Homecomers success and weekend sales tax holiday

Homecomers week is over. A good time was had by all. My three youngest grandchildren had a good time trying all the rides. I had a good time waving to them as they were riding. Entertainment director Linda Penzel did a great job providing this year's entertainment. The patriotic theme was so appropriate. The Muny Band was especially good Tuesday evening. The American Legion did a great job of getting plenty of food vendors and fun vendors to provide a good carnival atmosphere. Yes, the weather was hot, but it didn't seem to dampen the spirit of the large crowd of people in attendance.

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It was great to have Gov. Jay Nixon visit Nordenia last Thursday. He was here to talk about economic development in Missouri -- and especially about our own Nordenia expansion. The dirt work has already started and soon you will be able to see the building go up. Our area is fortunate to have this kind of investment and commitment to job growth from such a first-rate company.

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The city of Jackson is again participating in the back-to-school sales tax holiday. This gives families an opportunity to get a tax break when purchasing school supplies. This is the weekend! Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ending at midnight on Sunday, all back-to-school supplies will be exempt from our county and city sales tax.

The tax exemption applies to some big ticket items such as personal computers, computer software and computer peripheral devices such as printers. Other exemptions include clothing (any article with a price of $100 or less) and school supplies (not to exceed $50 per purchase). We invite you to come to Jackson to shop this weekend and save some money.

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If you need to take a break from shopping on Friday, Aug. 5, the Jackson Parks and Recreation Department invites you to the City Park at dusk for our annual Movie in the Park. This year's feature is "Toy Story 3." Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs.

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Where did the summer go? I can't believe school will soon be starting, but I spent about an hour at football camp last week and that's always my indicator. I was hot just sitting there, so I can imagine how it was for the participants. My football coach husband always said it didn't matter when they scheduled football camp, it would turn out to be the hottest time of summer.

Let's get past the heat and be ready for cooler fall weather. I know it's coming, and I am sure ready.

Barbara Lohr is the mayor of Jackson.