Today's Feature

Voluntary Reduction.

The Carthage City Council will meet this evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Items on the agenda include the second reading of an ordinance allowing City participation in a Deferral of Peaking Energy Program for this summer.

This item is brought to Council by the Carthage Water and Electric Board and was initiated by the Southwestern Power Administration. The Administration is asking that Carthage voluntarily reduce the hydroelectric power purchased from approximately 4200 kilowatt hours per 4 month period to 2912 kilowatt hours per 4 month period during this summer. Dry conditions and a lack of hydroelectric power availability have prompted the action.

In this program the City would compensate for the lower amount of hydroelectric power by generating its own power and by purchasing power from alternative sources. If the item is approved by Council and the reduction is enacted, Carthage will consequently be allowed a higher percentage of any supplemental hydroelectric power that may become available over the period of the next two years. The City purchases its hydroelectric power from a variety of sources but the majority is provided by Table Rock and Bull Shoals.

Council will also hear the second reading of an ordinance establishing new fees for the Carthage Municipal Golf Course. The new fee structure will be implemented September 1, 2006 and contains increases to previously reduced rates. This item was deliberated by the City Council Public Services Committee. The committee decided to leave several of the fees untouched.

Other items on the agenda include the first reading of final plats for the Pleasant Hills Subdivision and the Blackberry Briar Subdivision. These items are both brought to Council by the Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation Commission.

Stench Report:
Monday,
6/26/06

No Stench Detected

That’s why, for instance, we don’t print letters to the editor that aren’t signed. There have been several that have arrived in unmarked envelopes that were well written, and made valid points. I just wish whoever wrote ‘em would stand up and take credit so we could print the things.

We also get suggestions ever now and then of some investigative reportin’ that oughta be done. Most are based on one rumor or another that has been embellished for effect. Some sound like interestin’ stories all right, just aren’t based on much fact.

And, after all, this is at least some fact, but mostly,
Just Jake Talkin’.

Cause of Muscle Cramps Often Not Found

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 64-year-old female writer who hikes with her dog for an hour daily, swims three times a week and plays tennis weekly. Often, at night, I cannot sleep because my toes cramp up. As a result, I am sleep-deprived. Sometimes during the day, the little fingers on both hands cramp up, but not when I type on the computer. My doctor tells me that cramping complaints are common in middle-aged women. Soaking in the hot tub before bed seems to help. Any advice you can give will be appreciated. -- E.S.

ANSWER: A cramp is an involuntary, often painful muscle contraction. I am speaking of cramps not due to heat or exercise, but ones that come out of the blue, often at night. For most, a cause isn’t found. Low blood levels of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium can sometimes lead to cramping. People on water pills can develop a potassium deficiency and muscle cramping.

Dehydration is a more common cause. Drinking a glass or two of water in the evening can prevent dehydration-induced cramps. It doesn’t hurt to try the water remedy. The only downside is the chance of having to get out of bed during the night to empty your bladder. .

Stretching exercises before going to bed prevent cramps. If people don’t have a hot tub, a warm bath also works.