Developments and recycling in Jackson

The city of Jackson is still moving forward on the expansion of Nordenia in our north industrial park on U.S. 61. We are very excited about the project as it will include 50 additional manufacturing jobs, a large investment in equipment and a 175,000 plus square foot building and the possibility of a Community Development Block Grant for the building of infrastructure on the property.

There is more good news. During the construction phase for the building, there will be about 130 construction jobs, and eight Jackson businesses will be used as subcontractors. The building will be constructed of 85 percent recycled steel. Capaha Bank is the lead financial institution. This is good for the economy in Jackson and the region.

We are also excited to be working with Nordenia. They are a well-established company producing a quality product. I was fortunate enough to be able to teach some workshops for them, and I can tell you they have top-notch employees. Nordenia started at their current location in 1990 with just 11 people. Their only customer at that time was Procter & Gamble. They now have more than 400 employees, have expanded several times, and have a much larger customer base. We are happy this latest expansion is in Jackson.

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Our recent E-Cycle Event was very successful. This was the fourth year for the recycling event, and it was the best yet. Midwest Recycling Center hosted the event at our Jackson Recycling Center. They collected more than 100,000 pounds of electronics and metal for recycling. In order to recycle the electronics, they have to "demanufacture" the item into various components, such as plastic, aluminum, copper and steel. These components are then used in new consumer products.

M & J Mobile Shredding was also on hand for the event. They shredded more than 3,000 pounds of paper to be recycled -- and kept it out of a landfill.

The next event for our Sanitation Department is the Clean Up-Fix Up Week. This free service is scheduled for the week of July 11 to15. During this week, our normal three-bag limit is not enforced. Therefore, residential customers can place all qualifying refuse at the curb by 8 a.m. on their normal trash day for collection by the Sanitation Department.

No motor oils, hazardous materials or tires will be collected. Yard waste will not be picked up during this week. Appliances, televisions and computer monitors will not be picked up at curbside during this week as they can now be dropped off at the Recycling Center for a small fee. If you have questions, you may call the Jackson Public Works Department at 243-2300.

Barbara Lohr is the mayor of Jackson.