JACKSON

JACKSON – Last week we mentioned that pole vaulting leaders were sharing the leaderboard with teammates. The exception was over at Western, where Lucas Inosencio was in the 10-foot club but was the only Panther there. Well, Adam Carlson evidently felt Inosencio needed company because he vaulted his was into the 10-foot club at Coldwater on May 16. If someone comes along with a better time, distance or height, that spot on the leaderboard changes hands. Each athlete’s best time so far this season counts and we figure out whose best is the best so far.

JACKSON, MI – Discount supermarket chain ALDI is opening the doors to its new Jackson store next week. The new store in the former Kroger, 3021 E. Michigan Ave., will open at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 2. Related: New Aldi store is coming to Jackson’s east side this yearThe new location is part of the company’s aggressive nationwide growth in recent years, ALDI officials said. ALDI is opening 150 new stores, including this one in Jackson, to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of this year, officials said. Shoppers can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 ALDI gift card on opening day.

Jackson Northwest's Trey Collard (10) swings at a pitch during a high school baseball game at Jackson High School during the Bob Wright Invitational on Saturday, May 15, 2021. Addison's Ally Beougher, right, competes in the girls 4x200 relay during the Cascade League track and field meet at Grass Lake High School, Tuesday, May 21, 2019 in Grass Lake. Grass Lake's Brayden Lape (8) pitches during a high school baseball game at Grass Lake High School on Thursday, May 19, 2022. Napoleon won the game over Grass Lake, 4-2, to advance to the Cascades Conference title game against Michigan Center.J. Scott Park | MLive.comBrayden Lape, Grass Lake baseballLape struck out eight in five innings in the Cascades Conference Tournament semifinal Thursday against Napoleon and drove in the Warriors’ two runs.

JACKSON, MI – Leoni Township reported a discharge of partially-treated wastewater from its wastewater treatment Plant on Friday. The discharge occurred from high flow rates from the communities served by the Leoni Township plant, according to F&V Operations and Resource Management. Treatment plant operators began blending the partially-treated wastewater with the facility’s treated effluent at 3:45 p.m. May 20. All effluent is receiving disinfection treatment before being discharged into the Grand River, officials said. The partially treated wastewater is being discharged a rate of approximately 300 gallons per minute and is still ongoing as on Monday, May.

JACKSON, MI - Jackson Public Schools plans to help students who have fallen behind in their reading and math skills with new take-home intervention kits as part of an expansion of its summer learning opportunities. The Jackson School Board recently approved the purchase of reading and math intervention kits, take-home guided practice books and bookroom materials to supplement its summer school program for elementary school students. “There are kids that might still be below grade level a bit and still need to prepare for the next grade,” Baker said. In fourth and fifth grades, students who are reading more than a year below grade level are identified for summer school. READ MORE:New agreement to install solar power at Jackson elementary schoolsDecision Day highlights Jackson High students’ many future pathsSupreme Court denies hearing for Jackson Public Schools in teacher’s whistleblower lawsuit

JACKSON, MI -- The Jackson County Animal Shelter, 3770 Spring Arbor Road, has many pets available for adoption. Luisa is a 2-year-old female American Staffordshire mix dog who was surrendered by her owner. The dog adoption fee is $150 for medium and large dogs and $250 for puppies and small dogs, which includes vaccinations, microchip and sterilization. Cat adoption fees are $60 for one cat, $80 for two, which includes applicable tests, vaccines and spay/neutering. See more pets available for adoption at Petango.com.

In downtown Jackson, Wyo., a small plot of land, 30 by 150 feet, produces 100,000 pounds of locally-sourced produce a year, thanks to a farm that soars in the air.

JACKSON, MI -- The City View Ballroom at the Commonwealth Commerce Center became an Enchanted Forest as Jackson High held prom on Saturday. RELATED: 10-gallon hats, sockless shoes and tiaras: Style reigns supreme at Michigan proms“They are trying to create a magical experience,” said Jackson High senior class advisor Danielle Newbound. They are happy and excited.”RELATED: Prom 2022: From the Big House to museums and barns, the red carpet rolled out across the stateAbout 300 students and guests attended the prom, Newbound said. You can order prints of any of these prom photos by clicking the “Buy photo” button in the caption of every photo. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:Decision Day highlights Jackson High students’ many future pathsNice, bright taste helped this Jackson-based vodka win an international awardPets of the week: Pearl is a gem.

