RE MARKS: MEMO: REPLACE GAS GAUGE -- RIGHT AWAY!

Since some time in 1995 or so, my gas gauge has only occasionally functioned. It will surprise me by coming to life for maybe one day a month. Otherwise I'm on my own. Instead of marking my calendar year from Jan. 1 to Jan. 1, I mark it from one running out of gas episode to the next. It happens just about once a year.

I should have known when the car didn't seem to be running right as I left Jackson Monday--but I would have SWORN I had at least half a tank of gas. I began to realize the folly of my judgment as I began losing power going out of town on Jackson Blvd. As has happened previous times, I ALMOST had enough to crest the final hill. Almost.

I had been dead in the water probably no more than 20 seconds, before Rick Whitaker of the Jackson P.D. was behind me. After discussing the bleak alternatives available (We were against the side wall, blocking the right lane.), he summoned Darrell Sievers. The two gave me a push, turning me around so I could coast down hill to the Texaco station. Fortunately the clerk there was willing to take my new-customer counter check for a tank of gas.

I greatly appreciated the courtesy and helpfulness of the two police officers, as well as the Texaco clerk. The officers were gracious enough not to point out that I was an idiot for allowing myself to run out of gas in the middle of a heavy-traffic area. (Fortunately it occurred about 1:30 p.m., rather than a couple of hours later!) Monday's incident certainly convinced me that I made a good decision in choosing a community in which to work.

*Of course aggravating things still happen. I recently got an unexpected and unwelcome notice in the mail--actually two of them. During my move I made a couple of ATM withdrawals. Apparently on the last one there were insufficient funds for the $50 "quick transaction." Apparently the ATM was too tired, stressed, or indifferent to point this out to me--as ATMs had done in the past. Instead it merely shrugged and gave me my money. Then, some week later, here came an overdraft notice, docking me $20 because my overdraft protection had to cover this withdrawal! That led to a second transaction going into overdraft. Therefore the incompetent ATM cost me $40. I was later told that ATMs from different banks will not always check the current balance. Gee, for a $20 penalty, I guess I should have tried for a million dollars!

*Jackson certainly is a city on the move. As a former board member for the Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce and a current board member for the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve, I am well aware of the struggles of attracting industry, tourism and other business to a community, without the community losing the warm, comfy attributes that make it appealing in the first place. I believe this can be done and I think those involved in those arenas in Jackson are on the right track in their efforts. We definitely have a great product to sell.