Today's Feature

VFW Auxiliary Donates Toys.

Members of the Carthage VFW Women’s Auxiliary met with Lavern Williams of the Carthage Police Department yesterday afternoon. They presented nearly 150 gifts that will be distributed during the annual Carthage Police Department Christmas Party later this month. The gifts were donated by Auxiliary members of the 7th district.

Christmas Parade Winners.

The 35th Annual Carthage Christmas Parade was held on Monday evening. The weather was fair and a large crowd was present around the historic Carthage square to attend the event.

Winners for the entry competition are as follows: Best Senior High Band, Joplin High School; Best Junior High Band, South Middle School, Joplin; Adult Division, Christian Motorcyclist Association, Carthage; Vintage Classic Auto, Don Going, 1930 Chevy Pickup; Business & Commercial, Carthage Health & Rehabilitation; Church, Oakton United Methodist Church; Horse & Rider, Ozark Saddle Club; Specialty Division, Mirza Big Wheels, Ft. Scott; Twirlers, Ovation Dance Studio; Youth Division, Fairview Elementary EL Department; Mayor’s Choice, Carthage Health & Rehabilitation; Director’s Choice, Carthage Health & Rehabilitation; Best Use of Lights, Victory Academy. The Carthage Christmas Parade is sponsored by the Carthage Technical Center’s SkillsUSA.

Ya see a lot of books ‘bout trainin’ animals to be house broke. Different methods that don’t offend the pet and coax the animal into doin’ what ya want it to do, where ya want it to do it.

I suppose these theories have been thoroughly tested and may have even proven to be successful. But I still bet they aren’t any more effective than gettin’ a good nose rubbin’ in it ever now and then.

The one problem that a lot of folks have with the nose rubbin’ philosophy is that sooner or later the pet is gonna want to be forgiven for their misdeed and want ta put a friendly lickin’ on ya.

First thing ya gotta learn in the nose rubbin’ business is that ya don’t want to get too familiar with a pet ‘till it’s been housebroke for a couple a months.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Here's A Tip
By JoAnn Derson

• On sale in December: Candles, after-holiday sales on decorations and gift wrap. Also, smart shoppers are on the lookout for loss leaders -- items that are marked below cost in order to get you into the store to buy higher-priced items. If you have the willpower, you can save a bunch of money in December.

• "Whenever I have overnight guests for the holidays, I get a lot of compliments on the small touches I make for them, such as a mini coffeemaker in the room, and a guest basket with toiletries and such. But the one thing that every single person raves about is the white-noise machine by the bed. It’s essential for me, and my guests just love it!" -- Happy Hanukkah from Florida

• "If you have a picture frame that just won’t stay straight, cut the eraser tip off a pencil and glue the flat (not the domed) side to the back of your frame at the bottom. Use one on either corner for stubborn frames. Then re-hang. The erasers keep the frame from slipping to either side. It works great." -- R.I. in California

• "We make a large poster-board tracker for holiday events and appointments. We hang it on the inside of the front door. It’s basically a large monthly calendar, but it helps the whole family stay on the same page about our schedule, and having it right at the door forces us all to look at it many times a day." -- B.T. in Oregon

• If you have a table that’s wobbly because of an uneven leg, and you are a wine drinker, you are in luck. Take one wine cork, cut it in small slices and glue the slices to the uneven leg until the table no longer wobbles. Easy!