It wasn’t what Jan Ganzel had in mind for the sixth Tunnel to Towers 5K on Saturday morning, May 21 at Cascade Falls Park in Jackson. The race wound its way around the park, passing by where a piece of the World Trade Center steel is displayed, before ending up near the Cascade Falls entrance. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation builds high-tech “smart homes” for injured service members, giving them greater independence. RELATED: Foundation pays off mortgage for family of slain Kalamazoo County deputyLocal students from the Jackson Area Career Center were also honored as “future leaders” in fire and police services. READ MORE:Agreement will install solar power at Jackson elementary schoolsDecision Day highlights Jackson High students’ many future pathsSupreme Court denies hearing for Jackson Public Schools in teacher’s whistleblower lawsuit

JACKSON, MI - Jackson Public Schools has approved a new proposal to bring solar energy systems to three of its elementary schools that will provide more savings to the district. The agreement with CLS also provides opportunities for sustainable energy curriculum for students in district schools. Under the agreement, solar arrays would be installed on the roof of Dibble Elementary after the school recently underwent extensive renovations. Solar energy arrays at John R. Lewis Elementary would be placed near a couple of retention ponds on site. READ MORE:Agreement will install solar power at Jackson elementary schoolsDecision Day highlights Jackson High students’ many future pathsSupreme Court denies hearing for Jackson Public Schools in teacher’s whistleblower lawsuit

JACKSON, MI – It’s new to Jackson, but Enchanted Forest Bar & Grill promises to bring good food and drinks to the area. Some of the most popular items are the fish and chips, shawarma, the beef shish kebob and baby back ribs. Along with the food, the restaurant prides itself in having a great bar, especially ice-cold beer, Hamdan said. A big dance floor and a nice outdoor patio can also be found at Enchanted Forest. The Enchanted Forest Bar & Grill, 3705 Ann Arbor Road, is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

JACKSON -- The Jackson College softball team has not been to the NJCAA Tournament since 1977. That didn’t pan out, but Vandenburgh feels falling short of that helped fuel the team in the district tournament. “I think they went into this district tournament with kind of a chip on their shoulder,” she said. 1 seed.’”After winning the district title, Vandenburgh saw a lot of excitement in practice early on this past week. That provides a little bit of comfort.”Breslin said that during the district tournament it was the team’s energy which kept things rolling.

Michigan Center softball player Madyson Whipple has been voted Athlete of the Week in the Jackson area. The Cardinals’ all-team home run leader hit two home runs against Hanover-Horton and another against Columbia Central. She garnered 38.14% of the vote to beat out two other area softball players; Western pitcher Hailey Whisman (35.54%) and Grass Lake leadoff hitter Rylee Fitzpatrick (16.56%).

JACKSON, MI – Charges against a man accused of shooting at two people in Jackson have been dropped after the alleged victims failed to appear for trial. Derek Pussehl, 33, was scheduled to begin a jury trial May 18 before Jackson County Circuit Judge Edward Grant. RELATED: Man accused of shooting at 2 people bound over to circuit courtPussehl’s case was dismissed by Grant this week after the alleged victims did not appear for the trial, court officials said. There had been multiple threatening Facebook messages between one of the alleged victims and Pussehl involving pictures of guns before the shooting, police said. The case has been dismissed and closed, though the prosecutor’s office would be able to recharge the case if the victim’s choose to move forward with the file, officials said.

Michigan Airbnb hosts made nearly $259 million last year with rural parts of the state seeing seeing the highest incomes. Here’s a map showing Airbnb host income for each Michigan county in 2021. Hosts in Grand Traverse County earned $24 million, Leelanau County earned $13 million and Charlevoix County earned $10 million. Western Michigan hosts also earned a big chunk of the state’s Airbnb income with Allegan County generating $18 million, Ottawa County with $9 million and Kent County with $8 million. “The data shows the trends of travel.”Related: These top Michigan Airbnb properties are on everybody’s wish listsThis boost, however, did not hit all areas in Michigan.

