I want to start this column off on a very serious note and wish the Tennessee National Guard's 278th Armored Cavalry Division God speed and a safe return. Part or all of that division that includes our Campbell County unit, has been ordered to begin mobilization for Operation Iraqi Freedom starting June 7th. Although mobilization does not definitely mean that the division will be deployed to Iraq, the best guess is that it will be.
Through the years, the Campbell County unit has had a good number of Jellico area men and women on its roster and I can remember when there were ten or twelve of us from this immediate area. And most of us were prior active service veterans who like those serving now, wanted to remain a part of that comradery, esprit de corps and pride that only comes from serving in a military unit and wearing our country's uniform. (I do not know how many from this area are presently on the unit roster but due to our advancing years few are now left with whom we served. But we wish all that we know who are still in Troop A and all that have been added in the past few years that we don't personally know, the very best! We thank you for your willingness to serve our country and go into harm's way if need be. All of your old comrades in the Jellico area -as well as all of our citizens - pray that if you are deployed into that extremely dangerous theatre in the war on terrorism, that God will bless and keep you and bring you all home safely!
Our tentative agenda for Thursday night's meeting of the City Council so far is a relatively short one that will include a discussion concerning the proposal by Indian Mountain State Park Director Jerome Cummins to purchase property from the city of Jellico in order to erect a welcoming sign, play area, walking trails, etc.. Marvin Douglas is scheduled to address the Council pertaining to the location of Radio Station WJJT and Mike Siwinski will request permission from the Council to place nice lights on the sidewalk in front of his building on North Main Street at the state line. Mike is presently undergoing renovation of the interior of that building and work will soon begin on the exterior and before the Planning Commission meets again. We need to support all business and property owners in their efforts to improve the appearance of our town and his proposed renovations will certainly help to improve the looks of that area. (It has always been policy that sidewalks in front of businesses/properties are the responsibility of the owner so Council action is probably not even required. But Mike is doing the right thing by informing the members and getting their approval and I will certainly recommend approval of his request by the Council.)
The Masonic Lodge and some Shriners, asked me to thank everyone for their contributions during last weeks drive for funds and last Sunday's paper sale.
Everyone is reminded of the special ceremony at the Veterans Monument presently scheduled for 11:00 AM, Monday, May 31st.. The Jellico Veterans Committee will conduct a memorial program for SFC Gregory Hicks who was killed recently in Iraq.
I was also asked by members of the Veterans Committee to thank Bill Bridges for preparing and donating the very nice case for the American Flag and Curt Chitwood for the plaque and inscriptions that he too is furnishing free of charge. Those items will be presented to the Hicks family during the ceremony that will honor all deceased veterans as well as SFC Hicks.
Tourism Director Jake Bennett says that he has been informed that plans are proceeding for the movie concerning the life of Grace Moore. According to information given to Jake, a seamstress has been contracted to prepare period costumes and office space is being sought for the production. As I have pointed out at least twice previously, Jake is furnishing all possible support and assistance but the entire affair is to be privately organized, publicized and conducted.
(Posters have been placed around town by the sponsors concerning the auditions for roles in the production.)
We certainly want folks from out-of-town to be aware of the previously mentioned "blockbuster weekend" that we expect in Jellico during the period June 18-20.. As I understand it, we will have the National Championship of Rock Crawling in Jellico that weekend with a strong possibility that it will receive national television coverage. As usual the technical inspections will take place in the downtown Veterans Park on Friday afternoon, June 18th with the actual competition occurring at the White Oak course which is approximately nine miles from Jellico. The technical inspection last year sure drew folks to our downtown and we expect an even great attendance this year. And we loved it!
Our classic car show will be held in the same location the following day, Saturday, June 19th.. The event continues to grow with each passing year and we expect an increase this year in both the number of exhibitors and viewers. Tourism Director Jake Bennett invites all owners of interesting vehicles to register and display them and he especially invites clubs to enter the activity.
As I have written many times before, people do see and hear about the improvements presently taking place in Jellico. I recently received the following e-mail from Mary and Jim in Ohio (complete names and address available) that sure emphasizes that fact: They write:
"Mayor Clifton, As a (hopefully soon) future citizen of Jellico, I would like to compliment you on your article and the lovely little town you preside over.
My husband and I have stopped in Jellico a couple of times a year for the past 10 years (the length of our marriage). We have noticed a new vitality and controlled growth in the small exposure we have experienced to the town and the people. It's a very nice town, and any interactions we have had with the townspeople have always been positive.
Now that we have found your column on the website, my husband and I will be reading it regularly.
Last week we were in Jellico for a few days, and were lucky enough to get a copy of the newspaper, and also were able to purchase Miss George's 115 Favorite Pound Cake Recipes. It's already a treasured possession.
Thanks for you efforts at revitalization of Jellico, and for your column."
Thank you Mary and Jim for the kind remarks. Like all small towns, we have our negative elements but they make up a small minority and you will find our town a great place to live..
By the way, I once lived at nearby Indian Lake when I taught at Bellefontaine Jr/Sr. High School.
The above e-mail and other similar comments that come in steadily from visitors, e-mails, comments on the Internet guest books, etc. from folks living outside our town, emphasize the progress that we are making and that is being clearly observed by those folks.
With the "Rarity Mountain" development moving closer and closer to becoming a reality and at least some prospects for another future development in this area, we are presented with potential for progress that we have not had in many years - and possibly since the railroad was brought here in the early 1880's to develop our rich coal fields. It's up to us to take advantage!
Remember! Stay positive!
E-mail me at: mayor@jellico.tn.us
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