Ditch the junk, then get out and play

Today marks the beginning of Jackson's annual Cleanup/Fixup Days, which last through Friday. The rules allowing Jackson residents to empty basements, garages and other catchalls include a few limits.

For instance, no more than what would fill the beds of three standard-sized pickup trucks will be picked up. All the junk needs to be at the curb by 8 a.m. on your regular garbage day. Don't use the good trash cans, because everything is being picked up, including containers.

No yard waste, motor oil or other hazardous materials or tires will be collected.

If you have questions, call Jackson's Public Works Department at 243-2300 or Sanitation Department at 243-2333.

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As for tires, Cape Girardeau County may have room for one more tire roundup, since the first two collections totaled a little less than 6,500 scrap tires and the program is supposed to pay for as many as 8,000 to be picked up. A collection in May drew close to 2,500 — including a 1-ton tire — and Saturday's netted 3,821. The county may decide for a third round to get the remaining 1,500 or so.

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Nice as the weather is, it's bringing out the worst in some people, as reporter Bridget DiCosmo's story Friday pointed out. The Jackson police report a spate of petty thefts from people's cars. In a series of tips posted on the city's Web site, a few of the simplest would apply to all of us. Reduce temptations by locking your car doors and, if you are fortunate enough to have a garage, close that door.

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Many other folks are spending time indoors and out helping others. Quite a crowd showed up for Saturday's first United Way's Day of Action at Indian Park. The agency partnered with the House of Prayer for the event.

If you didn't make it out there, or to the First-ever Third Annual Louis J. Lorimier Memorial World-famous Downtown Golf Tournament and All-You-Can-Eat Catfish Buffet, which benefited Red House, or to Sunday's fundraiser/skateboard competition for Cape Girardeau's Skate Park, there's plenty of time to lend a hand, according to Nancy Jernigan, United Way's executive director. She said anyone can spend as little as an hour making a difference.

You can sign up to create your own action agenda (and maybe get a cool T-shirt out of the deal) by calling 334-9634 or visiting www.UnitedWayofSEMO.org.

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But some folks prefer a little more structure for their volunteer activities. If that's the case, your local government may just be the place.

Gayle Conrad, Cape Girardeau's city clerk, said applications are always being accepted for advisory boards — where volunteers can help the city make decisions on everything from library and parks issues to more specialized topics, such as for the board of examiners or the board of appeals. But Conrad said examiners or members of the board of appeals need more than willingness to serve.

"You pretty much have to be a registered architect or building contractor, a structural or mechanical engineer," she said. "You pretty much have to have a trade license."

You can apply for to serve on city of Cape Girardeau boards by getting an application from city hall, 401 Independence St., or from the city Web site, www.cityofcapegirardeau.org. Conrad said people can only serve three full terms.

Jackson residents can visit their city hall at 101 Court St., or call 243-3568, and Scott City residents can pick up applications at their city hall or call 264-2157.

Questions, suggestions or tips for Lost on Main Street? E-mail pmcnichol@semissourian.com or call 335-6611, extension 127.