JACKSON, MI – Ceremonies to celebrate Memorial Day and remember military service members who have died are coming up in Jackson County. BrooklynThe Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade will head through downtown on Main Street beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30. Grass LakeGrass Lake will celebrate Memorial day with events hosted by the American Legion. NapoleonNapoleon’s Memorial Day Parade begins at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 30, at the Napoleon Township Park and heads to Oak Grove Cemetery. Spring ArborSpring Arbor’s Memorial Day Parade begins at 1 p.m. Monday, May 30, along Ogle Avenue.

JACKSON, MI -- With a theme of “On Cloud 9,” about 110 Lumen Christi High School students walked the red carpet to prom at the school on Thursday evening, May 19. RELATED: Prom 2022: From the Big House to museums and barns, the red carpet rolled out across the stateClick here to view all 77 photos from the red carpet entrance. You can order prints of any of these prom photos by clicking the “Buy photo” button in the caption of every photo. To see all of MLive’s prom coverage, click this link. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:Decision Day highlights Jackson High students’ many future pathsNice, bright taste helped this Jackson-based vodka win an international awardPets of the week: Pearl is a gem.

JACKSON, MI -- A crash between a car and bicycle left a Jackson man injured and the suspect driver on the run Tuesday, police said. At about 9:48 p.m. May 17, an officer from the Jackson Police Department responded to a hit-and-run traffic crash at the intersection of Griswold and Fourth streets. The 45-year-old was taken to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital by ambulance, and treated for injuries that were not life-threatening, police said. The suspect driver has not yet been identified, and an investigation is still ongoing, police said. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:Sephora ready to open in Jackson’s Kohl’s storeDecision Day highlights Jackson High students’ many future pathsCOVID relief funds will help with renovations to Jackson County Animal ShelterArson suspect told police he started fatal Jackson fire, officer testifies

JACKSON, MI – Jackson residents will soon have more access to prestige beauty items,Sephora at Kohl’s is opening Friday, May 27, inside Kohl’s at Jackson Crossing, 1222 Jackson Crossing. This grand opening is one of 400 Kohl’s stores that are adding Sephora this year. “We’re thrilled to be bringing Sephora at Kohl’s closer to millions more of our customers nationwide through this 400 store expansion,” Doug Howe, Kohl’s chief merchandising officer, said in a statement. “The quick and vast rollout of Sephora at Kohl’s is a testament to how much we believe in this partnership and making prestige beauty more accessible to people everywhere. We’re excited to grow and bring this elevated beauty experience to more of Kohl’s existing and new customers this year.”Sephora at Kohl’s will feature a 2,500-square-foot, fully immersive beauty experience that mimics the look and feel of a freestanding Sephora, officials said.

But all seniors in Jackson High School’s Class of 2022 were celebrated on Wednesday, May 18, during the school’s Decision Day ceremony. “I think this is one of the classes where Decision Day and having this be an actual event is the most rewarding,” said Class President Delaney Jones. “Our class hasn’t had a normal year of high school since freshman year.”Recognizing all students’ decisions was important to the class officers. “I feel like it is very important to recognize all paths in life,” said Class Secretary Haylee Hamton. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:Nice, bright taste helped this Jackson-based vodka win an international awardPets of the week: Pearl is a gem.

North River Vodka, launched in 2018 at Grand River Brewery in downtown Jackson, was awarded a silver medal by the American Distilling Institute in its 2022 International Spirits Competition. Judges’ comments included words such as nice, bright, pleasant and a good balance to describe North River Vodka. North River Vodka retains some of the character from the potatoes, which means it has a bit of sweet earthiness to it.”North River Vodka went into statewide distribution in 2019. North River Vodka is now available in about 100 stores, restaurants and bars in Michigan, including several in the Jackson area. All seven Polly’s Country Markets locations carry North River Vodka, as well as Super Liquor, Kibby Cobb Market, Axe Play and Veritas in Jackson.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- Townships near Jackson have been experiencing an uptick in the theft of vehicle parts in recent months, police said. The Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety handles about five or six reports of catalytic converter thefts per week, Director Mike Jester said. Jester said the thefts have continued even after suspects of these thefts have been arrested. To combat the thefts, police advise residents to take time to make sure vehicles are in a garage or another secure location before they are left unattended. Anyone with information about the thefts occurring in Blackman or Leoni townships is asked to contact Det.

