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Shooting out of Jax airport beacon not only aggravating and costly but dangerous too The City of Jackson is having to spend money to replace the beacon at the W.E. Stewart Airport after it was shot out by someone using a high-powered rifle. Jackson Public Works Director Kevin Woodson informed the council of the incident during Tuesday's regular city council meeting, adding that the cost to replace the beacon would be between $1,500 and $2,000. "This is the second time in the past year this has happened," he said during his report to the council. "Someone might think it was a funny thing to do, but it costs quite a bit to have it replaced." The beacon helps guide pilots flying in the area at night and during foggy or rainy weather. Mayor Richard Long stated that many pilots have stated that the beacon has given them a comfort zone and helped them gain their bearings. Several of the council members asked if there was a way to install some type of bulletproof glass cover over the beacon to prevent such an incident from occurring again. Woodson said he feared the installation of such a cover might cut down on the effectiveness of the beacon, which shines up to 40 miles. Mayor Long asked Woodson to check with the company that sells the beacons to see if there are any such covers that will not interfere with the effectiveness of the light. He said he would and then report back to the council with his findings. The mayor also asked Police Chief Charles Burge to have an officer patrol in the area on a regular basis and to ask residents who live near the airport if they recalled hearing any shots fired around the time that the incident occurred. The chief said he would do so. Fire dept. bids opened During Tuesday's meeting, the city opened four bids received for 25 new air packs for the Jackson Fire Department. Grant money received by the department will be used to purchase the needed equipment. The lowest bid of $85,700, submitted by EFCO was accepted, pending review by Fire Chief Neal Bradley. Mayor Long asked Bradley to review the bid to determine if it meets all of the department's specifications and report back to the council with his findings. He agreed to do so. If the specifications are not met, the next lowest bid of $98,550 will be considered. Meeting date changed Council members will be out of town on the next regularly scheduled meeting date and the date was changed to Thursday, May 24 at 6 p.m.
A work session will be May 17 at 5 p.m.
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