THE YEAR 2000 WAS FULL OF HIGHLIGHTS

New St. Paul: St. Paul Lutheran School moved into its new building the first week in January. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Cutting the cake: Rudy Buchheit, founder of Buchheit's, cut a giant cake, marking the grand opening of the Jackson store March 8. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Educators of the Year: The Jackson Chamber of Commerce named its Educators of the Year on March 30. Ed Sebaugh (grades 10-12), Denis McDowell (grades K-5), Dee Walker (grades 6-9) and Normal "Buzz" Thompson (administration) were chosen. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Flashover: Firefighters from the Jackson Fire Rescue Unit and other area departments put on a number of exhibitions in the Wal-Mart parking lot April 22. Here a sample "room" is extinguished after reaching "flashover." Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Tying the knot: Members of the Jackson Noon Optimists prepared balloons for the Jackson Merchants Association's "Spring Fling" April 27. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

2000 prom: King Adam Wachter placed a crown on Queen Julie Wunderlich during the Jackson High School 2000 Senior Prom on May 6. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Graduation: Choral Director Jean Schweain visited with members of the JHS Class of 2000 prior to commencement on May 19. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Fulenwider award: Don Sievers (left) was presented the 2000 R.A. Fulenwider Meritorious Community Service Award by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce on June 19. Making the presentation was 1999 winner James Nelson. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Jackson slipped into the new millennium or the final year of the old millennium, for the technical-minded amid cold weather and big accomplishments in January 2000.

January

As the new year came in, St. Paul Lutheran School was preparing to move into its new school building. Classes began in the $2.5 million facility Jan. 5. The approximately 32,000-square-foot school and multi-purpose building connect onto the St. Paul Church building and faces the old school building across Russell Street. The two buildings are computer-linked by fiber optics.

"We're excited," Principal Al Lipke said. "We've been waiting for this day a long time. Now it's here."

The building includes a new cafeteria, capable of seating 280 to 300 students. Like most of the other rooms, it can be divided into smaller rooms.

Meanwhile, Janey Miller of Jackson opened an American Family Insurance office at 130 S. High Street and seventh-grader Nick Garvey won the Jackson Middle School Geography Bee. While Cape Girardeau Countians were debating controversial Atlanta reliever John Rocker, area teens Stanley Sievers, Mary Bono and Roger Aufdenberg were honored by the Missouri Farm Bureau at its 85th annual meeting.

As January progressed, Rick Saupe, someone whom friends said "does everything under cover and behind the scenes to get stuff done," was honored with the Jackson Jaycee's 1999 Distinguished Service Award. "He makes big events happen and doesn't worry about who gets the pat on the back for it," said President Randy Sander.

At the same banquet, Darrell Sievers won the Outstanding Young Public Servant Award, while Immaculate Conception Principal Tracy Dumey was named Outstanding Young Educator. Donnie Harris was honored as Outstanding Young Businessperson, while Scott Beggs was named Outstanding Young Farmer.

Meanwhile, 1999 Jackson High School graduate Christina Icaza was chosen as Miss Springfield in the Miss Springfield Scholarship Pageant.

It was also announced that a high school will open its doors in the Fruitland area for the first time since Fruitland High School closed in 1939. Land was purchased nearby for the future Saxony Lutheran High School. Also announced was the launching of the Jackson Area Youth Football League for the fall of 2000.

Jackson R-2's Gordonville Attendance Center was honored with two top-10 rankings in the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests, taken the previous school year, and released in late January. In third grade communication arts, only Atlanta Elementary had a higher percentage of "Advanced" and "Proficient" students, 89 percent, to Gordonville's 88 percent. Leopold Elementary, meanwhile, was the only other area school to make the top 10 in communication arts.

February

Three inches of snow Jan. 29 ushered out the month. The first February of the 2000s saw high school FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) "shadow" area business owners, gaining valuable career and life experience. It was part of National Shadowing Day. The Jackson Chamber of Commerce held a reception for the participant.

Gary Garner, head men's basketball coach at Southeast Missouri State University, meanwhile, gave his first talk to the Jackson Rotary Club Feb. 1 and expressed hopes in seeing the Indians make the NCAA Division I Tournament for the first time. His hopes would be met in the near future.