JACKSON, MI -- A man suspected of arson leading to a fatal house fire allegedly told police he purposely dropped a cigarette in kerosene, an officer testified Tuesday. RELATED: Fatal Jackson house fire being investigated as arson, police sayA preliminary exam for Wright began May 17 before Jackson District Judge Allison Bates. The residence was the home of a friend who let the couple and several other people stay there at various times, Barnes testified. This was the last time Barnes saw Eddy. After being confronted, Wright did not say anything to Barnes, and instead shook his head and acted confused, Barnes testified.

JACKSON, MI – Lower taxes and more street repairs could be coming to Jackson residents if officials approve a proposed 2022-23 budget. The Jackson City Council hosted a public hearing for its proposed $30.4-million budget for next year during its Tuesday, May 10 meeting. The full proposed budget can be viewed on the city’s website. Also within the proposed budget, is $2.9 million for street construction. City council will formally examine the budget and ask department heads questions during a budget workshop at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19, in the city council chambers on the second floor of Jackson City Hall, 161 W. Michigan Ave.

U.S. regulators have authorized a COVID-19 vaccine booster for healthy children ages 5 to 11.

The dogs were donated to Northwest Community Schools through Grand Ledge-based Canines for Change, which provides training for the district’s eight dogs throughout their lifetime at a cost of $10,000 per dog. The district paid for training for the dogs through the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. The dogs will all live with their handlers, who are all Northwest teachers. That includes Ledford, who asked the district to consider a team of facility dogs after seeing how bringing her beagle to school brightened the days of students in the past. “Dogs have been my favorite animal for as long as I can remember,” Eighth-grader Holly Tappan said.

Jackson, MI – People have another chance to get rid of no-longer-needed confidential documents in an American 1 Credit Union event. The credit union is hosting another Jackson Shred Day event after popular demand. “We are pleased to offer a second.”Free shred days are a way to safely destroy personal documents, such as important and private information. American 1 uses reputable shred companies to bring a shredding truck on-site to shred the documents. American 1 Credit Union was established in 1950 and serves more than 61,000 members with 16 branch locations across Jackson, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Lenawee and Wayne counties.

JACKSON – Pole vault takes on the look of a team sport in this week’s leaderboard. Addison’s Noah Springer takes the top spot for his 11′6 at East Jackson on Friday, but he isn’t the only Panther in the 10-foot club. Addison’s Isiah Stephens went 10′0 earlier in the week at Grass Lake. If someone comes along with a better time, distance or height, that spot on the leaderboard changes hands. Each athlete’s best time so far this season counts and we figure out whose best is the best so far.

In-N-Out Burger, a large regional chain headquartered in California, filed a civil suit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in July 2020 against locally-based Doll n’ Burgers for alleged trade dress infringement, stating Doll n’ Burgers restaurants look too much like In-N-Out. In March, the judge granted In-N-Out’s motion to dismiss Doll n’ Burgers’ argument to cancel In-N-Out’s registered trade dress, records show, stating the registered trade dress is recognizable by the public. The judge ruled against Doll ‘n Burgers’ argument. That includes whether or not In-N-Out has a valid common law trade dress, and whether or not Doll n’ Burgers infringed on that. Both In-N-Out and Doll n’ Burgers declined to comment on the lawsuit.

