Today's Feature

Chamber Announces New Director.

The Carthage Chamber of Commerce on Friday afternoon announced the selection of its new President/Economic Development Director. Sandra Alison will begin work at the Chamber on January 2, 2007.

The Chamber offered the following biography for Alison:

"A well seasoned professional in the areas of Business, Real Estate Appraising, Management, Economic Development, Marketing and Research; Sandra (Sandy) Allison will be joining the Carthage Chamber of Commerce staff as the Chamber President/Economic Development Director on January 2, 2007.

"Receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Government with minors in Management, Business Administration and Psychology from Columbia College in 1996, Sandy is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Public Administration. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, receiving her Economic Development certification in 1999. She has received Kauffman training, Sirolli Institute training and worked and developed contacts in 114 counties in Missouri, as well as numerous counties in Kansas. In addition, Sandy has attended numerous grant writing seminars and written and received thousands of grant dollars throughout her career.

"Holding positions at local, regional and state levels within Missouri and Kansas, Sandy has continually focused on economic development and the improvement of products and services in some fashion. Her most recent work was as the Miami County (Kansas) Economic Development Director where she drew up and lobbied passage of a bill through the Kansas legislature for allocation of state land for an industrial park located in Miami County. Sandy also worked with local businesses to expand their facilities and recruited new businesses to the area.

"In 2001, Sandy was selected by the Missouri Department of Economic Development and in 2004 selected by the Kansas Department of Economic Development to travel to other communities within the state and judge the effectiveness of the economic development programs.

"Sandy is very active in the Historical Society, Genealogical Society and Professional Women’s organizations. She has been involved in community activities which include; University of Missouri Extension Council Chairman and Past Vice-President, Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s Solid Waste Commission member, Area Business and Professional Women’s Club Past State Legislative Chairman and Past President, National Association of Real Estate Appraisers member, Independent Appraisers Association member, and Southern Economic Development Association member. Sandy has also published three "Phelps County Genealogy" books and started the Phelps County Genealogical Society.

"While not at work, Sandy enjoys horseback riding, hiking, reading, fishing, golf and tennis. Sandy is also an avid gardener. She is the mother of two boys, one residing in Springfield, Missouri and the other in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her philosophy is "it is better to build up rather than tear down."

Stench Report:

Friday,
12/15/06

No Stench Detected on Carthage Square

I’m a little amazed ever year ta see the effort volunteered by the local police officers in puttin’ on the Children’s Benefit Christmas party. I used ta get overwhelmed tryin’ to cope with a children’s birthday party.

As I’m sure the Department would be quick ta point out, the efforts of citizens supportin’ the financial side of the gatherin’ is also quite a statement as to the community’s character.

From those I’ve talked to, bein’ involved in the effort is an important part of their Christmas celebration. All the plannin’ and hours of preparation is rewarded by the appreciation of the kids and their parents.

Just wanted to take a minute to thank the Police Department for contributing "above and beyond" to the community.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Last-Minute Gifts

OK, here it is -- the week before Christmas and you still have no idea what to give the do-it-yourselfer in the house. Or, the kids want to give something useful, but that $1,200 custom tool station is a little outside their budget. Never fear -- even in the last-minute holiday rush, a few useful little items are available that a DIY-er will love.

• Make it portable. A tool belt or bag will stop those repeat trips to the garage for little items. Many are available for as little as $25 and are fairly lightweight but durable.

• Quick rethreads. A tapping tool is a handheld item with a screwdriver grip that quickly forms new threads in stripped screw holes. Instead of rigging up the power drill, just grab the tapping tool, place the right-sized bit on, and repair the hole with a few short twists.

• Easy picture hanging. An electronic stud sensor and a laser leveler make hanging pictures, shelves and other walls items fast and easy. If your DIY’er doesn’t have these, get them. The sensor and leveler can be bought separately for less than $20 apiece, and combination units are also available for $40 and up.

• Focus on safety. Put together a gift basket, or have the kids create a group of gifts, that protect the DIY’er while working. A set of dust masks, safety goggles, a full filter mask, heavy-duty work gloves, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher are all important items to have nearby when doing any home-improvement work.

• Let the DIY’er decide. Not sure what they need? Purchase a gift certificate, take him or her on a shopping trip (especially during the after-Christmas sales), or just ask.

No matter what you decide upon, your DIY’er will appreciate the thoughtfulness of any gift, no matter how small or how many he already has. After all, keeping two of everything on hand is just good sense!

HOME TIP: To keep tools from rusting inside metal toolboxes, place a charcoal briquette in the bottom of the box to absorb moisture.