"

In the upstairs Members Gallery at artCentral, a special exhibition for the holiday season opens Friday evening, November 11, 6–8pm. Soft Sculpture Menagerie is a show of "art bears" and creatures sure to delight the kid in all of us.

Created by artCentral members Joe and Monty Sours, the fluffy-haired cuties are so detailed and true-to-life, you almost expect them to bark, quack, and (softly) growl! These distinctive pieces are handmade from scratch—starting with an angora goat—whose newly sheared wool is washed, spun into yarn, dyed, and woven into mohair fabric. And that’s just the preparation part!

Joe and Monty began making art bears in 1981, and since then have become internationally known artists. The Sours bears have been featured worldwide in numerous newspaper articles, in more than 50 magazines, and in nine books, and can be found in museums in the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, Canada, and Switzerland. Known as the "Bear Lady", the Sours have received multiple international awards as well, including The Golden Teddy, TOBY Industries Choice, Toledo Glass City award, and West Coast Artist Award.

Over the years, the husband-wife team has made thousands of soft sculptures inspired by the animal kingdom for eager buyers. Whether a bear, duck, dog, or llama, each is unique, with its own character, personality, and name. "We’re just pleased to have brightened the lives of so many of our collectors," remarks Monty.

This delightful exhibit most certainly will captivate young and old alike. Come and enjoy the show!