JACKSON -- Here is this week’s list of nominees for Athlete of the Week in the Jackson area. Results do not impact any post-season accolades and the balloting is just for fun and bragging rights. Jacob Walker, Columbia Central trackWalker won the 1600 and 3200 at the East Jackson Dome Classic on Friday. Northwest won the first game, 2-0.J. Rylee Fitzpatrick, Grass Lake softballFitzpatrick had two doubles and a triple in a win over Coleman on Saturday.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – A Jackson man out on a motorcycle ride Sunday morning was injured when he collided with an SUV that pulled out in front of him, police said. Rescue crews were called at 8:51 a.m. May 15, to the area of Ann Arbor and Munith roads in Leoni Township, in eastern Jackson County, for a report of a crash involving a car and a motorcycle, according to the Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety. A 2007 Jeep Liberty, driven by a 69-year-old Jackson woman, pulled out from Munith Road in front of a 2003 Harley Davidson, driven by a 51-year-old Jackson man, causing the motorcycle to crash into the SUV, police said. The motorcyclist suffered several broken bones and was taken to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital with what appeared to be injuries that were not life-threatening, police said. The driver of the Jeep, who was determined to be at fault, was not injured and was cited for failure to yield, police said.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – You can learn about aircraft and the aviation world during a Jackson County Airport event. The event provides guests a chance to see unique aircraft and learn about their local airport, Airport Manager Juan Zapata said. Guests also can pay for a ride in three different aircraft, including a Cessna 172, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain and another helicopter. The airport is excited to host the event and spread more awareness about aviation, Zapata said. Event updates and more information can be found on The Jackson County Airport’s Aviation Day’s website.

The district champion moves on to regional play at Caledonia. Division 2Jackson Northwest and Parma Western will play district games at Charlotte. That district champion moves on to regional play at Harper Creek. In district play at Lansing Christian, the high-powered Leslie offense will take on Lumen Christi in the quarterfinal. On the other side of the bracket Hanover-Horton takes on Lansing Christian and Jackson Christian takes on Dansville.

JACKSON, MI -- A new proposal aims to bring the video systems at Jackson’s courthouse up to more contemporary standards. A motion to approve the installation of virtual court proceeding equipment in four district courtrooms and one magistrate hearing room at the Jackson County Courthouse will go before the Jackson County Board of Commissioners at its next meeting on May 17. The proposed upgrade, which will install a Poly X70 video system in each room, will cost about $61,174 in total -- about $12,234.79 per room, officials said. The courthouse’s current Polycom audio and video system was installed in 2014, officials said. The equipment would be paid for using funds Jackson County received through the American Rescue Plan, officials said.

JACKSON, MI – Dress up as your favorite space-themed character and head to Jackson’s historic Michigan Theatre for a special concert program. The Jackson Symphony Orchestra is teaming with the Ella Sharp Museum, Jackson School of the Arts, Michigan Theatre and Northwest High School choir for “Star Wars and More.”The concert is 7 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Michigan Theatre, 124. You’re certain to find yourself humming some familiar music as you head out the door at the end of the evening.”The concert will feature music from the “Star Wars” series, “E.T. “I think it makes you feel like you’re seeing the movie.”The concert, however, will not feature film clips, Aubin said. “We are really excited to once again collaborate with Northwest High School’s choir,” Aubin said.

JACKSON, MI – Evon Beavers lost her job during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, but she wasn’t going to let that bring her down. Beavers was a single mom of four, living on the southside of Jackson. She was forced to make a change in her life after she lost her job and hosted a garage sale, selling clothes, jewelry and almost anything she loved. The sight killed her to see, Beavers said.

JACKSON, MI -- The Jackson County Animal Shelter, 3770 Spring Arbor Road, has many pets available for adoption. She is a shy girl who is sometimes frightened with all the barking by other canine friends at the shelter. Big Girl and Baby Girl are sisters who were surrendered by their owner. The dog adoption fee is $150 for medium and large dogs and $250 for puppies and small dogs, which includes vaccinations, microchip and sterilization. See more pets available for adoption at Petango.com.

JACKSON, MI – It may not look like it, but all of the food at Craveable is vegan and good for you. Craveable has been open since April and is run by Karen Slaughter, her husband Tom Slaughter, daughter Jordon Denslow and her fiancé Taylor Dancy. “We just wanted to show people that vegan food can taste good too,” Karen said. While the food truck has not been running for long, business has been great, Jordon said. The food truck prides itself on having in-house, plant-based food that everyone can enjoy, Jordon said.

LANSING, MI — Remediation projects to clean up polluted properties in Flint, Jackson, Muskegon and elsewhere around Michigan will benefit from $4 million in brownfield grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The city of Jackson will use $500,000 to conduct 10 site assessments and develop cleanup plans for vacant stores, factories and gas stations in the city’s southside neighborhood. The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Foundation will use $500,000 to conduct site assessments and develop cleanup plans in the Shoreline-Downtown area and the along Heights Broadway Avenue Corridor. Oceana County will use $300,000 to conduct 24 site assessments and develop cleanup plans in the city of Hart and villages of Shelby and Rothbury. Targeted sites include a former gas station, former diesel generation electric plant, a former dry cleaner, and a former steel foundry.

