Celebrations, developments highlight busy month in Jackson

Wow. July was an exceptionally busy month. We had a record-breaking July Fourth Independence Day celebration in the city park.

This was a cooperative effort of the Independence Day Committee, many of the city's departments, members of many organizations such as the Capaha Car Club, Elks, Jackson High School girls volleyball team, muny band and many additional volunteers. We appreciate all their time and effort, and we appreciate all those who came to help us celebrate.

We ended the month with another big celebration -- the 105th Homecomers. We started the event with a proclamation dedicating this Homecomers to the memory of Legionnaire Bill Poe, who served many years as head of the American Legion Homecomers Committee. Shortly after, we had a downpour, which cut short the muny band performance and everything else going on. However, it made the weather cooler for the rest of the week. This is always a big celebration as there is something for all ages.

It was with mixed emotions that we celebrated the retirement of Captain Bob Bonney from our Jackson Police Department. He was with the department for 32 years, 10 of those years as a captain. He has served and protected our citizens, been active in New McKendree Methodist Church and worked with the youth of our community. We wish him the best in his retirement, but he truly will be missed.

By now you're thinking all we do here in Jackson is "celebrate," but July also was a good month for growth and economic development. Our construction permits for the month of July totaled more than $3 million, with much of that total being new residential. For the months of June and July, more than 60 homes were sold in the city of Jackson. Liberty Utilities has started grading, site work and utility installation for its new corporate office. The Building and Planning Department is in the process of reviewing the construction plans for the new elementary school on North Lacey Street, so we will see a building going up soon. A friend of mine always said to be happy when you see a bunch of trucks hauling rock and cement because that means there is construction going on and that's a good thing.

While it's not nearly as impressive as the "Gone Girl" movie, we had our own movie production here in Jackson this past Saturday. Milwaukee Public Television did a segment for its Tracks Ahead series at our own St. Louis Iron Mountain Railroad during its regular Saturday train ride. The series will be shown on more than 200 stations across the country. This bodes well for the upcoming Christmas season. Since three train rides already have sold out, they will probably increase the number of rides.

The month of August means the first day of school is near. Today at a breakfast I will welcome the new teachers of Jackson R-2 to the city of Jackson. Jackson R-2 schools begin Aug. 15, so busses soon will be rolling and fall sports will be starting. To me this creates a busy and exciting atmosphere in our town.

Barbara Lohr is the mayor of Jackson.