It was also announced at the beginning of February that JHS alumnus Stephen P. Ford, had purchased Bolden Pipe Construction Company in Nashville. Ford was previously operations manager and president. Gov. Mel Carnahan, meanwhile, appointed Jackson resident Sandra K. Grebing to the State Advisory Council on Emergency Services. Gerald W. Jones, Cape County presiding commissioner, was named to the Missouri Emergency Response Commission.

The Jackson Fire Rescue Unite received a thermal imaging camera in February. Wal-Mart Supercenter donated the final $1,5000 toward the $11,000 camera, which allows personnel to see in the dark or in smoke-filled buildings. It also allows them to see "hot spots" in walls, wiring or other areas.

"This is the only camera in the area," Chief Brad Golden said. "The closest ones are in Potosi and St. Louis. It's very unique for a department in the area to have one. I'm proud Jackson could be one of the first in the region to get one."

Gretchen King and Adam Morris were crowned queen and king of the 1999-2000 JHS Basketball Homecoming Dance Feb. 4. Meanwhile, JHS students Maggie Martin and Stacy Gambill were chosen to eh 2000 Missouri Fine arts Academy in June. Gambill paints, draws, sculpts and plays the guitar. Martin plays the clarinet, violin, piano, hand bells and can play a little guitar.

While the United States had already celebrated New Year's, Jan Guth's students at West Lane Elementary celebrated Chinese New Year Feb. 4. It included a mini- parade with a traditional Chinese dragon and various displays depicting Chinese culture. Students also got to eat traditional Chinese food and test their wits at traditional Chinese games.

Fruitland Suzanne Scherer directed the River City Players' production of William Inge's classic play "Bus Stop" in February. This time, however, the cast had no Jackson performers a rarity for the troupe.

February also saw Mayor Paul Sander sign a proclamation naming Feb. 13-19 "Future Business Leaders of America Week."

The announcement was also made of collectable "cop cards," to be handed out by members of the Jackson Police Department to youngsters or anyone requesting one. The glossy cards were purchased to help bridge the gap between the officers and area youth.

On Feb. 27 dozens of JHS alumni gathered in the historic 1939 auditorium for the Alumni Showcase Concert. The $2,500 raised at the event went toward the continued restoration of the auditorium. Performers included Robyn Hosp, Mike Dumey, Brad Andrews, Kristin Swinford, John Ramey, Whitney Hosmer and more.

March

Some 9,000 voters turned in the county March 6 for Missouri's "Super Tuesday" primary. George W. Bush swamped John McCain on the Republican side, while Al Gore solidly defeated Bill Bradley on the Democratic ticket.

LeeRowan added Scott Terry, Nancy Pope, Greg Farrow, Brian Brooks, David Dalton and Brian McCallister, while Jackson resident Evelyn Gholson retired after 11 years. Meanwhile, every member of the Lee Rowan Purchasing Department was certified by the National Association of Purchasing Managers.

The Jackson Heritage Association presented Rev. Sam Roethemeyer with its annual Jackson Heritage Award. Roethemeyer, pastor of Emanuel United Church of Christ since 1988, has been involved in a number of local organizations. Six "Unsung Hero" awards went to Betty Myer, Rusty Hartle, Fern Schultz, Beverly Nelson, Edna Hawethorne and Paul Scholl.

Ben Statler, Justin Thompson and Jennifer Watson won the top three prizes in the annual Optimist Club/Noon Optimist Club essay contest. "Where would I be without freedom?" was the 2000 topic. Phyllis Tallent and Jim Woeltje were chairpersons, assisted by JHS teacher Chris Warren.

JHS students also shined brightly Feb. 25 at the FBLA District 15 Leadership Conference. Jackson qualified 23 members for the state conference in April and all 44 participating members placed in the top eight. Additionally, Justin Thompson was elected District 15 president for the 2000-2001 school year, while Alicia Alderson was named District 15 parliamentarian.

"We fared very well," said Josh Pfefferkorn, local, district and state president. "We not only did extremely well in competition, but came away with two district officers for at least the third year in a row."

JHS senior Kelly Shields, meanwhile, paced fourth in the 66th High School Oratorical State Finals in Jefferson City Feb. 26, sponsored by the American Legion. Shields chose to apply the scholarship to Orel Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla.