JACKSON, MI - High school seniors from the Jackson Area Career Center recently announced plans to further their education during a special Signing Day ceremony last week. A total of 50 seniors from 13 school districts in Jackson County were recognized during the the ceremony, which is hosted by the career center in an event modeled after signing days for high school athletes. Career Center students announced plans to further their career goals, including enlisting in the military, joining the workforce, working and continuing their technical training and attending college. “We want to celebrate our students who have taken the career skills they’ve learned and will be applying them to the next level”, Jackson Area Career Center Principal Mark Pogliano said. “Signing Day is a great way for us to highlight the technical training our students receive while supporting the employment needs of our local businesses,” Work-based Learning Coordinator Ron Richards said.

JACKSON, MI – Michigan officials helped celebrate the reopening of a heavily-used bridge in Jackson. Gretchen Whitmer visited Jackson on Friday, May 13 to attend the reopening of the E. Washington Avenue bridge after it has been closed for construction. The bridge in Jackson was one of 19 bridges across Michigan that will see repairs as a part of a $24.3 million “bridge bundling project,” according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. Officials did not have a specific cost for the Jackson bridge alone. Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited Jackson Friday, May 13, to attend the reopening of the E. Washington Avenue bridge after it has been closed for construction.

Lumen Christi baseball player Cooper Cumberworth has been selected as the Jackson-area Athlete of the Week for May 2-7. In a May 7 game against Grass Lake he had two RBIs, then later that day in a game against Onsted took the mound and struck out seven while driving in four runs with three hits at the plater. He collected 38.42% of the vote to get by Northwest softball player Nevaeh Ingram (24.49%) and Leslie baseball player Hunter Doyle (15.25).

Staff being called Nazis prompts a Jackson department to change its nameA city of Jackson department has been renamed to move away from an offensive abbreviated connotation, while making it easier for community members to access. Jackson County Poor Farm being recognized with historical markerIt was once home to the indigent and less fortunate for decades, but the Jackson County Poor Farm is all but forgotten to people today. That will change soon, though, as the poor farm location is receiving a Jackson County historical marker. The effort is part of a project from the Jackson County Historical Society to place historical markers at more buildings and sites throughout the county, hoping to educate the public on significant Jackson County history, Society President Maurice Imhoff said. He is set to appear before Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson for sentencing on June 16, according to court records.

JACKSON, MI -- A new fire engine is beginning its tour of duty on the streets of Jackson this week. The new truck arrived at the Jackson Fire Department earlier this spring, officials announced Wednesday, May 11. 2, a 1997 pumper fire engine, said David Wooden, Jackson Fire Department deputy chief. The fire department currently has four trucks in its fleet, including three frontline engines and one reserve truck, Wooden said. As a frontline engine, the new truck will be the first to respond to fire calls, Wooden said.

JACKSON -- Baseball and softball teams will take the field Friday and Saturday for the Al Glick Classic, with games played around the Jackson area. Six softball teams are split into two brackets. In the Matt Soper Bracket are Bronson, Springport and Western. In the Don Wheeler Bracket are Jackson, Reading and Vandercook Lake. Baseball teams will be in the Doug Fracker Bracket and are Bronson, Jackson, Leslie, Lumen Christi, Quincy, Reading, Springport and Western.

JACKSON, MI -- Registration is open now for the Jackson YMCA’s annual Safety Around Water program. The program, from May 20-22 at the Y pool at 127 W. Wesley St., offers free instruction to children 5 to 12 years old so they are safe in and around water. Although the one-hour classes are free, parents must pre-register at JacksonYMCA.org, in person, or by calling 517-782-0537. When registering online, participants should use online promo code, SAW2022. More from The Jackson Citizen Patriot:‘Deplorable’ conditions spark push for new Jackson County JailStaff being called Nazis prompts a Jackson department to change its nameFallen police officers honored in downtown Jackson ceremonyNew streetlights will help Jackson neighborhood be safer, city officials hope

