City to Get GIS System

By Colleen Allen

Staff Reporter

The City of Nolan will get a Geographical Information System (GIS) after being unanimously approved by the city council last night. The council accepted a bid by California-based GeoMaps, Inc., which will build the software and provide support.

“With its various functions, this system will help both residents and the city by including hiking and biking trails, assisting the fire and police departments, and by helping those interested in real estate,” said Council member Holly Longman. The GIS system is also expected to increase communication between city departments, keeping both workers and residents well connected.

With an estimated cost of $20,000, the project is expected to begin next month. To see more details of the report, visit www.cityofnolan.com/proposals/GIS.

1. Who will create the system?

(A) GIS Corp.

(B) GeoMaps, Inc.

(C) The City of Nolan

(D) The Longman Group

2. According to the article, how can the

 system help the city?

(A) By tracking crime

(B) By assisting tourists

(C) By increasing communication

(D) By decreasing property costs

3. Who is Colleen Allen?

(A) A journalist

(B) A software engineer

(C) A company spokesperson

(D) A member of the city council

4. When will the project begin?

(A) Next week

(B) Next month

(C) In six months

(D) Next year

Smaller Cars Are Getting Bigger

With rising gas prices and a sluggish economy, Americans are more careful at how they spend theirmoney. Although car sales are not on the decline, fewer sports utility vehicles and large cars are being sold, while hybrid and smaller cars are on the rise.

“It just makes sense,” said Martin Shafer, who traded in his Newton Nomad sports utility vehicle for a Motril Listo, which is about 60 percent smaller. “Since I work in the city, it’s easier to park, and it gets better gas mileage.”

Shafer, who has a 2-hour commute to work, is one 3 million Americans who bought a subcompact car this year. Up nearly 2 percent from last year, reports show car buyers are more interested in gas mileage than luxury.

This new interest is encouraging automakers like Foster Motors, who will release the new Security LT mini sedan later this year, to create smaller cars in order to keep up with the demand.

Another reason topping new car buyers’ lists is style. Many of these smaller cars can be specially ordered from paint color, wheels and rims, and even interior colors.

“It was cheaper for me to order a customized Brugge Bee than to get a normal mid-sized car,” said Amy Trinh, a recent college graduate, who chose to have a pink leather interior. “Now I can look stylish and even save money instead of worrying about high car payments.”

5. According to the article, why are smaller cars becoming popular?

(A) They are cheaper.

(B) They have cheaper insurance.

(C) They are easier to finance.

(D) They have better gas mileage.

6. What is true about Mr. Shafer?

(A) He has a short commute.

(B) He owns a Newton Nomad.

(C) He is a car salesman.

(D) He works in the city.

7. The word “release” in paragraph 4, line 1, is closest in meaning to

(A) free

(B) let go

(C) unveil

(D) publish

8. Which car company manufactures the Security LT?

(A) Newton Motors

(B) Foster Motors

(C) Brugge Motor Company

(D) Mostro Motor Company