JACKSON BOARD GETS REPORT ON MAYOR

JACKSON -- It's a rare occasion when Jackson Mayor Pro Tem David Ludwig substitutes for Mayor Carlton Meyer. Monday's board of aldermen meeting was one of those occasions.

Ludwig told the aldermen Meyer is in the Kansas University Medical Center, in Kansas City, Kan., recovering from major surgery over the weekend.

"He's recovering very well," said Ludwig. "I had an excellent report on him from a member of the family."

Ludwig said Meyer was admitted to the hospital last week, and is expected to remain hospitalized for another two weeks.

"We wish him a full and speedy recovery and would like to see him home as soon as possible," Ludwig added.

Meyer was unopposed in his re-election bid last April to a 10th consecutive term as Jackson's mayor. He was first elected in 1973.

During the brief council meeting, the aldermen approved a motion to install six street lights on West Independence, (Route D) along the north side of the city park, and at 1820 Old Toll Road, where a new business is opening.

The board also approved a payment of $37,662.60 to P&R Developers for the Phase Two water line extension project. Acting City Engineer Rich Bowen said the project is 90 percent complete, with only some minor work left to do in the spring.

The aldermen voted to hold their next regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 17, even though it is President's Day. City Administrator Carl Talley noted a public hearing had been scheduled for that night.

The hearing is on the city's community block grant application that will be submitted around March 15. The hearing will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The aldermen commended the Jackson Police Department for their investigative work that led to the arrest of two Jackson High School students, charged with puncturing over 100 tires on 24 school buses in early December.

They are also charged with two burglaries at the Jackson Hardee's Restaurant in early January.