Preparing for Carthage Leadership.

The Leadership Carthage Committee of the Chamber of Commerce met last Thursday afternoon to make final preparations for attracting candidates for the program.

Committee Chair Bob Copeland told the Committee that application forms are being prepared and brochures outlining the program are now available. The nine session seminar meets twice a month beginning in January and conclude in May.

Leadership Carthage is a program designed to ensure the continued improvement of the Carthage area by developing a network of leaders throughout Carthage. The course is intended to give participants a broader understanding of the needs and issues associated with the Carthage and Jasper County area, and to encourage an increased commitment to community service and leadership.

Candidates are selected on the basis of written applications submitted to the selection committee. Criteria will include a desire, motivation, and interest to serve the citizens of Carthage in future leadership roles.

For mor information contact the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. 358-2373

Commentary

Martin "Bubs" Hohulin

State Representative, District 126

Every now and then the good guys win one. Regular readers of this column will remember that the Missouri Supreme Court was going to rule on a lawsuit regarding property taxes for farmland. The lawsuit came about when the Legislature voted to overturn the higher taxes recommended for farmland. A group called the MO Growth Association filed the lawsuit.

They originally won, but the case was appealed to the Supreme Court.

This case was a perfect example of why taxes are going through the roof. People seem more interested in spreading the pain around rather than ending the pain. Justice Wollf even commented to the plaintiff’s lawyer that their main concern seemed to be that they would be hurt if someone wasn’t paying as much in taxes as they were.

Thankfully, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the farmers and the mandated 13% increase won’t go into effect. While there is NEVER a good time to raise ANYONE’S taxes, this increase would have come at a terrible time. Rain has been in short supply and prices are at record lows. Farm income is going to be at record low levels and a court mandated tax increase would be the final blow for some farms.

It is ironic that so many politicians talk a good talk about wanting to save the family farm and then in the next breath talk about raising taxes or increasing regulations.

Both of those ideas are bad for farmers. A perfect example of the misguided ideas that come from the liberals was the meat pricing bill that was passed last Session. The sponsor, Sen. Joe Maxwell D-Mexico, said it would help small farmers by helping force meat packers to pay the same price to everyone.

When I was asked to be a co-sponsor, I refused, saying it would hurt our markets. At that time I was told that I might be painted as being against farmers if I didn’t get on board. Well, since that law has went into effect, meat packers have refused to buy Missouri beef and a lawsuit has been filed. Like any other business, agriculture operates best in a free market environment free of regulations. Yes, we are in a down cycle, but the answer isn’t in higher taxes or more regulations. A rain would help the most, but increased demand through more accessible markets would be a tremendous help as well.

As usual, I can be reached at House Post Office, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101 or 1-800-878-7126, or mhohulin@services.state.mo.us for your questions, comments, or advice.

Graphic Art Opportunities

Due to our recent purchase of additional equipment and expansion of our Carthage, Missouri facility, we are currently taking applications for the following positions:

Press Operator. Must have experience operating an A.B. Dick 360, Chief 117, Heidelberg windmill, power cutter, and folding equipment. Dark room and layout experience.

Pre Press: Experience with Pagemaker, Quark, Photoshop, Illustrator, Coral Draw. Design and typesetting. Mac and PC. Four Color process experience a plus.

Customer Rep: Need strong organizational skills, computer skills, and be service oriented. Knowledge of current paper trends and printing background.

Bindery: General bindery, padding, stitching, booklet assembly and binding. Some lifting involved.

General Office: Phone skills and computer skills. Experience with Quickbooks, Excel, Access and page layout programs.

Pick up an application at 213 Lyon, Carthage, Missouri, or call for appointment. 417-358-5174 Fax 417-358-3168 email: mmail@morninmail.com

Carthage Printing Services

"Latest technology, Old fashioned values."

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

If ya thought about enrollin’ in the Leadership Carthage program last year, but wanted to wait and see how well it worked, it’s time to take a look. Those who went through the first run have reported that they learned a lot, and had some fun ta boot. I’m sure any of the graduates would be glad to give you the skinny on what to expect.

I’ve heard some comments by those who haven’t been involved in the course thinkin’ it wasn’t worth the time. Prob’ly not for those not interested. But for those who are interested in knowin’ a little more about how the Carthage and County government operates, and what efforts are bein’ made to improve the general quality of life in the area, the time is well spent. Don’t take my word for it, ask someone who’s been there.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune Brooks Hospital

Health Notes

FROM THE FAST FACTS FILE: Some 20 percent of American teenagers never had chickenpox and according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, are susceptible to it. Complications,including death, are more likely in patients over the age of 15. Vaccination for chickenpox is advisable.

North Shore University Hospital in New York is close to developing a male contraceptive now that they’ve identified the mechanism in calcium channel blockers which blocks sperm from functioning. Fertilization takes place when the sperm binds to a sugar on the surface of the egg called mannose. Calcium channel blockers inhibit fertility by entering the sperm’s membranes and preventing it from binding to the mannose.

Health officials in Florida were puzzled over the appearance of the first two cases of malaria in that state in 50 years. An assumption that the men developed the disease by sharing infected needles was not supported by the facts. This means they were infected by mosquitoes carrying the malaria protozoa.

The rise in ultraviolet radiation over large areas of the earth in the last 15 years -caused largely by the depletion of the ozone layer - has alarmed scientists. High UV radiation causes skin cancer and cataracts in humans. It also affects some crops and interferes with marine life.