JACKSON WILL GREET NEW FIRM AT INDUSTRIAL PARK

Jackson is getting another industry in its Route PP industrial park.

The American Linen Service, headquartered in Madison, Wis., plans to build a commercial laundry distribution center in Jackson. The company now has other locations in DuQuoin, Ill., Jackson, Tenn., and in northeast Arkansas.

On Monday, the Jackson Board of Aldermen approved a resubdivision plat in the industrial park. American Linen plans to purchase a twoacre tract at the intersection of Route PP and Dogwood for the distribution center.

Initially, about 8-10 people will be employed at the center, including route delivery drivers. The center will receive and distribute commercially cleaned laundry to American Linen clients.

The purchase of the land is expected to be closed this morning between the company and the Jackson Industrial Development Corp.

The firm has taken out an option on an adjoining three-acre tract if it decides to build a commercial laundry next to the distribution center in the future.

Mayor Carlton Meyer said negotiations for the purchase of the land have been going on for several weeks.

Additional information about the industry and its relocation to Jackson is expected to be released later today.

In other business, the board approved a request from Lappe Concrete Finishers for a partial payment of $55,526 for work done on the $129,972 West Main Street improvement project.

The project is about 40 percent complete, most of it storm sewer work, said acting City Engineer Rich Bowen.

"The contractor plans to pour cement today. At that time, half of the paving will be done," Bowen said.

He said work on the other side of the street will begin Wednesday, if the paving is completed today. The work will begin at Union Avenue and move eastward.

Bowen said plans are to have the street completed by the end of the year. "We can finish the job in two or three more pours (of cement)," Bowen said. "If we have to make three pours, there will be a 710 day delay, if the weather stays good. If the weather is bad, it will take longer."