Lieutenant Governor Wilson

"On Board" says Clark.

Council member Lujene Clark told the Council at its regular meeting last Tuesday that a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Roger Wilson "went very, very well" and that Wilson "agreed to come aboard in trying to get our green signs back."

Clark was referring to the directional signs that mysteriously disappeared from Interstate 44 and 71 Highway.

Clark said that it may also be possible to approach federal tourism grants for the "brown" signs that denote historic landmarks.

Efforts by the Carthage Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Director Max McKnight were rewarded recently as new signs were placed on 71 denoting street exits to Carthage.

Clark and Council member Mike Harris met with Wilson at the recent Missouri Municipal League Legislative Conference in Jefferson City.

One a the latest topics to be revisited is the idea of lettin’ folks operate a business outa their home. Havin’ been one a those who originally worked from the kitchen table myself, I know the advantage of not openin’ a storefront. The problem that usually comes up when this discussion is initiated is where do ya draw the line?

A phone call to a Council member requestin’ information on openin’ a taxidermy outfit in the family garage rekindled the age old question of business vs. residential zonin’.

If cuttin’ up dead animals is a possibility, why not pig farmin’? (By the way, havin’ farm animals is still legal in Carthage, as long as neighbors don’t raise a stink).

It’s the classic debate over individual vs. state rights. Always a worthy topic.

This is some fact, but mostly, Just Jake Talkin.’

by

Metcalf Auto Supply

Click and Clack Talk Cars

Dear Tom and Ray:

My husband is buying a new Ford pickup. He wants to buy a diesel engine because he says "It's more fuel-efficient, will last longer, and is less polluting than gas." I don't know about the first two, but I find the last argument hard to believe, especially since diesel fuel stinks so baldly. Can you clear the air for me? - Alice

Ray: I don't believe for a second that he's interested in reducing global pollution either, Alice. We both know he just wants a big, honking truck. But we'll address the pollution issue anyway.

Tom: It's somewhat complicated. Diesel fuel is just one step more refined than primordialooze. In fact, you can usually see mud, sticks and leaves in it as you pour it into your car. But since diesels operate at a much higher temperature than gas engines, some types of pollutants are reduced. For instance, diesels produce half as much carbon monoxide as gasoline engines.

Ray: On the other hand, diesels produce twice as much hydrocarbon emissions, four times as many nitrous oxides and five times as much particulate matter (a k a soot).

Tom: In their favor, however, diesels do seem to deteriorate less (in terms of how much they pollute) over time. So while gasoline engines pollute significantly more as they get older, diesel engines start out bad, but in their defense, don't get much worse.

Ray : That's what my mother says when she's asked to praise my brother.

To be continued next week.

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