As March arrived, Lincoln-McBride left its Highway 72 location after 32 years and took up shop at 1325 Old Cape Road.

Another long-awaited business event took place March 8. Buchheit's held its grand opening for its new 110,000-square-foot Jackson store. The sixth "old country store" in the chain opened at 2801 S. Old Orchard Road, with Pete Rabbitt serving as store manager.

Four generations of Buchheits took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including family patriarch Rudy, who opened the first Buchheit store in Biehle in 1934.

Also opening in March was the Jackson Medical Center on Highway 72. Dr. Charles Pewittde signed the state-of-the-art facility from a doctor's vantage point.

The Ides of March held nothing fearful for theater-goers. The JHS Drama Club put on "What Fire is in Mine Ears: Othello and Much Ado About Nothing," March 17-18. Under the direction of Tracy Fisher, the JHS students brought to life two William Shakespeare classics. Both featured misunderstandings and muddled communications. Both were slightly-shortened adaptations. Mary Bono and Morgan Meyer were student directors of "Much Ado About Nothing," while Tim Nicolai and Chris Shank directed "Othello."

Candidates for the Jackson R-2 Board of Education took part in a public forum March 20. The four candidates Thomas Ludwig, Mack Illers, Mark Banker and Brent Wills responded to a set of eight questions prepared by the American Business Women's Association, then answered several questions from the audience. KFVS-TV 12 news anchor Dave Courvoisier was moderator.

Work was going on for a new county records center on Washington Street and a new county jail on N. Hope Street. Water pistols in local stores, meanwhile, signaled the coming of spring.

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce named its Educators of the Year March 30. Ed Sebaugh (grades 10-12), Dee Walker (grades 6-9), Denis McDowell (grades K-5) and Normal "Buzz" Thompson (administration) were honored.

JHS Student Council members Todd Shelton, Samantha Thurman, Maggie martin and Josh Tomlin attended the Missouri State Student Council Conference at Branson late in the month.

"It taught us a lot of leadership skills, like how to make people feel better about themselves," Thurman said. "We got to meet a lot of people and see a lot of ideas."

The JHS speech and debate team qualified two members for the state meet in April. Senior Janine Love qualified in poetry and junior Katie Townsend in extemporaneous speaking. The 35-member team was led by sponsor Joyce Theiss and co-captains Lydia Blades and Kelly Shields.

Two JHS students, meanwhile, won individual academic honors. Jamie Dost earned the Missouri Award for Outstanding Achievement in Citizenship. She was one of 15 seniors in Missouri to be so honored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Michael Williams was honored by the Missouri Scholars 100 program, as one of the top 10 academic students in Missouri's Class of 2000.

Long-time sales associate Liz Abernathy acquired the Coldwell Banker branch office on East Jackson Boulevard March 23. She had been at the branch office since it opened in 1992.

April

Wills and Baker won seats to the school board in the April 4 election. Baker was the only one of the four candidates (for two spots) who opposed the defeated R-2 bond issue. The ballot measures called for a $5.3 million bond issue to fund a new elementary school and additions and renovations to R.O. Hawkins Junior High, and for a rollback waver that would have increased the district's operating tax levy. All four Jackson aldermen were re-elected. Dave Ludwig, Ward 1; Dave Reiminger, Ward 2; Larry Cunningham, Ward 3; and Joe Bob Baker, Ward 4, were all returned to the board.

Oak Ridge High School's Amy Phlman was selected by the General Federation of Women's Club's Scope Club of Cape Girardeau, to attend the Sophomore Pilgrimage in Jefferson City. She represented the Ninth District and Scope Club, along with 55 other students from the district.

Nine JHS students, meanwhile, won trophies at the Southeast Missouri Foreign Language Fair. Lucie Lambert, JHS foreign exchange student, showed slides of her hometown, Lyon, France, and spoke of her experiences.

The Police Department unveiled their first shipment of "cop cards," as well as "P.C., the Patrol Car," a battery-operated remote control car with a number of computer-generated functions. Both measures were designed to improve relations between officers and area young people.