LANSING, MI -- An inmate at a Michigan prison in Jackson will face a new felony charge after sending a threatening letter to the Ingham County judge who sentenced him. Christopher Shenberger has been charged with one count of communicating a false threat of terrorism, a 20-year felony, after mailing a threatening letter to Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Joyce Draganchuk. Shenberger, of Jackson County, is currently serving a 75-180-month sentence in the Michigan Department of Corrections. As Draganchuk serves in Ingham County, the case was referred to the Michigan AG. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:‘Deplorable’ conditions spark push for new Jackson County JailStaff being called Nazis prompts a Jackson department to change its nameFallen police officers honored in downtown Jackson ceremonySemi crash brings down power lines on Jackson County roadway

JACKSON, MI -- A man was killed Wednesday night when his motorcycle was hit by a car while he was trying to avoid a fallen tree, police said. As the motorcyclist attempted to drive around the tree, he was hit by a southbound 2018 Ford Focus, driven by a 26-year-old Williamston man, police said. The motorcyclist, a 55-year-old Jackson man, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, Blackman-Leoni Public Safety Director Mike Jester said. The crash is currently being investigated by the Blackman-Leoni Traffic Crash Reconstruction Team, Jester said. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:‘Deplorable’ conditions spark push for new Jackson County JailStaff being called Nazis prompts a Jackson department to change its nameFallen police officers honored in downtown Jackson ceremonySemi crash brings down power lines on Jackson County roadway

Luckily, Michigan offers plenty of refuge for grieving souls – forests and thickets; rivers and lakes; beaches and trails. The boats that usually motored us to the island weren’t running. Since the boats weren’t running, we basically had the island to ourselves when we landed. The remote island was even more empty due to the pandemic. But getting lost in the thickets in Michigan allowed us to put them into perspective.

JACKSON, MI -- The 70-year-old county jail in downtown Jackson might be one of the worst of its kind in the state, .Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schuette said. Conditions are “deplorable” for both inmates and corrections staff at the jail at 212 W. Wesley St., Schuette said during a presentation to the Jackson City Council on Tuesday, May 10. As a solution, he’s pushing for a new jail to be built on the site of the current building. One method of raising those funds is a county millage tax increase that would include the operational costs for the county’s Chanter Road Jail and funds for a new Wesley Street facility. Once he has the report, Schuette said he plans to put a proposal together for the Jackson County Board of Commissioners to consider at its June meeting.

JACKSON, MI – A city of Jackson department has been renamed to move away from an offensive abbreviated connotation, while making it easier for community members to access. The Jackson City Council approved the name change for the city’s Department of Neighborhood and Economic Operations at its Tuesday, May 10 meeting. The department, now called the Community Development Department, is responsible for providing all services necessary when acquiring, repairing, building and improving residential and commercial properties in the city. However, the given abbreviation has prompted insults associated with the term neo-Nazi to be directed at department staff, he said. Residents have been confused in the past on who to contact when it comes to learning about community development, LaPorte said.

Michigan officials found guns, cash, methamphetamine and heroin when they executed four connected search warrants this week -- three at hotel rooms and one at a nearby storage facility, according to authorities.

Mississippi is ditching a state song that’s based on the campaign tune of a former governor who pledged to preserve segregation.

Severe storms packing isolated tornadoes and high winds are racing across the Deep South _ killing two in the Florida Panhandle and leaving scattered damage to buildings and homes in their path.

Severe storms including at least two confirmed tornadoes injured people, damaged homes and businesses and downed power lines in Mississippi and Tennessee.

Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson had to endure hours of public scrutiny from skeptics during her Senate hearings this past week, and that's something familiar to many Black women.

More than $42.2 million in marijuana tax revenue will be distributed among 163 municipalities and counties in Michigan.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey drew tears from Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson at her confirmation hearing with the words, “You are worthy,” and others like them.

The latest nominee for a seat on the Supreme Court, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, has stressed the importance of religious faith in her life and career.

Four men once held at the Guantanamo Bay detention center were central to some of the questions Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson fielded during her Supreme Court confirmation hearing.

The first full day of questions for Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson opened with some very big ones — on judicial philosophy, terrorism and race.

A four-day blitz of Senate confirmation hearings begins today for President Biden’s first Supreme Court nominee, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Watch live coverage here.

