Today's Feature

Master Gardener Helpline.

The University of Missouri Extension has again begun its Master Gardener Helpline. Until August 10, citizens with gardening questions may call a Master Gardener for advice on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The helpline is sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension.

To receive advice citizens may call 358-2158 or visit the Extension office, in the basement of the Jasper County Courthouse.

The Master Gardeners have completed a horticulture training course offered by the University of Missouri Extension. Part of the certification requirement is to provide volunteer service in the community. More information may be obtained about the Master Gardener program by calling 358-2158.

Safety Committee Meeting.

The City Council Public Safety Committee will meet this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Carthage Police Department. Items on the agenda include a request for a sign at the corner of 4th and Howard by citizen Jackie Covey and a discussion of the American Austin-Bantum Car Club Nationals.

In the business I’m in, I don’t suppose we could even be comin’ close ta gettin’ done if it weren’t for computers. I suppose it’s gettin’ to be that way for folks in every line a business. Nowadays, it seems to be harder for folks ta program a VCR than to know how ta operate a computer. Knowin’ how to type a little is somethin’ that ever’one needs.

I didn’t have any idea that typin’ would be such a tool back in my sophomore year in high school. I don’t even recollect why I took the class. May have been required I suppose.

Accordin’ to some tests I’ve seen, folks that are good at typin’ can go as fast on a typewriter as they can on a computer. In my case, it mainly saves all that whiteout bein’ smeared all over the page.

Technology is an amazin’ thing.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

This Is A Hammer
By Samantha Mazzotta

"Airing Out" Your Pipes

Q: When flushing the toilets, the pipes in the house make a banging noise for about 20 seconds. The noise stops when we run water from the faucets in the bathroom or kitchen. What is the cure? -- Rosemarie G., via e-mail

A: The banging noise you’re hearing, also known as "water hammer," is a result of air being trapped somewhere in the plumbing system -- most likely in the cold-water supply lines, since you’re able to stop the noise by turning on faucets.

A home’s pipes have lots of bends and turns and odd short stems that lead nowhere. This is not just so the pipes will get where they need to go; certain parts are deliberately placed in certain configurations to redirect air bubbles so they don’t impede water flow or cause annoying problems like water hammer.

Even with this preventive planning, air can still get trapped in spots where it isn’t supposed to be. This can occur after work is done on the plumbing, such as repairing or replacing pipes, faucets or other hardware. It can also occur due to high water pressure in the pipes, which can happen when the home’s supply system is not designed to compensate for municipal supply feeds that might be delivered at high pressure.

You can attempt to "bleed" air out of the supply pipes first. Turn off the main water supply to the house. Locate the lowest faucet in the pipe system (the first-floor bathroom, or an outdoor spigot); then locate the highest faucet in the system (such as an upstairs bathroom). Open the lowest and highest faucets and allow all the water to drip out. When the dripping stops, close both faucets. Turn on the main water supply. Test the system by flushing the toilets a few times.

If this does not work, contact a plumber to inspect the water supply lines and measure the water pressure. He or she may recommend installing a pressure-reducing valve at the main supply feed, or a water-hammer reduction valve.

HOME TIP: To loosen a stubborn shower head so it can be cleaned or replaced, squirt a few drops of penetrating oil (3-in-1 or WD40, for example) around the threads, and allow it to set for 24 hours.