Did Ya Know... The VantAge Point and Area Agency on Aging will have Generations Educational Bingo and Understanding Psychotropic Medicines at Northpark Mall on Friday, October 10. The fair begins at 10 a.m. For information, call 417-627-0600.

Did Ya Know... To sign up for Preschool Storytimes, call the Young People’s Library. Storytimes are held Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 10:15 a.m.

Did Ya Know... The Family Literacy Council offers English classes, Skills Building, and One-on-one Tutoring. For information, call 358-5926.

Did Ya Know... The Baby/Youth Contest Entry deadline is today. Call the Carthage Chamber at 358-2373 or Nita Robinson at 358-5468 to register.

Little Suzie: My Sunday school teacher says we’re put on earth to help others. Is that right, Mom? Mother: Of course, dear. Little Suzie: Then what are the others here for?

Daughter: Oh, Mother, please tell me if I should accept Joe’s proposal.

Mother: Why don’t you ask your father? He made a much smarter decision in marriage than I did.

I hate mornings...they’re so early.

Miss Tillie King Surprised.

Dr. H. O. Scott’s Sunday school class surprised Miss Tillie King at her home on Grant street last evening. Charades and games of various kinds were the order of the evening, which was pleasantly spent. Light refreshments were served. Miss Mabel Hamilton photographed the group by flash light. Those present were Dr. and Mrs. Scott, Misses Mabel Hamilton, Ethel Brown, Minnie Gladden, Lillian Schooler, Maj. J. L. Moore, and Messers, Jay Butcher, Robt. Elliott, Thurlow Fellers, Duncan Hanna, and N. W. Boillot.

Mr. C. Fingerlee, of union township, who is in Carthage today, says that when he crossed Center creek this morning there was not a particle of water flowing. Mr. Fingerlee is an old settler here but says this is the first time he has seen the water so low as that, which gives an idea of the extent and severity of the present drought.

Parking on the Square.

The recent issuance of parking violation summons for "square hopping" has resulted in another debate concerning convenient parking for County officials. Lingering questions concerning property lines on the Square and County ownership of the land around the Courthouse have led to searches for deeds, transfer titles and plats that provided no clear-cut answers.

Early last week Mayor Don Riley said he would like to resolve the parking question as harmoniously as possible and felt the City and County could sit down and discuss the problem. He pointed out that completing the sidewalk project on the south side of the Square would provide easier access to the parking lot reserved for County use.

Adding more reserved parking on the Square for elected County officials has been suggested. Police Chief Ellefsen has typically voiced his opinion concerning the parking situation. "They do have such spots within one block of the Square at present," said Ellefsen. "The bottom line is...I’ll share my opinions until a decision is made and then follow through with those in power to make decisions, whatever that might be."

In the oil patch there is a thing called tank "bottoms." This is the thick gooey stuff that settles to the bottom of the oil tank out in the field. It's not good for much since they won't let ya dump in on the dirt roads anymore.

When the gauger comes ta check your tank for the buyer, they check ta see how much bottom there is in a tank. Too much and they won't buy the oil.

The usual practice is to stir the bottom up real good as ya pump the oil outa the tank so as ta get ever'thing floatin' so it flows out with the oil.

'Course the buyers know the practice, that's one a the reasons they won't buy from tanks with over a few inches of bottom. Course they'd prefer that the mess wasn't stirred at all. They'd be better off if ever'thing just settled and there was a good cleanin' ever now and then.

Usually it's not the stirrin' that causes the most problems, it what floats to the surface that folks don't want to deal with.

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

Super Handyman

Q: I want to use a latex paint over an oil-based paint but was told it wouldn’t work. Why? Is there another way, or do I have to use oil-based paint? - H. J.

A: I think the reason people mistakenly warn against putting latex over oil-based paint is because of the old "water and oil don’t mix" adage. After the paint is dry, it’s perfectly all right to use latex over oil, or vice versa. You do want to make sure that the old paint is clean and without any gloss and that the surface is completely sound. Talk with your paint dealer to be sure you’re using the proper paint for the project.

Q: I want to add an electrical outlet on my patio. Should I install a GFI? - J. B.

A: Most local electrical codes require that you employ ground-fault interrupters any place where water and electricity might mix. Even if it’s not required, it should be. So, yes, use a GFI on your patio.

Super Hint - Sometimes a tiny dowel can hold a joint better than a screw. Drill a tiny hole and install a toothpick along with glue to hold a joint fast.

Super Hint - If using pre-pasted wallpaper and you don’t have a water tray, try wetting the paper in a large ice chest. Make sure it is large enough to hold the water and wide enough to accommodate the paper. Benefits: The water will stay warm longer, and ice chests are relatively easy to clean.