Today's Feature

Treats Around the Square.

The annual Treats Around the Square was held Tuesday afternoon. Despite the clouds, a large crowd of parents and costumed children travelled from business to business around the Courthouse square collecting candy. A costume contest was held at Barrister Title, the winners of which will be posted in an upcoming Mornin’ Mail.

Help Wanted Safety Campaign.

News release

The Missouri Department of Revenue has joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol in its "I’m Saving Lives. Help Wanted." highway safety campaign. By the end of the month, troopers will deliver "Help Wanted" promotional posters to be placed in all 183 motor vehicle and driver license contract offices across the state.

While Missouri led the nation in 2006 by reducing the number of tragic deaths by 12 percent, 2007 statistics show a decrease of 1 percent compared to the same period in 2006. The Highway Patrol’s goal for 2008 is to have fewer than 1,000 traffic fatalities.

Revenue Director Trish Vincent was delighted to lend the department’s support to the Highway Patrol’s "Help Wanted" safety campaign. "The reduction in traffic fatalities from 2005 to 2006 was astounding, but there’s still work to be done," said Vincent. "There are 161 people alive who wouldn’t be if Missouri’s 2006 statistics had remained at 2005 levels. That’s over 161 mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons who wake up every day safe and sound. That number continues to grow as Missouri’s roads become safer every day."

The Highway Patrol offered tips for improving safety including;

1. Wear your seat belt. A driver in an accident had a 1 in 31 chance of being killed if not wearing a seat belt. When the driver was wearing a seatbelt, their chances of being killed was 1 in 1,300.

2. Pay attention when you’re driving. A total of 232 people were killed and 12,421 were injured in 2006 Missouri traffic crashes when driver inattention was listed as a contributing factor.

3. Avoid drinking and driving. A total of 273 people were killed and 5,157 were injured in Missouri traffic crashes that were drinking-related.

4. Obey the speed limit. A total of 454 persons were killed and 13,919 were injured in 2006 as a result of speed-related crashes in Missouri.

5. Be a courteous driver.

Information about Fireworks.

Current Ordinance

Sec. 10-3. Fireworks.

(a) No person, shall shoot, set off, explode or discharge any blank cartridge, torpedo, cane torpedo, firecracker, or any substance containing chlorate of potash and sulphur, or device for exploding or discharging such substances, or any other fireworks. Provided, however, that fireworks displays, to be conducted by persons who make a profession of holding fireworks displays, may be held after having first obtained written permission from the fire chief. Blank cartridges may be discharged within the city limits at any time when used in conjunction with organized athletic events.

(b) No person shall sell, offer for sale, or give away within the city, any blank cartridge, torpedo, torpedo cane, firecracker, or any substance containing chlorate of potash and sulphur, or any other fireworks.

(Code 1978, § 240.250; Ord. No. 02-50, § I, 7-9-2002)

Proposed Ordinance

COUNCIL BILL NO. ___________

ORDINANCE NO. _____________

An Ordinance to enact a new section to be added to Chapter 10 of the Carthage Code for discharge and sale of fireworks.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF CARTHAGE, JASPER COUNTY, MISSOURI as follows:

SECTION I: Chapter 10 of the Carthage Code is hereby amended by adding the following new section thereto: Chapter 10, Article I, Sec. 10-4: Exceptions

The follow shall be exceptions to Sec 10-3:

(a) December 31st from 5:00 p.m. to January 1st at 1:00 a.m.

(b) June 30th to July 3rd from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. each evening.

(c) July 4th until July 5th from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.

(d) July 5th from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.

(e) Nothing in this section shall allow the discharge of any firework in the Municipal Park at any time.

(f) The Fire Chief shall have sole discretion of suspending Section 10-4 of the City Code in times of high fire risk or drought.

SECTION II: This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval.

Proposed Ordinance

COUNCIL BILL NO. ___________

ORDINANCE NO. _____________

An Ordinance to amend Section 10-3 of the Carthage Code to allow the sale of Fireworks in the City limits.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARTHAGE, JASPER COUNTY, MISSOURI as follows:

SECTION I: Section 10-3 of the Carthage Code is hereby striking Section 10-3(b) and inserting the following language as Section 10-3(b):

Persons may sell fireworks in the City limits during the time as authorized by state Statute. So long as they comply with all Federal, State and Local law concerning the sale of fireworks.

SECTION II: This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval.

Missouri Fireworks Laws

CONSUMER FIREWORKS

Specifically Permitted Consumer Fireworks in compliance with the regulations of the CPSC.

Specifically Prohibited Ground salutes that exceed DOT limits.

Selling Period June 20-July 10 and December 20-January 2

Age of Purchase:14 years unless accompanied by parent or guardian.

ENFORCING AUTHORITY

State Fire Marshal, State of Missouri

P.O. Box 844, Jefferson City, MO 65102

314-751-2930 or 800-877-5688

www.mdfs.state.mo.us/dfsfrwrk.htm

This time a year was always a tough one growin’ up. It seemed such a waste, those callused feet we worked so hard on all summer had ta be covered with shoes and socks. Most a the kids I was around took real pride in bein’ able to walk anywhere in bare feet. Had it down to an art by the end of the summer.

‘Bout the only real hurt I remember gettin’ goin’ barefoot was steppin on onea those black bees that always hung around the garden.

‘Course you could phase into real shoes, by wearin’ a pair of those thongs, but I always found it preferable to just make the switch. By the time you got accustomed to that piece goin’ between your toes it was too cold anyway. ‘Sides, they always made that flappin’ noise when ya ran.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’

Click & Clack Talk Cars
By Tom & Ray Magliozzi

Husband Might Be A Knucklehead

Dear Tom and Ray:

My husband Tom and I disagree on something, and he suggested I write to you for your opinion, as he reads your column faithfully. He likes to put empty soda cans under the tires of our vehicles, and then he drives over them to crush them. He thinks it’s harmless and won’t hurt the tires. I, on the other hand, think it’s bad for the tires and could cause them to wear out sooner. What’s your opinion? Is he harming or hurting the tires? He promises to abide by your decision, but will probably be "crushed" if you take my side on this! - Carol.

RAY: Well, even though we think he’s being a knucklehead and risking unnecessary damage to his $100 tires, we can’t take your side on this, Carol. He reads our column. And we can’t alienate him, because our editor told us we need all the readers we can get.

TOM: So, here’s what we’re going to suggest. Soda’s not really good for you anyway. It’s basically high fructose corn syrup and water. It makes you fat and gives you diabetes. So stop buying cans of soda.

RAY: Right. Instead, switch to unsweetened juice, which comes in, what? Cardboard juice boxes! And then let him run over those to his heart’s content, Carol. At least until he finds a less wacko hobby.