SECOND HALF OF 2000 WAS A BUSY TIME

FBLA cleans up: The Jackson Chapter received first place in the Public Relations Award at the National Leadership Conference in July. Receiving the plaque were Catie Myers, Amanda Bollinger, Abby Grossheider, Alicia Alderson, Josh Pfefferkorn, Melinda Burnett, Emily Unverferth, Shelly Stover and Justin Thompson.

All smiles: Most Jackson High School students seemed to be glad to return to school in August. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Larger than life: Annie Criddle was more than the girl next door in "Larger Than Life," just one sequence in the Style Stop Impact's Extreme 2000 Fashion Show on Aug. 11. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Carving: August A. Birk's chain saw sculpture in the Jackson Chamber of Commerce lawn looked more and more like an American Indian as August wore on. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Generations: Young and old enjoyed the 90th Jackson Homecomers, Aug. 22-26. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Marching Fest: The Jackson Marching Chiefs, with director Pat Schwent at left, marched in the Jackson Marching Band Festival on Oct. 3, along with 18 other bands. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

New office: Cape Girardeau County Commissioner Larry Bock, center, cut the ribbon to officially open the new University Extension & Outreach office at 684 W. Jackson Trail on Oct. 18. Looking on were Dr. William Meyer, president of the Cape Girardeau County Extension Council, and Dr. Ron Turner, vice president. More photos of the dedication appear inside. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Proposition B: Jackson High School students Katie Townsend and Jennifer Hotop debated Proposition B, which would have restructured Missouri political campaign funding, during the courthouse lawn debates, Oct. 14. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Afternoon at Seaside: Joe Gibbs, Shaelyne McQuay, Blake Burress and Luke Hopkins, during the JHS Nov. 21-22 production of Agatha Christie's "Afternoon at the Seaside." Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Holiday cheer: Girl Scouts were in the Christmas spirit, singing several Christmas songs, under the direction of Mary Jane Fleser, at the 2000 Festival of Lights on Nov. 27. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Entertainment: Sir Lester, the Jester (Zach Rice) performed for King Louis (Chris Shank) during the 2000 Ye Olde Madrigal Feaste. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

As summer heated up, 2000 continued to be a year of activity and progress in Jackson and the surrounding community. Part 2 looks at the second half of the pivotal year.

July

The month began with the Jackson Fourth of July celebration. Some 35,000 people visited Jackson City park for mud volleyball, classic car show, fireworks display and other activities. The celebration, sponsored by the Jackson Jaycees, also included a petting zoo, fun run, karaoke contest and amusement rides.

Work continued on the restoration of the historic German Evangelical Church in Dutchtown. Built in 1887, it was badly damaged in a January 1999 windstorm. Elroy Kinder, president of the German Evangelical Church and Cemetery Association of Dutchtown, Mo., Inc., led the move to replace a collapsed wall in the historic building.

Former Jackson mayor Larry Nowak, 92, died July 11. Nowak served as mayor 1957-61 and 1963-69. He and R.A. Fulenwider are credited with bringing Lee-Rowan Co. to the city in 1964.

Jackson High School garnered national attention July 8-11, when the local FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) enjoyed unprecedented success at the FBLA National leadership Convention at Long Beach, Calif.

Abby Grossheider, Josh Pfefferkorn, Shelly Stover and Emily Unverferth won Gold Key Awards, while Kelly Shields, Amanda Bollinger, Adam Sherinski and Melinda Burnett won Silver Key Awards.

The chapter won the Gold Key Chapter Hollis and Kitty Guy Gold Seal Chapter Award, while the Jackson chapter won first place in the nation in Public Relations, second place for largest chapter membership in the North Central Region and second place in Local Chapter Annual Business Report, with Abby Grossheider and Amanda Bollinger.

Five other JHS students, meanwhile, attended a week-long service retreat in Columbia, Rolla and St. Louis, then returned home to plan a service project locally. Victoria Ramsey, Emily Wessell, Nikki Wells, Dawn Lambert and Jana Walther, all members of either FFA (Future Farmers of America) or FCCLA (Future Career and Community Leaders of America), were among 45 students who took part in the MO-RULES retreat.

July ended with five Christian rock groups performing at the Jackson Band Shell July 29. Music Fest 2000, brainchild of Southeast Missouri State University student Ryan Harper, featured five area bands in a free concert, sponsored by Jackson First Baptist Church.

In July friends bid au revoir to Lucie Lambert, foreign exchange student form Lyon, France. Lambert had been in Jackson since the previous August. Her parents, Jean and Helene and three younger sisters visited Jackson to pick her up. A reception was held at the Vernon Kasten Sr. home.

The Jackson Rotary Club provided an outfield fence for Leonard Sander Field, raising money with its annual Pancake Day in March. A matching Wal-Mart grant of $1,000 allowed the $1,900 fence to be put in place on the historic field.

