`WELCOME TO JACKSON' SIGN MOVES WEST

JACKSON -- The City of Jackson isn't shrinking. The "Welcome to Jackson" sign that greets travelers entering from the east just isn't where it used to be.

On Monday, the sign was moved about 150 yards west of its previous location near Sappington Auto Parts on East Jackson Boulevard.

The move was made because someone wants to erect a billboard near the old location and could not receive a permit because of the proximity to Jackson's sign. His offer to move the city sign for free came at a time when city leaders were talking about finding a better location anyway.

The sign was the first one placed on East Jackson Boulevard. "We thought since thousands and thousands of cars utilized East Jackson Boulevard we should put a sign there," City Administrator Steve Wilson said. The city purchased property for an electric substation and erected the sign two years ago.

"As we started the development of the substation, the mayor and the board felt it was distracting," Wilson said.

Apparently, everyone's happy now.

"It really shows up better," Alderman Val Tuschhoff said.

The sign now sits high on a bank and can be seen after topping the hill west of the I-55 interchange.

The sign carries an image of Andrew Jackson and the words "Welcome to Jackson ... City of beautiful homes, churches and parks."

A separate sign that carries the logos of various community organizations will be placed below the welcome sign, which is still to be illuminated.

The city also has welcome signs at its on Highway 61 north and to the west on West Main at Highway 72. No welcome sign greets travelers entering the city from the south on Highway 25.