Today's Feature

Peanut Butter Recall.

A news release from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services advises that certain containers of peanut butter may be contaminated with Salmonella Tennessee (a bacterium that causes foodborne illness.) The release says;

"The affected jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter have a product code located on the lid of the jar that begins with the number 2111."

Both of these brands of peanut butter are manufactured in the same facility in Georgia. It is advised that consumers should discard any Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter with the code beginning in 2111 if it has been purchased since May 2006.

For individuals who have recently eaten affected peanut butter and experienced symptoms including fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Committee Meeting Postponed.

The Public Safety Committee meeting normally scheduled for this evening has been postponed due to President’s Day. The meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, February 26th. The meeting will be held at the Carthage Police Department.

Stench Report:

Friday,
2/16/07

No Stench Detected on Carthage Square.

Save yourself a trip. City Hall and the Courthouse are closed today, President’s Day.

I’m always unsure of how ta handle the situation of bein’ on the Square and seein’ someone startin’ up the Courthouse steps on a holiday. They are typically a few steps up and I always have the urge to holler at ‘em ta try and save ‘em a few steps. Then I figure by the time they figure out I’m yellin’ at them, they will already be at the top anyway. Course ya have ta be at the top of the steps to read the sign that informs ya the buildin’ is closed. Various attempts to place a sign down at sidewalk level haven’t seemed to accomplish much, although I think it has been tried.

Maybe onea those neon, blinkin’ CLOSED signs is in order.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Moss Will Shorten Life of Homeowner’s Roof

Q: I have a huge butternut tree that completely blocks out all sun on the north side of my roof. I assume that is what caused all the moss that grows in between the shingles. First, will the moss hurt the roof, and if so, how do I get rid of it? -- Carol S.

A: Moss grows where there is little direct sunlight, and it can do extensive damage to a roof if not kept under control. On some types of roofs, such as those with wood shingles or heavy tiles, moss takes hold in the deeper cracks and crevices and is rarely completely eradicated. Asphalt shingles do not hold up well once moss gets underneath them. If the roof is cleaned regularly and preventive measures are taken, the shingles will hold out much longer.

Clean the shingles of all roof types by first brushing away surface moss. Use a bristle brush attached to a pole (available at home improvement stores), and either stand on a ladder and reach up, or climb onto a non-mossy spot of the roof (always wear a safety harness if working on the roof, and have a partner). Brush downward, not upward, to dislodge the material and prevent it being shoved underneath abutting shingles.

Apply a nontoxic roof cleaner to the affected area. Oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach) is one recommended product to kill moss and algae on wood or asphalt roofs. Rinse thoroughly, protecting any plants below by covering them with a tarp.

To prevent the problem from recurring, you must create an unfriendly environment for moss. First, have a professional tree specialist come and thin out the branches of your butternut tree, to allow more sunlight to filter through (this has some added benefits -- improving the health of the tree and lessening the chance that it will topple onto your house in a windstorm).

Second, apply thin copper or zinc strips (about 3-4 inches wide, available from roofing suppliers) near the top of the roof, sliding one edge under a row of shingles and tacking into place. These metals discourage plant life from taking hold (and you thought copper roofs were just decorative).

HOME TIP: Some asphalt shingles today have copper mixed into the small granules of their top surfaces to retard moss and algae growth. When it’s time to redo your roof, ask for this type of shingle. It’s more expensive, but perhaps worth it in the long run.