County/Nations Bank Deal Still Pending.

The Jasper County Commissioners were told Thursday morning during their regular meeting that the contract for the purchase of the Nations Bank building on the Carthage Square is still not completely correct.

"It's close, but still not right," County Counselor Jim Spradling told the Commissioners. "I thought we would have it finalized for today, but it's not."

Spradling said the document returned to the County still has a clause that forbids the release of the terms of the contract. He said that cannot be accepted by the County.

The $650,000 purchase price would be substantially offset by the five year lease of the main and lower floors back to Nations. The upper floor is expected to be used by some County offices to relieve cramped space in the Carthage courthouse.

In other business the Commission voted to appoint seven persons to an Executive Committee of the Committee for Finance Advisory Study. The study has been called for by the Commissioners in the hope that the Committee will bring back ideas of how to strength the County's financial footing. The Committee is expected to not only look at ways for the County to increase its tax base, but will also look at ways to keep expenditures to a minimum.

Those appointed to the Executive Committee include George Baldridge, Marjorie Bull, Bob Capps, Tom Cusack, Herbert Casteel, Ron Lankford, and Alice Pantoja.

The full Committee is scheduled to meet for the second time on Monday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Courthouse Annex located at Lincoln and Central in Carthage.

County Clerk Jim Lobby spoke with the Commission briefly about the reduction from two polling places to one in Pine precinct.

"We've had response on both sides of the coin," said Lobbey. "We've had some folks say that they want to have two polling places, some say they'd like to have it more centrally located if we're going to have one. They understand what we are trying to do. In an election year, we'll save the taxpayers $1,600. It doesn't sound like much."

"It adds up," commented Presiding Commissioner Danny Hensley.

Lobbey continued, "It's nothing disrespectful to anyone who has been involved the polling before. We appreciate their input and help over the years.

Carthage is Burning

A Review of artCentral.

by Robin Putnam

Recently we received a letter from a fellow in Grove, OK. Since there are a lot of Carthaginians who have never set a foot through our doors we would like to share with you now as much of his letter as can be stuffed into this column.

This is titled 'Carthage is Burning' by Dr. Note' Bennii, PhD. "In the philosophies of the ancient Far East, it is taught; in each of our hearts there lives a spark of creativity. Bringing beauty and joy, balance and harmony to those who seek the same. By this ancient philosophy alone, Carthage, Missouri, is burning. Burning brighter than all the chic, rave, mod, centers of art on the face of this planet.

"Such an art gallery is located in the quiet town of Carthage, Missouri. artCentral is a not-for-profit gallery that is managed by Ms. Robin Putnam and Ms. Helen Kunze. Both ladies have put together a gallery that will rival any other gallery; and the artist community that lives and works in the heart land of this nation is equal to the task of supplying artCentral with more than enough work to last ten lifetimes. All of this within three years after assuming the management of the gallery! One of the dreams that these two ladies had for artCentral is rotating art shows. That is to say, different artists every few months, and I am looking forward to each new show.

"There is an association of artists that live and work in this area. The Spring River Artists. This writer's invitation from one of the members of the Spring River Artists 'guild' was for their opening on the 5th of March 1999. To say the least, I was amazed, and very well pleased, and came away with a new outlook on this community.

"The seven women that share this showing obviously share their talents in common, and with open generosity with each other. They are individually and collectively masters of their chosen media. Equal to any artist anywhere, in any age. If not now, soon will be sought after to hang in museums and prestigious private collections world wide. They live and work close at hand, in the heart land of America, where the true seeker of artistic beauty needs only to step outside their front doors and walk down 13th street. To the artCentral gallery where the discovery of artistic elegance now resides in Mid-America."

There is more to the fine Doctor's letter but we can only fit in so much at one time. We thank him for his interest and for his glowing (no pun intended) review.

More.........next week.

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

Nothin’ like a typo to get things stirred up a bit. If ya happened to miss yesterday’s front page, I was mentioned as a Mornin’ Mail Communist. I have got to think that columnist was the word supposed to be in that sentence. It's amazin' how the sufflin' of a letter or two can completely change the meanin' of a word.

I’m reminded of the small paper that printed the following retraction. Ya gotta pay attention to this one.

"We printed yesterday that Tom Jones was a defective for the police force. We apologize to Mr. Jones. What was supposed to be printed was that Tom Jones was a detective for the police farce."

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herb

Natural Nutrition

by Mari An Willis

Spring has sprung! We are sprouting new sidewalks here in Carthage! At least little piles of leftover dirt and rocks have pushed through the ground and left their mark by the park.

Sore throats can be a result of spring pollen. Some natural remedies for soothing a sore throat are many. Some of the most common and uncomplicated is the old salt water gargle. Many health books suggest adding some goldenseal or myrrh to the blend to stop potential infections. For the strong you may add a touch of cayenne pepper to boost the whole process. Go light, as this is hot stuff!

Chicken soup, Grandma's old remedy, has been "Validated" by those scientists for its anti-inflammatory properties. Add some cayenne to that and some garlic, even a little slippery elm as a thickener and you may have a soup that really can fix you up. There are herbal teas which I can personally vouch for including a blend with slippery elm. It is soothing to sip hot teas. It is worth reading a few boxes to see what flavors you like and don't forget the green teas have antioxidant properties. Green tea also contains caffeine, so don't make it a presleep tea.

If you are prone to frequent sore throats, you may want to bolster your immune system with some Echinacea tincture. It has been proven to help you resist infections. I suggest the tincture or tea as you want it to pass directly over the inflamed throat and/or tonsils. Fortunately it is yummy when you squeeze some lemon juice on it and add that punch of vitamin C.

This is one contagious thing you may want to catch and pass on.....a SMILE.

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