Projects underway and Jackson remembers Sept. 11

When I was campaigning for my first term as mayor, I stressed the need for a satellite fire station. I am happy to say that we have completed all the preparation for this project and the goal is near. Tonight at 6:30 we are breaking ground on Fire Station No. 2 on the site at South Old Orchard Road at the base of the water tower. We expect to occupy the new station by March of next year.

I want to personally thank and give recognition to the members of the Fire Station Committee: aldermen Mark Dambach, Larry Cunningham and David Hitt; fire chief Jason Mouser; assistant fire chief Randy Davis; city administrator Jim Roach and assistant city administrator Larry Koenig. They attended many meetings and spent many hours researching the project.

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Work is also progressing nicely on South Old Orchard Road. Significant progress has been made in the areas of grading, paving, installing stormwater pipes and water distribution lines. The work is scheduled for completion in early 2012. However, barring weather delays, Fronabarger Concreters Inc. will probably have an early completion.

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Bids have been advertised with an opening date of Sept. 15 for the infrastructure improvements at the Nordenia project. This work, made possible by a Community Development Block Grant, will include grading, roadway construction, sanitary sewers and stormwater drainage system. A new electric transmission line to the site was completed by city crews. This project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2011.

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The local John Guild Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting a We Remember 9-11 event at the Brookside Park Veterans Memorial at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. They are receiving support and assistance from American Legion Post 158, American Legion Auxiliary 158, VFW Post 10495 and the Byrd Settlement Society Children of the American Revolution. A special flag titled We Remember 9-11 was prepared by DAR for the occasion and will be presented to the city of Jackson. The public is invited to the event and the reception following.

A similar event will be held Sept. 17. It is the 2011 POW-MIA Remembrance Event. Those who will be a part of the parade will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Jackson swimming pool to proceed to the Brookside Park Veterans Memorial for the program. Dr. Wayne Bowen will be the guest speaker. The public is invited to the program that begins at 9 a.m.

As I took some relaxation time for a visit to Kentucky Lake, I noticed a few leaves dropping from the trees and just a hint of fall in the air. Soon we'll be able to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in our area. We are fortunate to be able to experience all the seasons of the year.

Barbara Lohr is the mayor of Jackson.