I want to be sure to say Thank You this week to the staff and students of the Jellico High School Junior Reserve Officer Corps (JROTC) for their observance of Veteran's Day. The JROTC conducted a very moving ceremony at the Downtown Veteran's Memorial and then reported to Beech Tree Manor where they saluted the veterans residing in that facility.
In this day when we hear so many negative comments about the actions of a very small minority of our young people, it is great to see our local High School students involved in such meaningful public service activities. The JROTC program is designed to develop character, citizenship and leadership and it does a great job in meeting those objectives.
We are fortunate to have two outstanding individuals directing the program at JHS. Senior Army Instructor Major Gene Owens and SFC David Begluitti, Army Instructor, are both retired veterans of the U.S. Army and both give up a lot of their "free" time to work with the students after school, on weekends, and during the summer months.
I began working to obtain a JROTC program for JHS while serving as Principal in the early 1980's. With the help of a lot of other people, we finally convinced the Department of Army to locate a unit here. And as I have said many times in the past, nothing makes me prouder than to see those students immaculate in their uniforms, drilling with precision and discipline.
I also want to thank Herman and Nancy Heath for the work that they do in keeping the area around the veterans monument looking so good. They spend a lot of hours maintaining the flowers and shrubbery and I know that our citizens, and especially our veterans, appreciate their efforts. Mr Jim Tidwell and Mrs Tidwell also preformed that task before failing health prevented their continuation. I seriously doubt that any monument located anywhere in our area recieves as much attention and care.
The old Coca-Cola building is certainly one of our best known landmarks and a great number of people have expressed their hopes that the building is renovated before it reaches the point where it cannot be restored.
Mr Sterling Baird has informed me that he plans to do a complete renovation of that old building to include areas for shops and possibly offices.
That is extremely good news for our goal to renovate and revitalize the downtown area since he has agreed to maintain the historic exterior of the building - including retaining the large "Coca Cola" sign on the top.
Mr Alvin Evans has also said that he will retain the "Central Drug Store/Rexall" sign when he does the exterior work that he has planned for that structure.
That building too is one of great interest to many of us since the old soda fountain that was located there was a favorite gathering place in the '40's and '50's.
The caboose located in Veterans Park has never been utilized for any purpose and it would require extensive interior work before it could be utilized.
Area Veterans' groups were given permission to use the caboose for a small museum of local military history but no action has ever been taken in that respect.
But I would like to move it next to the old City Hall for that same purpose if we are successful in obtaining funds to restore that building or obtain a private individual who is willing to do so.
If we are not successful in saving the old City Hall, we need to consider other options for the caboose. Converting it into badly needed public restrooms is a possibility and someone has suggested allowing private citizens to renovate the interior for something like a small Coffee Shop or Ice Cream Bar and then allowing them free occupancy until they recoup their investment. A monthly rental fee would be paid to the city after that point.
It is something to consider and I am sure that the Council would at least look at any proposals that might be submitted.
Mr John Mays, CEO, Barton-Carey Medical Products, has announced that his firm will participate in our drive to place flowering trees all over town. Mr Mays plans to plant several Dogwoods and Azaleas around his building on Fifth Street within the next few weeks.
Barton-Cary is now one of the largest producers of medical supplies for burn victims anywhere in the world and regularly recieves orders from numerous foreign countries as well as from all over the United States.
The main Barton-Carey installation is located in Perrysburg, Ohio, but is gradually being moved to Jellico. Our local facility now employs eighteen, but that number is expected to quickly increase to twenty-five. Newly purchased technology is also being placed in Jellico.
Wages paid to Jellico workers are equal to, and in some cases, greater than, those paid at Perrysburg.
We are indeed fortunate to have Barton-Carey to relocate to Jellico and we look forward to the time when the total operation has been moved to our town.
All individuals and groups that are interested in participating in "Christmas In The Park '98" are reminded that we will meet in the City Council Room, Municipal Building, on Tuesday, December 1st (7:00 PM).