Ellen Lukens' innovative writing program at Jackson Middle School earned statewide recognition. Lukens had obtained grants for a Dreamwriter word processor for each seventh grade students and alter an overhead projector to use with the system. The students use the Dreamwriters in a successful writing workshop to write essays, book reviews, short stories and poems. The also do their own web site.

Kosmetic Kar Doctor, a long-time staple of Gordonville, moved to Jackson Boulevard in April Owner Randy Eggimann said he "just ran out of room" at the former location and was able to open a 10-car shop in the former Jackson Auto Body building.

The JHS Scholar Bowl team won its first-ever district championship in April. Led by sponsor Chris Warren, the team qualified for the state meet for the first time. The nine-member team was led by captain Kenturah Kiehl. She, Adam Morris and Michael Williams were the only three seniors.

In mid-April the dying pen oak next to the Chamber of Commerce office was cut down, leaving only a carveable stump. April also saw a Big Band Gala and fifth annual R-2 Art Exhibit at the Middle School high school gym respectfully and the annual Jackson merchants Association's Spring Fling.

More than $45,000 was raised by the area-wide MS Walk April 9.

"We well-exceeded expectations," said Robin White, walk organizer. "We tripled our goal, as far as money goes."

Diabetes also received attention, as eighth grader Justin Gibbs and sixth grader Majhon Phillips organized Missouri's first American Diabetes Youth Walk.

"We wanted to have a youth walk because youths in the area are getting a bad rap," Gibbs said. "This will make a difference in the lives of many people."

Nearly a quarter of Jackson's population was involved in the 15th annual First Baptist Church Easter Pageant, April 12-16. Some 300 church members are annually involved in the production, while more than 2,500 spectators attended. The 2000 script was written by the father/daughter team of Scott and Erica McQuay. The pageant was seen through the eyes of the aging apostle John, looking back on Christ's final days in human form.

Spectators got quite a show April 22, when the Jackson Fire Rescue Unit and members of other area fire departments put on a fire-fighting demonstration in the Wal-Mart parking lot. They removed the tops off of two cars with the "Jaws of Life" equipment and extracted a victim/dummy. Another crowd pleaser was the engulfing of a sample "room."

A wooden crate was assembled to depict a typical small room. Article of furniture were in eh room and a chair was set on fire. It typically takes four to four and a half minutes for the room to reach "flashover," when everything in the room is the same temperature.

April ended with the aforementioned Spring Fling and an honor for two long-time community leaders. The late Alice Faye Thompson and Mary Purcell both of whom had died in 1999 were honored by the Jackson Noon Optimists Club. A pair of benches were dedicated in Thompson's memory, while a model schoolhouse at the Safety City park were presented in honor of Purcell.

JHS singers Abby Burlbaugh, Cheryl Trotter, Arika Lucy, Andrea Penland, Erika Beasley, Zach Morgan, Brian Haas and Adam Sherinski received "1" ratings at the state music contest. So did the mixed double quartet, the Madrigal Ensemble and the JHS Chamber Choir, Women's Choir and Men's Choir. The music department had previously cleaned up at district, with 13 solo "1's" recorded.

The Jackson FBLA chapter continued its remarkable year by holding its annual installation banquet April 27. State results were also announced, with 12 Jackson FBLA members accounting for a whopping 16 first-place medals. The Jackson chapter also won the Award of Merit and was honored for several programs. On he national level, the chapter own the Gold Key Award, the Hollis and Kitty Guy Gold Seal Chapter Award and were honored for having the largest chapter membership in the North Central Region.

Ken Parrett, Jackson Chamber director, was named an honorary FBLA member, while senior Josh Pfefferkorn was named the chapter's outstanding member. Brandee King was selected as Outstanding Supervised Business Experience Student.

May

Some 300 couples celebrated the 2000 JHS Senior Prom May 6, with about 630 total students attending. The students "had a blast," in the words of Principal Rick McClard.

Julie Wunderlich and Adam Wachter were crowned queen and king of the prom. "Unforgettable" was the theme of the 2000 prom.

Early May also saw Hobo Junction open in the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway depot. Mike Ross opened the restaurant with a 1950s motif, as well as maintaining a railroad aura. Matt Meyer was manager.

