JACKSON WELCOMES K-9 DRUG DOG

Many thanks to everyone who helped make our K-9 drug dog unit a reality in Jackson. The dog "Stadt," meaning city, and his handler Officer Shawn Davis are now on full-time duty. This K-9 unit will be successful in decreasing any drug traffic in Jackson. We welcome "Stadt" as our newest member of the Jackson Police force.

The annual street overlay program has been complete. Many local asphalt streets were given a face-lift this fall through the program. This yearly program is done on a priority basis. Be sure to call if you have a suggestion for a street to be added to the improvement list for coming years.

Construction continues to boom in Jackson. Through the third quarter of 1996 we are on a pace to have near record numbers of residential homes built. In past years the number of homes built are as follows: 1992, 67; 1993, 97; 1994, 145; 1995, 116 and through September of 1996, 96.

The successful grant application will enable work to begin soon on a new recycling center, which should be open next spring. Plans are to double the recycled material intake by next year at this new facility.

There are several projects that are currently in process in Jackson.

Several easements are needed to start more paving during 1997 at the East Main Street extension.

The water supply has increased at the Industrial Park. Field work has been done and this will be included in several water-related projects in the near future.

Construction is ready to begin on the I-55 water line looping project to better serve the community. Materials have been ordered for the I-55 electric substation, which meets the needs of the future for electric service.

A grant has been approved for the Old Cape Road bridge project. Engineering is complete and construction will begin upon word from the state.

Three firms have been interviewed to provide a comprehensive plan for Jackson. After selection of a firm, the planning update will take six to nine months to complete.

Bids have been accepted and construction will be complete by year's end on improvements to Independence Street.

A turn lane has been installed at the intersection of R and D and Highway 61 and also at the middle school and Broadridge to help relieve some of the traffic congestion.

The council meets every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at city hall. We welcome your attendance, suggestions and ideas to make Jackson an even better place to work and live.