Parents and other adults in the Jackson High School Sports Net helped the 1954 JHS old gymnasium get a facelift in July. The group worked to paint, replace windows and make other improvements.

Practices also began for the first Jackson Area Youth Football League season.

During the summer, 96-year-old Baptist minister S.S. Borum filled in as interim pastor at Iona Baptist Church. He began his ministry in 1926.

A major change in the uptown business district took place July 26. Schaper's IGA, a fixture for generations, became Food Giant. Carroll Barnhart was named manager of the employee-owned store.

Nearly 400 swimmers and parents braved rain and cool temperatures July 29, when the Jackson Piranhas hosted the 2000 Mississippi West Swim Conference Meet. The Piranhas took second place with 381 points. Ryan Gibson and Zach Statler set team records at the meet.

August

Cape Girardeau County chain saw artist August A. Birk began work on a tree sculpture on the pin oak trunk beside the Jackson Chamber of Commerce office in July.

"I love Mr. Birk's work," said Joe Sherinski, chairman of the chamber's Beautification Committee. "There's no mistake about it. What he does is art."

As August wore on, JHS students returned to school to register for 2000-2001 classes and to pose for yearbook photos.

Residents of Jackson made a giant step toward a cure for cancer on Aug. 4-5, when they walked through the night during the Jackson Relay for Life, the signature event of the American Cancer Society. More than 10 teams and 150 people came together during the relay, raising more than $15,000. Amy Evans, development specialist with the American Cancer Society and former Jackson Chamber executive assistant, organized the event.

Also in August, Keith Seabaugh, 1999-2000 commander of the Jackson American Legion Post # 158, passed the gavel to new commander Bill Sullivan.

Some most unusual fashions were displayed Aug. 11 at the Style Stop Impact's Extreme 2000 fashion show. The cutting edge fashion -- ranging from futuristic, towering robot-like figures, to Medussa-haired nymphs, to cheerleaders -- raised money for the American Diabetes Association, the Jackson R-2 Children's Fund and FISH. Aleda Phillips organized the show, which drew a packed house.

Jackson's Ann Swanson directed an energetic River Cities Player sequel, "Nunsense II" in late August. It was a sequel to the troupe's popular August 1998 production.

Schools opened smoothly Aug. 21, despite intense heat. Rick McClard, JHS principal, said that "very few hitches or problems" arose during the first week, as 1,080 students arrived at the high school and 785 at R.O. Hawkins Junior High. Cheri Fuemmeler, Oak Ridge superintendent, also reported that things had gone "very smoothly."

Members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers # 1 and United Electric Supply helped brighten things for North Elementary students. IBEW members volunteered their time Aug. 19, installing some three dozen new light fixtures in the dimly-lit grade school. The material was donated by United Electric Supply.

Late August saw Birk's chain saw sculpture an Indian brave proudly overlooking uptown Jackson completed just in time for 2000 Homecomers. Miss Missouri Arron Wendel was among the guests at Homecomers. Fredericktown's Leslie Sikes was crowned Miss Homecomers 2000. Joleta Ludwig of Oak Ridge was second runner-up. Ashley Booker was the only JHS student competing in the pageant.

Fritz Sander of New England Financial donated subscriptions to 10 popular magazines to the main Jackson Branch of the Riverside Regional Library, meanwhile.

JHS student Sophonisba "Sophie" Gathman was runner-up in the 16-to-18-year-old division at the world championship of Irish Music in Enniscorthy, Ireland in August. The Pocahantas resident competed in the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, an annual musical festival that draws the best traditional players of Irish music from around the world. She was one of three American youths to qualify among the 10 competitors.

September

A geotechnical firm, Shannon & Wilson Inc., opened its doors in Jackson, Sept. 1. The firm provides such services as geotechnical engineering, consulting and instrumentation, geology and geophysics.

Rain could not halt the special POW-MIA Remembrance Ceremony on Sept. 9 at Veterans of All Wars Memorial. A large crowd ventured to the services. Ian Sutherland, first assistant prosecuting attorney of Cape Girardeau County and a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces, was keynote speaker.

Majhon Phillips of Jackson was crowned Miss Pre-Teen Missouri in Jefferson City Sept. 14. She emerged from a field of 128 contestants. She was one of five Jackson youths in the pageant. The other four Alisha Bonhert, Heather Hileman, Brittani Lee Felkel and Kelley Kasten also won honors.

The daughter of Allen and Aleda Phillips, Majhon was quick to note the pageant is "not a beauty pageant," but is "based on academic level and talent."

September also saw the YoungLife ministry in Cape Girardeau expand to Jackson. Kim Brown and four volunteer workers began doing contact work at Jackson schools. Setting up a Jackson club was an eventual goal of Brown's.