As the school year rolled to a close, South Elementary held its first science fair. Science teacher Debbie Lusk organized the event May 15 for students in grades 2-5. Tyler Kremer's "Series VS Parallel Circuit" was second-third grade champion, while "A Wild Guinea Pig Habitat" by Ashley Taylor and Erica Michelson, won the fourth and fifth grade honors.

Allen Phillips and Prudential Insurance launched a Rainbows program at West Lane Elementary, meanwhile, to aid students who have suffered the loss of a parent or sibling or other significant loss.

JHS band students brought home a myriad of "1" ratings at the state music contest. Those receiving "1's" in instrumental solos were Jon Reno, alto sax; Maggie Martin, Clarinet; Matt Palisch, baritone; Julie Gerecke, flute; Lee Strickert, trombone; Jaci heath, flute; Janice Doberenz, alto sax; Bobby Abernathy, trumpet; Fallen Thiele, flute; Jessica Terry, flute; Ryan Vangilder, marimba; and Amilie Morgan, piano.

Graduation day finally came for 2000 seniors on May 19. Nearly one-third of the 292 graduating seniors left JHS with college scholarships. The Class of 2000 carded 105 academic scholarships for a value of $1,115,000. In addition, 23 seniors qualified for "Bright Flight" scholarships.

The Class of 2000 was headed by Valedictorian Jamie Dost and Salutatorian Michael Williams. Chris Warren, language arts teacher, gave the commencement speech.

More than 200 youth took part in Youth Walk 2000, raising over $9,000 for diabetes. Justin Gibbs, co-chairman, called it "a huge success," despite rainy conditions.

Meanwhile, motorists were checking out Jackson, Gordonville and Dutchtown as part of the 100-Mile Yardsale up and down Highway 25.

A large crowd turned out May 29 to honor deceased veterans at Memorial Day ceremony in the Jackson City Cemetery. The Rev. John Rice, pastor of New McKendree Untied Methodist Church, gave the keynote speech. It was hosted by the Altenthal-Joerns Post # 158 American Legion Post and Auxiliary.

June

U.S. Sen. Christopher S. "Kit" Bond held an impromptu press conference at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce office June 1. Bond spoke on current legislative issues, including a bill to grant Permanent Normal Trade Relation Status to China. Bond, Missouri governor 1973-77 and 1985-85, also spoke on the increasing role of women in small business ownership.

Everything from decorative items to Beanie Babies to baseball cards to cleaning supplies were on the auction block June 16 at the JHS FBLA's silent and oral auctions. Money raised went toward sending qualified members to the FBLA National student Leadership Conference in Long Beach, Calif. in July.

Fourteen JHS students and several local adults spent the second half of June on a 16-day good will tour of Europe. They ere part of a Missouri Ambassadors of Music troupe, touring Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Germany, England and France. Nick Leist, long-time JHS band and Jackson Municipal Band director and his wife Judy were among the adults accompanying the students.

On June 19 the Jackson Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation banquet. Don Sievers, long-time figure in the chamber, Jackson Industrial Development Commission, Jackson Optimist Club, St. Paul Lutheran Church and Missouri National Guard, received the top honor of the night. He was named 2000 recipient of the R.A. Fulenwider Meritorious Community Service Award.

The chamber also named Tractors Restaurant, owned by Steve and Teresa Blankenship and managed by Marshall Steen, as its first Business of the Year recipient.

Darrell Aufdenberg, outgoing chamber president, reflected on the past year as "a year of first," including the first full year with Ken Parrett as chamber executive director and the first full year of Business After Hours. F.R. "Buz" Sutherland, the chamber's first full-time executive director in the 1970s, was keynote speaker. The Rev. Walter Keisker, 100, also spoke briefly.

Lawrence Kasten was honored as Jackson Rotarian of the Year June 27. Tim Walker was named Rotary Newcomer of the Year, while Sgt. Howard Hammers of the Jackson Police Department was given the Community Leader Award. Lavern Wachter was named Educator of the Year, while Marci Myracle was named Junior Rotarian of the Year.

A new slate of officers was sworn in that day, with Vanita Jones succeeding Chris Weiss as president.

NOTE: Part II of the year in review will appear next week, chronicling July through December, 2000.