Jackson's growth continues

I must admit to a bit of trepidation when I read the article in the Southeast Missourian that the end of some program might slow Jackson's growth. Rest assured, we're still plugging along with continued building growth.

At the end of August, we issued 49 building permits with a total construction value of $17,132,082.82, which included the new elementary school. Although we haven't completed our September totals, as of this writing, we have already issued 47 building permits with a total construction value of $3,355,275.50.

Today is the first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness month. During this month, we want to bring local awareness to the importance of early detection of breast cancer. We have already started to "pink up" Jackson by turning the fountain pink and giving the courthouse a pink tinge in the evenings.

Thank you to the county commissioners and public works superintendent Don McQuay for their assistance on this project. You also will see many businesses displaying pink. Instead of my customary red jacket, you'll even see me in a lot of pink -- except on football Fridays.

There are many activities throughout the month, and it is impossible to attend all of them. However, I urge everyone to get involved with at least one activity and give a donation to the "Dig for Life" campaign sponsored by Saint Francis' Womancare. This program encourages all women to have a mammogram and provides them free to those women who cannot afford them. On Oct. 26, A Sister's Hope, founded by Cathy Seabaugh, is again sponsoring the third annual Pink Moon Run/Walk as a fundraiser for breast cancer research.

Uptown Jackson has another big event Oct. 12. The Oktoberfest will be a day filled with activities. Starting at 8 a.m., the first event, sponsored by Jackson Community Outreach Board, will be the Run for the Wall 5k run/walk to benefit the Veterans Memorial Wall in Brookside Park. There are registration forms at Jackson City Hall and at various locations across town. If you need additional information, call Lauren Schuette at 450-9424.

The activities in Uptown Jackson will start at noon Oct. 12 and will feature Jackson's favorite things: food, fun and fellowship. The food will consist of brats, Polish sausage, sauerkraut, German potato salad and barbecue. There will be a biergarten featuring seasonal craft beers. There will be music all day and into the evening with the Polka Kings, Tungsten Groove, Hot Rod Nights, the Heartland Pops Chorus and Old School Hype.

During the afternoon, there will be activities such as a dachshund parade, apple pie baking contest, sidewalk chalk art, face painting and additional vendors. The last Cruisin' Jackson car show for the year will be from 6 to 9 p.m. This event features show cars from all across the region.

You will have a great opportunity for fun and fellowship at the Uptown Jackson Oktoberfest on Oct. 12. For more details, see the Uptown Jackson Octoberfest's Facebook page.

Barbara Lohr is the mayor of Jackson.