Today's Feature

Storm Debris Update.

The collection of storm debris is nearly one third complete, according to Public Works Director Chad Wampler. J&R Disaster Services, LLC, with whom the City has a contract for debris removal, was scheduled to finish its first of three passes through the City to collect debris from the right-of-way.

For the collection, the City was divided into four quadrants, the center point being Macon and Garrison. Wampler said that the contractor has hauled approximately 35,000 cubic yards to the City landfill, where they are burned, since the collection started on January 1. Monday of next week the crew is to begin its second pass through the City.

The landfill has received approximately 15,000 cubic yards of debris from citizen drop-off since the ice storm in December. Charges for drop-offs at the landfill have been waived since the storm. Wampler said that another 5,000 cubic yards have been deposited at the landfill by City employees. The Street Department conducted an initial cleanup from City streets prior to the contract, and since the contract has been focusing on cleaning alleyways.

Mornin’
Ever notice how things seem ta come in clumps? I suppose it’s only natural. Grapes grow in clumps. Bananas, coconuts. You can walk all over a section a ground and all the sudden there’s a clump of wild strawberries. Just in that one spot.

I suppose it’s natures way of tryin’ ta make sure whatever’s goin’ on keeps on goin’ on. It’s like that commerical ‘bout the guy that looses ten pounds, finds his dog, picks up a twenty off the sidewalk.

I suppose when things are goin’ good, we don’t think about it much. What we notice is when the bad things start clumpin’ together. And they always do.

Some of it has ta do with attitude of course. We tend ta get what we expect. I’m guessin’ when the good things happen it’s cause we are in control. The bad things are just dumb luck. I’m just glad the pendulum does swing both ways.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Natural Nutrition
By Mari An Willis

This is the time of year a weak immune system really can take its toll. This complex system can be strengthened by some simple herbs. The ability of the immune system is affected by stress, improper diet (especially sweets), lack of exercise, smoking, drinking and drugs.

You can take herbs for the immune system during ongoing disease, but prevention is the ideal.

One of the most important herbs for this system is Echinancea. Used successfully in Germany, this Native American plant has been a tried and true remedy by our Indians as well. This is one of the herbs where more is not any better than a little. Since the active constituents are water soluble, it is great in teas.

Another interesting herb used is Pan D’Arco or Taheebo. Throughout South America it is used for immune system related problems such as colds, flus, and infections. It was a major healing herb used by the Incas.

Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb. It stimulates the immune system by stimulating the release of endogenous chemicals from within the cell. Russian pharmacologist I1 Brechman studied this herb for over 20 years and found it increases the ability to learn and perform complex tasks. It also reduces results of stress.

There are many more herbs which have been historically used to help keep our bodies strong. Remember, herbs are food not drugs so they are used quite differently.

artCentral
By Sally Armstrong

January 18th, a great friend of fine art in Jasper County was honored at the annual Carthage Chamber of Commerce Banquet at Memorial Hall! Sandy Higgins was chosen by the 2007 Art Award winner Jo Mueller, currently the director of our sister organization, SPIVA Center for the Arts in Joplin, as her choice for the 2008 winner. We heartily agree with this choice and congratulate Sandy.

In 1986, Sandy and a number of concerned citizens founded and incorporated an arts organization they named CARTHAGE ARTS SUPPORT TEAM & CO. or C.A.S.T. & CO., and Sandy began as it’s Membership Chairman, later as the President. This group was founded to, A. Establish a local center for the arts, B. Develop Carthage as an arts center by attracting well known and skilled artists to the area, C. Promote the development of workshops in the various arts in the Carthage area, D. Seek funds from various entities for the promotion of the arts, E. Give mutual assistance in cooperation with other civic groups with goals compatible to the goals of this corporation. (From the Articles of Incorporation, November 1985.) This organization has since become artCENTRAL. Sandy was our acting director for a number of years, and actually proposed the name of Don Knost for the board in 1996, a position he has held since, currently as our President. She resigned in 1997 to open a personal gallery, IMAGINE, on the Carthage square. She became an official "advisor" to artCENTRAL at that time, as she remains today. During that time, Sandy suggested to the Chamber of Commerce that there should be an annual artist-chosen award given to a local person/artist in recognition of their contribution to the local visual arts. This was adopted by the Chamber, and has been awarded annually ever since at the winter Chamber of Commerce banquet in Carthage. Sandy was awarded a Life membership in artCENTRAL and the artCENTRAL Member Gallery was named in her honor at the current Hyde House location, due to her many years of service and great contributions with and to the organization. She is currently the director of the MIDWEST GATHERING OF THE ARTISTS art auction and sale, a position she has held for 24 years, and is a faithful Patron to the arts both in Carthage and where ever she goes. I personally congratulate my friend Sandy Higgins on the receiving of this, her own award, and honor her service to Carthage and area art and artists!