Nationally-syndicated radio host Don Zeman broadcast from Jaco's East Jackson Boulevard home Sept. 9, as part of a semi-annual contest. Style-Mark Inc. and HomeFront Productions provided some $5,000 worth of free material and labor to give Jaco's circa 1960 home a face lift.

Jackson Chamber of Commerce members let down their hair Sept. 8 at the annual chamber picnic at Jackson City Park. Live entertainment, games and much food was on hand.

The Jackson USA Signal received a jolt Sept. 13, when Marvin Wormington, general manager, suffered a mild heart attack. After undergoing quadruple bypass surgery, Wormington was out of action the remainder of the year.

On Sept. 19 the Jackson Optimist Club held its annual installation dinner. Keynote speaker Ben Bradshaw, 2000-2001 Missouri East District governor and long-time Optimist International staff member, urged Optimists to "do just a little bit more" in the coming year.

Billy Joe Thompson Jr. succeeded 1999-2000 president Dick Decker, while special awards went to Lester Maevers, Leonard Bodenschatz and Robert "Red" Clifton.

Bradshaw also spoke at the female Jackson Noon Optimist's club's installation banquet two nights later. Bev Nelson was named Optimist of the Year for the second time, while outgoing president Dixie Moore received the Lifetime Membership Award. Moore handed over her gavel to 2000-2001 president LaDonia Beggs at the dinner, with a 1950s sock hop theme.

The John Guild Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution of Jackson hosted the Southeast District DAR meeting Sept. 16 at New McKendree United Methodist Church. The Southeast District stretches from the Arkansas and Illinois borders, west to West Plains and north to DeSoto.

Longtime Jackson Public Library Director Sally Pierce and her husband Walt gave the library a big boost Sept. 22. The Pierces gave a check for $30,000 to Jackson Mayor Paul Sander, to be used by the library for adding computers and other modernization. Pierce had been with the library 24 years. The last 12 years she had served as director.

Thousands of participants made their way to Altenburg Sept. 23, for the annual East Perry County Fair. Lots of activities, snacks and other fun was on hand, despite sizzling temperatures.

October

The weather was ideal, though, for the 56th annual Jackson Marching Band Festival Oct. 8. With students dismissed from school early, a large crowd still turned out as 19 bands marched through uptown Jackson, then performed in an evening field show.

"I thought it went great," said Pat Schwent, JHS band director. "The weather was beautiful and the kids in the bands all seemed to have a good time playing and listening to each other."

The public got its first look at the new Cape Girardeau County Archive Center during an open house Oct. 8. Jane Randol Jackson, director of the center, spoke to guests and led tours. Bernard Schaper donated several historic county maps he bought at an auction in the 1980s.

An historic Uniontown watering hole opened under a new name in October. Built around 1890, the old Michael Bock store was best known as Mike's Place, run by Mike Hopfer, 1939-1972. Jamie and Joni Welker purchased the building in October 1998 and opened as JAK's Smokehouse at the end of October 2000.

Another opening made headlines in October, as the Cape Girardeau County University Outreach & Extension moved into its new office at 684 W. Jackson Trail. The family of Byron and Margaret Lang donated 2.5 acres of land, while long time extension official B.W. "Bill" Harrison and the Cape Girardeau County Commission made significant contributions.

"We are in a telecommunications era," said Dr. William Meyer, president of the county Extension Council. "The old building was not what we needed."

An old-fashioned outdoor political debate took place Oct. 14 on the Cape County Courthouse lawn. Held amidst splendid fall weather, the debate was sponsored by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and was conducted by the League of Women Voters.

Members of the JHS debate team, coached by Jennifer Beeson, argued supporting and dissenting opinions for Proposition A and B. Adults also debated these issues, as well as the R-2 school bond issue and county planning & zoning.

Meanwhile, work continued moving along well on the Jackson waste water plant. Part of a 1998 bond issue, the work was viewed by city personnel during an annual inspection in mid-October.

"I can't overemphasize how important this is," said Mayor Paul Sander. "The water, the sewer, the streets, all the infrastructure is so vital in maintaining the continued growth of the city."

Southwestern Bell announced the start of Southwestern Bell DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) Oct. 24. DSL enables customers to access the Internet or corporate networks of speeds up to 200 times faster than standard analog modems. The deployment was part of an initiative by Southwestern Bell's parent company, SBC.

Prompt Care, a walk-in medical clinic, opened its doors Oct. 9 on Jackson Boulevard. Prompt Care is a service of Heartland Family Physicians next door and is staffed by Dr. Ramiro Icaza and Dr. Christopher Compton.

November

West Lane Elementary students got to learn about careers revolving around vehicles Nov. 3, in the school's Career On Wheels Day.

The long-anticipated R.O. Hawkins Junior High expansion became future reality Nov. 4, when voters narrowly passed the $6 million bond issue. The school, built in 1963 and expanded in 1975, was designed for some 600 students. About 790 currently attend.