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman nominated to the Supreme Court, is going before the Senate Judiciary Committee with the path to her historic confirmation seemingly clear.

An armed man who fled officers in southern Michigan before they caught up with him was shot by police early Saturday after a 45-minute standoff.

An investigation is underway Saturday after law enforcement shot a person who was believed to be involved in a domestic assault, and then fled from officers in Jackson, officials report.

The Republican-controlled Mississippi House has divided largely along lines of race and party in passing a bill that would limit how race can be discussed in classrooms.

A judge has ruled that three men charged in a plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer before the 2020 election were not entrapped by the FBI.

A judge is scheduled to rule on whether three men charged in a plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer before the 2020 election were entrapped by the FBI.

A northern Michigan woman has pleaded no contest in an effort to tamper with a voting ballot tabulator.

Gold medalist speed skater Erin Jackson talks about making pancakes in her room, overpacking, and how much she values her roller derby teammates back in Florida.

Erin Jackson isn't bothered by the pressure of competing at the Olympics, in fact she embraces it.

Erin Jackson said she hopes her gold medal in the women's 500m, the first by a Black woman in speed skating, is a stepping stone in the sport.

Erin Jackson hadn't stepped on ice until 2017. Now the engineer is making Olympic history.

Erin Jackson made history on a frenetic dash around Beijing's magnificent speedskating oval.

Erin Jackson has become the first Black woman to win a speedskating medal at the Winter Olympics.

Erin Jackson, the world's top-ranked 500m speed skater, nearly didn't make it to the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe will represent the U.S. in the women's 500m event in speed skating.

Mississippi will join the majority of states in allowing medical marijuana.

Soaring tax revenue and billions in pandemic aid from the federal government have left many states with the unusual problem of having too much money.

Get ready to watch Erin Jackson compete at the 2022 Winter Olympics with broadcast and streaming info for all of her events.

Get ready to watch Brittany Bowe compete at the 2022 Winter Olympics with broadcast and streaming info for all of her events.

Mississippi's capital city struggles with an unreliable water system that has problems with both quality and distribution.

Mississippi lawmakers are sending their governor a bill that would create a medical marijuana program for people with serious medical conditions.

For the first time since the start of the COVID omicron surge in Michigan, hospital officials with the Henry Ford Health System said they’re starting to see some signs of early progress.

The ATM-like machine offers eight styles of pre-prepared pizzas handmade at the company’s prep center in Jackson and cooked on the spot.

A shocking upset at the 2022 U.S. Speed Skating Olympic Trials may cost a presumed medal favorite a trip to the Winter Games.

Learn how the top stars in speed skating have prepared for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

For many rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, self-incriminating messages, photos and videos that they broadcast on social media before, during and after the riot are influencing even the sentences in their criminal cases.

Abortion activists are protesting in Mississippi’s capital as the state takes center stage in a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court case that could end a nationwide right to abortion.

A woman who won freedom from prison a decade ago after being convicted with her sister in a 1993 armed robbery in Mississippi has died of COVID-19.

If your education level has you struggling to find a good paying job or maybe you’re working two and three jobs to try and make ends meet because you never graduated high school help is out there.

Detroit Pistons legend Ben Wallace, recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, has signed a deal with a Michigan-based cannabis company to develop his own products.

Several months after COVID-19 vaccinations were made widely available in the United States, vaccination status continues to disrupt professional and college sports.

Sang Kang was doing everything right except putting his tee shots in play.

President Joe Biden has announced his picks to head the National Endowments for the Humanities and the Arts, tapping a Harvard University scholar and an Arizona State University professor to oversee the federal agencies.

Will Zalatoris is usually spot-on with his iron.

Sahith Theegala has the lead in the Sanderson Farms Championship with a 64.

A survey of Americans on President Joe Biden’s plan to require most workers to get either vaccinated or regularly tested for COVID-19 finds a deep and familiar divide: Democrats are overwhelmingly for it, while most Republicans are against it.

The Oakland County Health Division said it will launch its first clinics to administer the booster dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, Sept. 29 in Southfield, with more clinics throughout the week in other locations.

An interactive exhibit in Mississippi is shining light on killings that took place during the civil rights era in the United States.