Today's Feature

Live Nativity to be Portrayed.

The public is invited to come and experience the Nativity as it comes alive at the First Baptist Church in Carthage, MO. This presentation will be re-enacted by First Baptist church members for all who come to view the performance.

Free performances will take place on the south side of First Baptist Church located at 631 South Garrison every half hour from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the evenings of December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, & 16. Complimentary cider, cocoa, and cookies will be served in between performances.

The Nativity comes to life, not only with actors depicting Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, and Angels, but also with live animals.

Christmas Dinner Theatre.

Main Street Christmas, Annual Christmas Dinner Theatre will be held December 1 through December 3 at 7 p.m. Performances will be held in the Lighthouse, 801 S. Main, across from the Carthage First Christian Church.

Tickets are $12 per person and may be purchased at the First Christian Church office during normal office hours. 417-358-4044.

Stench Report:

Friday,
11/24/06

No stench detected on the Carthage Square

Carthage has the unique potential to become a must stop for Christmas shoppers. What with all the specialty shops and the emphasis on antiques, it’s a natural attraction for those who are lookin’ for the unusual.

A lot a folks from out of town comin’ through to see the lights or just out for a casual drive will no doubt be stoppin’ by. Christmas seems ta make folks wanna see the old-time kinda things.

It’s a good thing, because the better the season is for the local merchants, the more likely the community will stay financially healthy.

Folks are startin’ to realize that Carthage is more than just a one day stop. If you want to see ever’thing that is available, it’s a two or three day stay.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Whirlpool Tub Is Easy to Maintain

Q: We recently purchased a house that features a whirlpool-style tub in the master bath. One of the jets isn’t working. How can I fix this so the whirlpool works properly? -- Lee W., Plano, Texas

A: The most likely cause is a blockage of the jet nozzle. Over time, hair, soap scum and oils can build up behind the nozzle and reduce or restrict water flow. This is fairly easy to remedy.

First, unscrew the nozzle by hand, removing it completely from the nook in which it rests. (If you have difficulty loosening the nozzle, a tool called a hydrojet wrench can be purchased, either from the manufacturer or at a bath hardware store, to grip and remove the nozzle without damaging it.) Remove buildup inside the nozzle by hand, then use a soft brush or cloth dipped in a mixture of warm water and mild detergent (dish soap, for example) to thoroughly clean it.

Before reinstalling, you may want to run a little heatproof grease (available in the plumbing section of the store) around the O-rings at the end of the nozzle to prolong their service life. If the O-rings are damaged or deteriorated, or if the nozzle is cracked, purchase replacement rings or a complete replacement nozzle from the manufacturer or a dealer. Once the nozzle is reinstalled, be sure that it aims away from nearby intake screens.

Whirlpool tubs will last longer and need less professional maintenance if they are cared for properly. Never use abrasive cleaners to scrub the basin or fixtures; tough stains can be removed by dabbing on rubbing alcohol or paint thinner and rinsing after a few minutes. Don’t use chemical drain openers to clear the drain.

Each month, flush the system by filling the tub with warm water and adding two teaspoons of powdered dishwasher detergent, then running the whirlpool for about 20 minutes. Rinse by repeating the process with clean, cold water.

HOME TIP: To find instructions and replacement parts for older whirlpool tubs, visit the manufacturer’s Web site; manuals, parts or a list of dealers and repair specialists in your area are usually available.