Jackson honored its veterans Nov. 11 with an afternoon Veterans Day parade, featuring the Jackson high School, Jackson Junior High and Delta High School marching bands. A breakfast was also held, while Ken Parrett, Jackson Chamber executive director and a retired US Army first sergeant, was keynote speaker in a post-parade ceremony.

Jackson's Tim Borgfield concluded his first season in the professional jet ski division in style. After winning the 1999 national championship in the Novice Veteran division, Borgfield opted to move into the professional class. He wound up third overall and was named Rookie of the Year.

R-2 schools celebrated National Education Week Nov. 13-17 with a flag-raising at R.O. Hawkins and a dinner for retired teachers, among other activities.

Theater returned to JHS Nov. 21-22, when the Drama Club presented Agatha Christie's "Afternoon at the Seaside," directed by Sharon Ramdial and Roy Northern and student directors Chris Shank and Morgan Meyer.

A joint project by the high school and junior high student councils collected more than 200 teddy bears and other stuffed toys for the Jackson Fire Rescue Unit and Jackson Police Department in November. The stuffed toys are to give to children following automobile accidents, fires or domestic violence.

"You can literally see a 100 percent change in a kid if you give them a bear," said Rodney Barnes, resource officer at JHS.

The Jackson Fire Rescue Unit also received a new defibrillator, thanks to a $9,960 gift from the Southeast Medical Center.

"We are very grateful," said Chief Brad Golden. "This will allow us to do more for our clients and to provide better service. We're taking a big step."

As Christmas decorations began going in throughout Jackson, North Elementary students of Mary Ziegler and Tina Sides got to experience a Pilgrim-like Thanksgiving. The two teachers took students back to the first Thanksgiving, with the help of many parent volunteers. The school was set up in stations for games, activities and skills, such as making butter and cornbread.

A new greenhouse at Jackson High School, meanwhile, took shape and was ready to give JHS agriculture students a chance to gain hands-on horticulture work.

Late November also saw the JHS Math department honored by the University of Missouri-Rolla. JHS was one of 13 high schools honored by the university, who tracked its freshman math students and picked the high schools whose students had performed best as incoming freshmen.

"The reason we picked first semester freshman courses was that the student's high school background would have the biggest impact on their grade," said Dr. Leon Hall, chairman of the UMR Mathematics and Statistics Department. "I want to commend this school."

Department Chair Carol Keen accepted a plaque and a new graphics calculator like the university is now using.

Nearly 500 spectators watched members of 35 area Girl Scout troops brave cool weather Nov. 27, for the annual Girl Scouts Festival of Lights on the Cape County Courthouse lawn. More than 300 cups of hot cocoa were served and Santa Claus was available to visit with youngsters.

JHS choral students got a chance to sing with country music legend Kenny Rogers Nov. 30, in front of 4,194 people in the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Four JHS singers, meanwhile, earned all-state honors. Alto Erika Beasley, tenor Layne Beller and basses Blake Burress and Zach Rice were all so honored.

December

Calendar year 2000 saw two Silver Arrow crownings. The traditional January dance was moved to Dec. 2 for the 2000-2001 school year. Wendy Blankenship was crowned Silver Arrow Queen, while Josh Tomlin was crowned Big Chief.

Windy, snowy conditions and a stalled fire truck would not dampen the spirit of those in the Dec. 2 Jackson Christmas Parade. Jackson, Oak Ridge, Meadow Heights and Woodland high schools had marching bands in the parade, which also featured scout troops, clowns and more.

More than 100 JHS students displayed their talents Dec. 7-9, at the sixth annual Ye Olde Madrigal Feate. Held at the Bavarian Halle near Fruitland, the JHS Choral Department production featured a 16th century setting, food, singing and comedy.

"I was really pleased, said Jean Schweain, head of the Choral Department and director of the Madrigal Feaste.

A heavy snow hit the second week of December and temperatures plunged to true winter levels. Area schools were closed much of the final two weeks of the semester.

Despite the weather, at least 280 families obtained toys, food and clothing at the annual Christmas Basket Project and Bundle of Joy program, sponsored by the Jackson Elks Lodge, the Jackson Police Department, Jackson Fire Rescue Unit, the Girls Scouts of America and the Jackson Jaycees, Dec. 14. Michael Browne again coordinated the program. More than 12,000 cans of food and over $300 were collected by JHS and West Lane Elementary students.

The JHS Student Council and National Honor Society, meanwhile, held their annual senior citizen Christmas dinner Dec. 12. Santa Claus was there to hand out many door prizes to those who could correctly answer Christmas trivia questions.

While 2000 was a challenging year with many obstacles to overcome, it concluded with optimism and a sense of accomplishment. For Jackson and the surrounding area, the 2000s were launched in fine fashion.