Airport Lawsuit Could Be Dropped,

If Lawyers Don't Stop The Deal.

The Airport Settlement Committee, appointed by Mayor Kenneth Johnson, met last Thursday and from all indications are close to bringing clash between the City of Carthage and the Myers Memorial Airport Committee to resolution. The Committee filed suit against the City in 1996 in an attempt to force the City to "enter into a legally binding commitment to construct and operate a new Myers Airport."

Although the construction of a new airport is still the main focus of discussions, the tone of the negotiations have seemed to soften considerably in light of the recent efforts by the City to move ahead with acquiring land for a new airport.

Members of the Settlement Committee include, David Knost, Robert Hood, and Jim Frerer, three of those named as plaintiffs in the law suit. Long time aviation supporters David Waller and Richard Barlet are also members. Council members J.D. Whitledge, Mike Harris, and Jackie Boyer, Mayor Kenneth Johnson, and City Administrator Tom Short are representing the City. Knost was not able to attend the meeting and was represented by Dale Probert.

The Mayor told the Committee that the Airport Relocation Committee was working to open negotiations for the site north of Carmar with the understanding that the current land owner could continue to farm the land for some time. He also said the location would eventually be ideal for industrial development. Other sites named in the Airport Master Plan are also being considered he said.

All Committee members agreed that the chances of major grant funding from the federal government were small, and the best plan would be to begin with a small airstrip, possibly grass, and build from there.

The Mayor also said that there was little chance of property being purchased for the airstrip unless the lawsuit was dropped. He was assured that was acceptable to those present, the details to be worked out between the City's attorney's and the attorney for the Myers Memorial Airport Committee, Inc.

Richard Barlet informed the Committee that in addition to the $50,000 in private funding already committed, he was aware of another $22,000 that would be contributed when the land was purchased. The City has set aside $500,000 to go toward the new aviation facility.

Council member J.D. Whitledge told the Committee that he was confident that a good portion of the dirt work for the airstrip could be completed by the National Guard at minimal cost to the City.

A meeting that will bring the lawyers into the discussion is being set up.

Former Council member Nolan Henry was the only spectator attending other than the Mornin' Mail. Henry attempted to speak during the meeting but was informed by the Mayor that only Committee members would be given the floor at this meeting. Henry called the action "irregular" and insisted on being heard but was not allowed.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

It was good ta see Nolan Henry at the meetin' the other night, he served as Second Ward Council member for several years. His comments about the meetin' bein' unusual no doubt represent the feelin's of many. It is a little different to see folks involved in a law suit sittin' down at the table and actually talkin' about what it would take ta move on. Especially at a public meetin'.

There is also little doubt that there are many who don't think an airport is worth cost. The community has been split on the issue for the last several years and the law suit was one of the results of that battle. What has happened over the years is the consistent election of representatives that have shown support for the replacement of the Myers Airport. From that fact the only conclusion that I can draw is the folks who vote for Council members, right or wrong, support an airport at a reasonable cost.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin'.

by

Carthage Farm & Home Supply, Inc.

The Super Handyman

Dear Carrells: When I needed to cut a piece of sandpaper for a sanding block recently, I used my heavy-duty pruning shears because they were handy. What I found out was that just by cutting through the sandpaper, my shears were sharper. After cutting through several times, they were a lot sharper. Now I always save scraps of sandpaper and use them for sharpening my scissors and shears.

A SUPER HINT-By mixing white glue with white toilet paper, you can make quick wall patches for tiny holes from nails used to hang pictures. Make a thick paste, and spread it over the small holes. then watch them dissappear.

Q: My bathroom shower has ceramic tile that was painted. The paint is starting to peel off in some places. I would like to remove all the paint. But I'm afraid to scrape it, as I don't want to damage the tiles and the grout underneath. How can I get the rest of the paint off? -A.W.

A: You might try a paint stripper that is removable with a blast of water.

If you decide to use such a product, first try it in an out-of-the-way spot and see if it harms the tile.

Most ceramic surfaces are pretty tough. The stripper is not likely to hurt the tiles.

The grout probably needs to be replaced anyway.

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