Today's Feature

New Planters Proposed.

The Public Services Committee met Monday evening in Carter Park and heard from Margaret Hartman and Tricia Coates of the Mimosa Garden Club.

Hartman told the committee that the Mimosa Garden club currently maintains 13 planters around the square in which it plants flowers twice a year. The Club had recently proposed an idea to remove those planters and in their place install four larger planters at the corners of the sidewalk on the inside of the square.

The new planters would be made of a decorated concrete and would stand approximately 45 inches tall, which Hartman said would reduce the risk of tripping over them, and decrease the likelihood of them being stolen from the square. Hartman presented photographs of the proposed new planters to the committee and asked approval of the proposal.

The committee inquired who would be responsible for watering the plants. Hartman said the club was hoping that the City Parks Department could water the plants. Parks Director Alan Bull said that the closest his workers currently come to the square is Central Park, but that they may be able to add the planters into the watering schedule.

Committee Chair Claude Newport said he thought it would be nice to see more color on the square, and added that the plants should only need to be watered about twice a week, if they are filled properly.

The committee agreed to forward the proposal to Council with a recommendation to approve the new planters.

The committee also heard from Kellogg Lake Nature Center and Preserve board member Jo Ellis concerning the upcoming Kids Fishing Day, to be held at the lake this Saturday, June 9, beginning at 8 a.m. Ellis told the committee that the lake has been stocked, and is currently closed for fishing, to allow the children a good opportunity to catch fish. Ellis also noted that volunteers were still needed to help with the event.

It’s times like that the locals have a real advantage. Knowin’ the back roads and streets with only a few stop signs. The only problem is gettin’ in the middle of a batch of tourist traffic before ya know what happened. The tourist typically likes ta take their time and look around at all the usual sites of Carthage. Best ta keep your full distance when followin’ in your auto.

I know when I’m outa state, I use the tourist attitude to take my time when drivin’ through an interestin’ town. Have patience. Please don’t use the profane language I heard directed at me durin’ my last outastate visit.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Here's A Tip
By JoAnn Derson

• How long do tennis shoes last? You can keep them smelling nice with baking soda or charcoal briquettes, but after about 500 miles of wear, the materials start to break down. If they are just your walking-around shoes, you can stretch that a bit longer, but if you are a runner and rely on their stability and support, toss and replace.

• Have white linens that need a little brightening? Boil up a pot of water, add several lemon slices (squeezed out) and then add the linens. Allow to soak until cool, and then launder as usual.

• "I replaced my washcloths, since they were starting to break down, but I cut them in half and now use them to wipe down the mirror and sink after brushing my teeth or when my husband shaves. They are convenient and easy to use, make the bathroom cleaner and can be popped into the wash with the other towels." -- R.I. in California

• "If you have small children, you no doubt have many small plastic toys that could use a little cleaning. If you use a mesh laundry bag made for delicates, you can put those pieces right in your dishwasher, in most cases. This works especially well for bath toys, but it can be used for Barbie dolls and other all-plastic items, too. Make sure you put the bag on the top rack only!" -- A.J. in Florida

• "I have always found it hard to fold fitted sheets. They used to end up in a terrible ball, stuffed in the linen closet. Then my roommate showed me how she folds hers: Put them on the bed first. Then take one side over to the other, and fold. I even fold the fitted and flat sheets together, and stuff the whole square into a pillowcase. It’s much neater this way." -- M.G. in Washington