Today's Feature

"Mega Tree" Winners.

The Ozark Gateway Master Gardener organization sponsored a project to find the largest trees in Jasper County. That project began in June 2006 and was completed on June 15, 2006.

Ozark Gateway Master Gardeners would like to thank those interested in and participating in the project by hosting a recognition program to be held on October 16, 2006 to give those who own the mega trees a certificate. This event will be held in the basement of the Memorial Hall located at the corner of Oak Street and Garrison Avenue in Carthage beginning at 7 p.m. Braums is across the street to the north.

Auto Show Still Free to Public.

The 26th Annual Carthage Maple Leaf Auto Show, scheduled for October 21 has been moved from the location where it has been held in previous years. This year the car show will be held at Precious Moments, south of Carthage on Chapel Road.

Flyers for the event list an entry fee at $10.00 but it should be noted that the public may attend the event for free. The entry fee is strictly for persons wishing to enter cars in the show.

Stench Report:

Friday,
10/14/06

No Stench detected on the
Carthage Square

It’s gettin’ more difficult these days to find a free match book anywhere.

Used ta be you could pick up a book a advertising matches at a variety of businesses. With the disposable lighters and the decline of smokers, now few baskets of matches can be found on counters.

I’m wonderin’ what the match makers are doin’ these days.

The other match ya can’t find is one you can "strike anywhere." The new box matches ya buy have ta be ignited on the special box striker. No more swishin’ ‘em on the pant leg or poppin’ ‘em with a thumb nail to get a light.

I suppose it’s a safety thing. Like my grandmother used ta say, "Let ‘em get burnt once, they’ll know better next time."

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Generator Safety Is No Joke

Hurricane season may be winding down in the southern states, but winter is fast approaching, along with the potential for storms, blizzards and other wild weather that can cause power outages. Many homeowners have a generator to get through such emergencies, but they may not be aware of the safety issues presented by these small combustion engines. The following guidelines are offered by Briggs & Stratton, a generator manufacturer:

• Generators produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can cause serious health problems in small amounts and is deadly in large concentration. Never run a generator in an enclosed area, and never run it inside your home -- even in the garage, even with the windows open.

• Always place a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in the living area of your home when running a generator. Ideally, place a second detector near or in the area where the generator is running, in case the exhaust enters the home.

• Do not operate the generator near combustible materials.

• Be absolutely safe when refueling; gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Allow the generator to cool for at least two minutes before filling the tank.

• Make sure extension cords are of the grounded type, and are rated for your generator. Also, do not coil them -- make sure they lay flat and in an open area, because they can get very hot.

• Never plug the generator directly into an outlet. Have a qualified electrician install a power transfer switch.

• Maintain the generator regularly, according to the manufacturer’s directions. If you do not use the generator for at least 30 days, purchase a fuel stabilizer to add to the gas in the tank.

• Do not operate the generator in wet conditions; protect it from the elements, and keep it off the ground.

More information on generator safety, choosing the right generator for your home, and other issues, can be found at Web sites like www.briggsandstratton.com, or at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov).

HOME TIP: Plan ahead when considering a generator purchase; ask the dealer about proper hookups and extension cords, and consult a qualified electrician to make sure your home can be safely switched to emergency power when needed.