Wednesday April 9, 1997 Volume V, Number 207
Our feet take a beating every day. They support us and propel us through life. Aging, wear and tear of daily use, and injury may cause arthritis. Many of us will develop some form of arthritis in our feet. Degenerative arthritis is a condition that slowly wears away joints. At first, you may notice that the affected joint seems stiff and may ache. As the cartilage breaks down, the bones rub against each other causing pain and swelling. Over time bone spurs may develop, and the range of motion becomes limited.
When arthritis affects your big toe, the joint hurts when it pushes off the ground. A bunion in the big toe joint may appear with the arthritis. When arthritis affects the joints at the rear or middle of your foot, you will feel pain when weight is put on the foot. Arthritis may affect the ankle joint and other nearby joints. If your symptoms are mild, medication may be enough to reduce pain and swelling.
Severe arthritis may require surgery to improve the condition. If damage is severe to the bone, the joint may be fused together to prevent the bones from rubbing against each other.
Although it is sometimes tough to get things implemented through City government in a timely manner, working with the City over a period of time has ta be somethin’ like tryin’ to lasso a horse while ridin’ a bull.
The problem is that ever’ year or so there is the distinct possibility that the members on the Council will change. That leaves open opportunities for efforts of advancement to be derailed over time. The Council can’t bind a future Council into agreements accordin’ to the frequently spoken words of the City Attorney.
That basically means that any decision can be changed by a simple vote of six individuals (seven if the Mayor objects). Some employees of the City seem to have adjusted to the constant trainin’ of “bosses,” but puttin’ together a long term arrangement over a period of several years must be somewhat nerve-rackin’ for those doin’ business with the City.
I’d have ta figure time is right when the fire is hot.
This is some fact, but mostly, Just Jake Talkin’.
A Chronological Record of Events as they have Transpired in the City and County since our last Issue.
From present indications the time is not far distant when Carthaginians can converse over the telephone with persons at Springfield, Aurora, Eureka Springs, Cassville, Peirce City, Monett, Sarcoxie, Bowers Mill, Avilla and other places.
The line of the Southwestern Telephone System extends as far this way as Bowers Mill and will be extended to Avilla as soon as possible. The headquarters of the company is in Peirce City and a man named Armstrong is the active promoter. The company contemplates extending the line to Carthage and will probably do so at once as they only ask co-operation.
The commercial club will no doubt take up the matter as the connection would be of inestimable benefit to merchants of this city as well as the general public.
The creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District to finance a good portion of the Precious Moments public infrastructure in December of 1995 has yet to produce any revenue, but City Economic Development Director Max McKnight says its just a matter of time. McKnight recently met with Precious Moments’ representatives and says that plans for development are progressing at a satisfactory rate.
A Development Agreement between the City and Precious Moments has yet to be finalized. This document spells out the particulars of the financing and the responsibilities of each entity. The draft agreement has been in the hands of Precious Moments for over a year. Some action is expected soon. The Agreement will need the approval of the full Council.
The TIF District, as allowed by State statute, allows the City to capture all property taxes on valuations above the established 1996 levels. This includes taxes assessed by the R-9 School District, the County, the Library Board, and the Park Board. The intended purpose of the statuteis to encourage the development of property to enhance the long term stability of the property and sales tax base.
Larry Carsten, of the County Assessor’s Office, says that the “base” was established in 1996 and any increases will be noted this year. The TIF District was established after a lengthy study by a Committee consisting of two R-9 School representatives, a County representative and three other local businessmen.
The vote by the Council to establish the district caused some objections in that the area designated must meet criteria that says for one the area is “blighted” and that the property would not be developed unless such a district was established. The TIF District legislation is unique in that it places all judgements in the hands of the Council and there is no higher authority except the courts.
Although the District is established, the mechanism for collecting and depositing the funds generated in a special TIF Account has yet to be established. The implementation of those mechanisms is the task on which McKnight is working.
County Collector Steve Holt says he has yet to receive any official instructions from the City to guide the Collector’s Office.
The City also is required to capture one half of the increase in Economic Activity Taxes (EAT’s). These are mainly represented by sales tax in this County. The responsibility of accurately accounting for the sales tax increases generated within the TIF District will presumably fall with the City.
The District is predicted to generate over $3 million over a twenty year period and funds will be used for street and gutters, street lights, signage and other typical infrastructure needs.
Some of the most important lessons are learned in Kindergarten, a popular book says. The problem is, we forget these lessons as we become more "mature."
On my visits back to the small home town I left after I married, I thought it important that I look my best. I planned my clothes carefully. I got a new permanent and had the gray touched up. And I tried to lose a few pounds. I wanted my old friends to see that I hadn't got fat, that my children were advanced for their ages, and that my husband was doing extremely well in his job.
Now, in the wisdom of my later years, I know people want to see some obvious flaws in their friends. We say, (affectionately, of course), "Her hair always was a mess," or, "She always was heavy, even in high school." People want friends who don't keep an impeccable house, whose children aren't perfect and who drive a car a few years older than theirs.
I actually knew all this in grade school when I purposefully flunked a test so the other kids would like me.
Did Ya Know... Monday, April 7, the following were elected school board officers: Neel Baucom, Pres.; Steve Montague, V.P.; David Coffee, Sec.; and Ron Ross, Treas. The new elementary school under construction was named "Steadley Elementary School."
Did Ya Know... University Extension will provide a series of programs called "Focus on Children" every Mon. night at 7 p.m. from April 21 to May 12 at the University Extension Center in Carthage. Certificates of attendance will be issued. For more information, contact the Extension at 358-2158.
A woman decides she has had enough and is going to frighten her husband out of drinking. So she dresses up like the devil and patiently waits for him at the door. When he pours himself in, she yells, "Boo!"
The man says, "Who are you?"
She says, "I am the devil!"
"Well," he says, "shake my hand. I married your sister!"
The captured bank robber was told that the bank's hidden camera had taken pictures of him and that led to his capture.
"Geez," he said, "do you think I could have some copies for my wife?"
Got your e-mail. I really appreciate you running my column, both in your paper and on the net. Your readership must be growing, I get a lot of comments from folks in Carthage about it! Holler if we can ever help with anything. Bubs (Hohulin)