Today's Feature

Nomination Forms for Banquet.

Nomination forms are available at the Carthage Chamber of Commerce for the Small Business of the Year, the Spotlight Award, and the Richard M. Webster Citizen of the Year. All three of these awards will be presented at the 2007 Chamber Annual Banquet, to be held on January 12. Forms are also available online at www.CarthageChamber.com under the Calendar of Events link.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, December 8th.

For additional information or to request a nomination form, call the Chamber at 358-2373.

Flu Shot Clinic Rescheduled.

The flu shot clinic that was postponed due to the weather last week will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 7 in McCune-Brooks Hospital.

The vaccine is available for adults and for children ages four through 18 years. Cost for the vaccine is $15. Participants are asked to bring their Medicare or Medicaid card if they have one. More information may be obtained by calling 417-359-2452.

Stench Report:

Tuesday,
12/5/06

No Stench Detected on Carthage Square

It’s time for the time honored tradition that ever’one looks forward to durin’ the Christmas season; fake tree or real tree.

I suppose that most who lean toward usin’ real Christmas trees prob’ly have some sentimental attachment since we grew fond of the adventure of harvesting that unique specimen ever’ year.

Those who prefer factory trees prob’ly can argue for the convenience and predictability of it. There’s also that experience sometime in February of findin’ that last needle in the carpet with a bare foot. It’s my guess that is the time most folks finally decide to go fake.

I would advise that the time to make such a critical decision is not when you’re hoppin’ around on one bare foot with a missile in your toe.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

• If you’re having trouble with your car’s battery, follow this tip from B.D. of Virginia: "Disconnect the battery terminals and clean them with a wire brush. Reconnect and smear with petroleum jelly. The jelly will prevent corrosion and help keep the battery cranking all winter."

• Here’s a reminder from J.E. of Colorado: "Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen -- especially if you live in a snowy climate. Remember that sunlight reflects off white snow, and it intensifies the effect. Lather up, people. If you get one that is moisturizing, it’ll soothe dry skin as well."

• "When doing my holiday shopping, I carry a quart-size Zip-lock baggie in my purse. I put all receipts in it, and I ask for multiple gift receipts to be put in the bag with the merchandise. I can keep it all together until after the holidays, so I always have a receipt handy if something needs to be returned or exchanged." -- C.L. in Missouri

• "I keep a cookie sheet by the door to hold muddy shoes and boots. No more moose tracks through the house!" -- R.S. in New York

• "If you have extra tasks to do for visiting company or holiday parties, marshal the family. I have three school-age kids, and I write out chores on slips of paper for them to stick in their pockets. If I don’t have to remind them to get chores done, there’s an extra allowance in it for them." -- H.A. in California

• When unpacking decorations, make note of items that will need to be replaced after this season. When everything goes on sale, you can buy for next year at great prices!