Did Ya Know... Dec. 5, 12, 19 Santa and the Red Bus will give tours of the Carthage Christmas Lights. Tickets will go on sale at 5:00 at the regular bus stop site on the NE inside corner of the Square. Tours will be at 5:30, 7:00, and 8:15 p.m. Many of the stores on the Square will be open until 8 p.m. for your shopping convenience.

Did Ya Know... DAR will meet at 1 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 6 at the Broadview Country Club.

Did Ya Know... First Church of the Nazarene children’s department presents "The Great Late Potentate" by Karen Dean on Sun., Dec. 7 at 10:40 a.m. Admission is free.

Did Ya Know... Friends of the Library Book Sale is 8 a.m. to noon at the Carthage Public Library Annex.

No bees, no honey; No work; no money.

"Has anyone told you how wonderful you are?"

"Nope."

"Well, then, where did you get the idea?"

Lawyer, reading a wise old man’s will to the relatives: And being of sound mind, I spent every dollar I had.

The American Home.

The audience at the First M. E. church last night listened to one of the best lectures ever heard in that church. Dr. Kelley lectured here before, during the Chautauqua assembly, and needed no introduction.

The music by Miss Ruth Myers served as a pretty prelude to the lecture, which was on "The American Home." Dr. Kelley, at the outset, modestly assured his hearers that some of the best thoughts in the lecture were obtained from others.

His foundation "quotation" was from President McKinley,: "If I were asked to say in a single sentence what constituted the strength of the American Republic, I would say it is the American home. Whatever makes the American home the best and purest and the most exalted elevates the country and its citizenship."

Miss Johns closed in a medley of airs, the beauty of them showing as "Home, Sweet Home" fell upon the ears of all.

Pictured are County Commissioners Anna Ruth Crampton, Danny Hensley, and Mike Cloud during last week's ribbon cutting for the Fir Road bridge. Photo by H.J. Johnson

Fir Road Bridge Completed. The completion of what Presiding County Commissioner Danny Hensley calls "one of the most important projects in Jasper County" was recognized last week in a ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Fir Road bridge just west of Stone’s Corner. Originally bid in April of 1996, the rerouting of telephone, pipe, and electrical lines delayed construction and brought the total cost for the project to just under $1 million. State Representative Mark Elliott, also attending the ceremony, told the Mornin’ Mail that the old railroad bridge had long been one of the most dangerous hazards in the county. Many accidents, some resulting in death, are attributed to the old narrow structure, according to Elliott. Commissioner Mike Cloud said that the discovery of fresh water springs on the site also caused delays. Large rock was hauled in and placed to assure that the roadway would not be eroded. Jasper County budgets approximately $5 million per year for roads and bridges with just under $3 million being spent on bridges alone.

Saturday Night

Sunday Morning

Cellular 9-1-1 Calls

Release by the Jasper County 9-1-1 Center

Having a cellular telephone should make one feel safer. The Jasper County Emergency Services Board started meeting with the two local providers of cellular service as early as April of 1996 to be sure that cell calls were properly routed to the 9-1-1 Center that serves all of Jasper County.

Executive Director William A. Cade Jr. said that as recent as July 24, 1997, just before the Center went "live," the two major providers were sent a letter advising them that the County 9-1-1 Center was to be the "default" answering point for all cell tower sites serving Jasper County.

While the difficulties in getting every call to the correct answering point will not be solved easily, quickly or without cost; the Jasper County 9-1-1 Board has made a diligent effort to work with the cellular providers to give cellular users in this County the best level of service possible.

Cade suggests that when you are being sold a cellular phone - the customer should ask very directly how their 9-1-1 call will be routed to those that can provide assistance in times of emergency.

Musical Presentation

Release by the Grace Episcopal Church

A twenty-five voice community choir will present Bach’s Christmas Cantata "For Us a Child is Born" on Sunday, December 7 at 4 p.m. at the Grace Episcopal Church, corner of Chestnut and Howard, Carthage.

Soloists are Patricia Byrd, Carthage; Al Carnine, Joplin; and Steve Whisler, Bolivar. The director is William Sutter and accompanist is Dr. Mary Anne Andrews, Sarcoxie.

The public is invited to attend this event. The presentation is sponsored by the Carthage Musical Devotees.

The meetin’ of the Council to discuss the Myers Park appraisal couldn’t be put together this week ‘cause of conflicts in schedules. Looks like early next week it may happen.

‘Course anyone other than Mornin’ Mail readers haven’t been made aware of the appraisal up ta now that I know of. Seems we’re the only ones that think it might be of importance to the community ta be informed about it.

From what I’m hearin’ on the street, most buyers like the appraisal. Most ever’one figures the amounts are at least a little low, but one thing for sure, we won’t know until somethin’ sells.

The work session with the Council should be interestin’ ‘cause it will be the first indication of how individual members feel about the document. Maybe then we’ll get a feelin’ as ta how long it may be before some property will be placed on the market.

One thing the appraisal did accomplish, it’s refreshed the interest in buyin’.

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

by Oak Street health & herbs.

by Mari An Willis

Off the subject today.....what is it about shopping that just gets to me? Is it the crowds? Definitely. Is it the attitude of overwhelmed clerks? Yes, but I've been there myself so try to have a little more than average patience. Is it being around all the coughing and sneezing? You bet! Or is it the noise? For sure! I am one of those who can't think in a crowded area so a trip to the Mall is just a sight-seeing tour for me anyway. It is also one of my most favorite places for observation and hearing conversation not meant to be private.....how could you get privacy in a place like that? The funniest comment is "what are we doing here?" Well, what are we all doing there? Looking for a bargain. Sometimes you actually find one, but as I have accrued more shopping years (Okay...gotten older!) I have chosen to shop only smaller stores. The American way of life that has been threatened comes home to me as I am greeted by a small business owner who is present in the business and truly cares what is happening with the store and the people who shop it.

I also find the statement about "I used to like to go downtown, but there is nothing there." Why? Because you did not go there. You picked up those extras at the giant conglomerant store. Both types of stores have a place. One is the character of a community and the other is a representative of a one world order. Both have their place, I suppose. Since I have always "gone for the heart" of things, it is only logical that I would prefer smaller shops and that I would wind up owning one.

Where did all this come from? It has absolutely nothing to do with herbs...or does it? Yes! I believe it does! Herbs were the medicine of the past and they are back, as it is with small business if you let it.

*This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.

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