Today's Feature

Pertussis Case at Jr. High.

Members of the Carthage R-9 School board received word this week from the Jasper County Health Department that a Carthage Junior High Student had been diagnosed with pertussis, or whooping cough. The disease is highly contagious. According to information released by Assistant Superintendent for Business Mark Baker extra cleaning and disinfecting of cafeteria tables, desk, lockers, restrooms, and computers was to be performed by district custodial staff for the safety of other students and staff members.

Information packets were sent home with Junior High students including a letter from the Jasper County Health Department asking parents to monitor children for severe cough. The Health Department also sent a physician referral for those identified as being in close contact to the pertussis case.

Pertussis is spread by droplets through the air by coughing according to the Health Department. It begins with cold symptoms and a cough that becomes worse over 1-2 weeks. The coughing fits may be followed by a whooping noise, vomiting, turning blue or difficulty catching breath. The Jasper County Health Department may be reached at 417-358-3111.

Stench Report:
Thursday,
2/2/06

Stench reported at 9 a.m. and around
6 p.m. on Wednesday

Although I have yet to find the expression mentioned directly in any reference, it seems plausible that the term refers to the lid of a beer stein. That certainly matches up with the overall consensus of those that I’ve talked to that poor Randy got soused and was thrown in the calaboose to sober up.

I have ta say I appreciate all the interest in the story and thank all who participated in clearin’ up the matter.

I can only hope that the paragraph didn’t draw this much attention when Randy fell off the wagon a hunderd years ago on the streets of Carthage.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Another cold front is in the air. What else is new for February? Remember to keep the immune system bolstered with several of the herbs which have been discussed before. echinacea, astragalus, garlic, and rose hips, to mention a few. According to the M.D.s a relapse or second round of the flu or colds can be much longer in the recuperative state. PREVENT.

Minerals are both natural and essential to the human body. If our intake is inadequate we do not operate at peak efficiency. Animals in the wild will seek out mineral sources if there is a deficiency in their food source. We can supplement our diets with minerals which are often deficient in today’s produce and foods from a lack of minerals available in the soil.

Calcium is the major mineral in the body. It is necessary for strong bones, helps blood coagulate, regulates nerves and muscles among other things. It is not easy to absorb and is inhibited by diets which contain large amounts of phosphorous (meat, soda pop and sugar).

Chromium acts with insulin in sugar metabolism. A deficiency can cause diabetic-like symptoms.

Iodine is an essential mineral for proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Iron deficiencies are quite common in women. Iron is needed to rebuild tissue and is essential for a strong immune system.

Zinc is imperative for healing, more men are deficient than women.