SHOULD OLD ACQUAINTANCE BE FORGOT... 1997 IS QUICKLY COMING TO AN END

The past year has had it share of ups and downs as is the case with any year.

The city of Jackson began the year fostering a sister city relationship with Ribe, Denmark and is ending the year about to take steps toward making an association with neighboring Cape Girardeau.

In between, the city workers voted to reject union representation. The city launched its official web site on May 1. The police department received much needed computer equipment upgrades.

The Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance that will allow city employees to reside outside the city limits. Census statistics showed the city is still growing.

A group of concerned Jackson merchants and business owners began working together to enhance the city's commerce.

Jackson voters said yes to sewer and water improvements in the August election. The $10.54 million bond issue passed 715 to 225.

The city saved an estimated $35,000 in electric expenses over an eight-month period by purchasing discounted power from the city of Marceline in Linn County.

A new traffic light at the intersection of Hwy. 61 and Independence helped traffic flow in that area of town.

In October, unofficial building permit totals are showing a record year for construction in Jackson.

A dispute over the operation of a sales office in a residential zone between the Board of Aldermen and Holigan Homes will have to be decided in the courts.

Jackson's first K-9 unit, Stadt marked his first year of service in Jackson.

In the world of sports, Travis Reiminger set the standard of excellence by going through the wrestling season undefeated and capturing a state championship.

The Lady Indians once again played the bridesmaid at the state basketball championship game, losing a heartbreaker 42-41 to Gateway Tech. of St. Louis.

For personal excellence, Josh Adams pitched a no-hitter for the Indians baseball team against Pacific in the Potosi Tournament. Adams also was 2-for-2 from the plate.

For extended excellency, Steve Burk, JHS boys basketball coach, won his 300th game at Jackson.

In team play, Jackson's boys soccer team won their first ever district title and they did it by defeating Cape Central on a muddy field on a misty night in Poplar Bluff.

But the biggest sports story of 1997 came from the Indians that played football--American style. The Jackson football team, led by running back Devree Flint's 1,900 yard performance and one of the best offensive lines to ever come out of Southeast Missouri, bruised their way through to a 10-0 perfect regular season and stretched the winning streak one more week before losing in the second round of the state 5A playoffs.

In the county, the debate over the proposed lake near Millersville raged during the winter and spring months, but neither side accomplished their final goal in the end. A bill to put the lake to the voters sponsored by Sen. Peter Kinder moved through committee, but failed to make it onto the legislative calendar.

The debate again fired up briefly in August and September. But so far, proponents of the lake have failed to get the lake issue on the ballot.

Opponents haven't got what they want either, since there is no guarantee the lake issue won't continue to resurface in the future.

Max Stovall was sworn in as 2nd District county commissioner as the only freshman county official elected in the 1996 election.

Boatmen's Bank merged with NationsBank and many employees were cut in attempts to streamline the newly acquired banks.

A major reassessment of residential property values in Cape County meant higher tax bills for some.

Jackson R-2 School system is in the midst of many new construction projects and the issue of whether or not to close Millersville and Gordonville Attendance Centers made news this fall.

Sonja Davis, Marilyn Jansen and Andrea Sasche were recognized by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce as Educators of the Year.

Procter and Gamble announced a major plant expansion and the Fruitland-Pocahontas sewer district became a legal entity in the November election.

All in all 1997 was like many other years--the good was taken with the bad and we all are a year older.