Today's Feature

Fire on River Street.

The Carthage Fire Department worked for nearly three hours on Monday evening extinguishing a fire at 1017 River Street. The call was received by the Fire Department at 5:26 p.m. reporting a fire at the vacant house. The department responded with a fire engine, ladder truck and seven fire fighters.

Batallion Chief Roger Williams was present at the scene of the fire. Williams said that all utilities had been turned off in the house, which would likely rule out an accidental fire. Williams said the circumstances are being regarded as suspicious and an investigation into the cause is under way.

The house had been marked for condemnation, and has been vacant at least since July, according to Williams.

Flu Shot Clinic.

A community flu shot clinic for persons 4 years old and older will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 30 at McCune-Brooks Hospital. The vaccine is available for adults and for children ages 4 to 18. Cost for the flu shot is $15. Those with Medicare or Medicaid cards must bring the cards with them. The clinic will be held in the hospital cafeteria. For more information call 417-359-2452.

Stench Report:

Tuesday,
11/28/06

No stench detected on the Carthage Square

Unfortunately, I’m reminded of old sayin’s much too often. Like:

Why is there always time to do somethin’ over and never enough time to do it right the first time?

It’s better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick.

Whether you’re rich or poor, it’s good ta have money.

Two can live as cheap as one, as long as one doesn’t eat.

It’s not the cost of a dinnin’ table that’s bad, it’s the upkeep.

The most critical part of any rain dance is timin’.

It’s better to keep quiet and let folks think you’re a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

• If you’re heading out to a holiday gathering and want to curb that appetite, snack on something with lots of protein. It’s longer lasting than quickie carbs. Try a handful of heart-healthy almonds or other nuts.

• "I start early with Christmas cards, since I have a lot to send. I take a basket, fill it with my address book, a few pens, stamps and cards, and whenever I am sitting around, I do a few. They get done with ease within a few weeks, and are always ready for mailing in early December." -- P.C. in Georgia

• It’s never too early to reserve your babysitter for the holidays. Here’s your reminder: Figure out when you’ll need help, and arrange it now, before the crush.

• "When planning shopping days for the holidays, don’t forget to schedule some time for Mom and Dad to take the kids separately." -- V.S. in Colorado

• Wrap the lint from your dryer in 6-inch strips of wax paper. Roll it up, twist both ends, and you have a perfect fire starter. -- M.K. in Michigan

• Outdoor umbrellas (patio umbrellas) can be easily stored in a leg of panty hose. Make sure it’s clean and totally dry, and slide it into a leg from the bottom, then use the other leg over the top. Use tape to seal, and it even keeps bugs from nesting in the folds. -- F.W. in Iowa