JACKSON

JACKSON, MI -- A Jackson woman is recovering in a local hospital after being hit by a truck Sunday while crossing the street, police said. Officers from the Jackson Police Department responded to a car-pedestrian crash March 19 near the intersection of North West Avenue and West Monroe Street in Jackson. A 26-year-old woman had been crossing Monroe Street when she was hit by a vehicle attempting to make a turn, said JPD deputy director Sergio Garcia. The woman was taken to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital for injuries that were not considered life-threatening, Garcia said. The driver of the truck stayed at the scene and complied with officers during their initial investigation, Garcia said.

JACKSON, MI – Los Tres Amigos is opening a different style of restaurant in the Jackson area. The Mexican eatery plans to launch Los Tres Mex Grill, 3236 E. Michigan Ave., in April, adding to the list of Los Tres Amigos locations in Jackson County. “You can pick it up whenever you want.”The assembly-line style restaurant is the first of its kind for Los Tres Amigos, Ramirez said. Hiring is taking place and people can apply for jobs by visiting the restaurant, or any other Los Tres Amigos location, Ramirez said. More information about Los Tres Amigos can be found on its website and Facebook page.

State officials will hold a virtual town hall Tuesday afternoon, where residents can voice their concerns about power outages following several widespread outage events that have occurred in recent months and years.

Applications are now being accepted for the traditional Sigmund Foundation Scholarships and the Sigmund Scholarships for the Trades. The scholarships are available to Jackson and Lenawee county residents who are either a graduating high school senior, already in college, or an adult planning to enter. The private Bill and Vi Sigmund Foundation, created in 2002, honors the legacy of Bill and Vi Sigmund, who brought McDonald’s restaurants to Jackson and neighboring cities. Read more: Peek Through Time: Jackson’s first McDonald’s among country’s first franchisesLast year, 130 students received these funds to further their education. For an application, visit the Bill and Vi Sigmund Foundation website or reach out to area high school counselors.

Related: Winter storm brings down trees, power lines across Jackson County“We are here because of the events of a month ago. Two separate storm systems that came through Michigan and also impacted the Consumers Energy territory,” Michigan Public Service Commission Chairperson Dan Scripps said. The worst storm in 50 years. The Michigan Public Service Commission decides whether or not utilities receive requested rate increases or are required to provide other accommodations like automatic credits during sustained power outages. DTE customers still in the dark say $35 utility credit is ‘insulting’Second, utility companies will have to provide the state with outage data monthly to aid in finding and fix the worst areas for outages.

JACKSON, MI – More artists have been announced for a downtown concert series. Country Boots & Bands is bringing country duo Lakeview and Jackson native Jason Cross for a performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16, in the parking lot behind The Chase Sports Bar, 105 E. Michigan Ave. Read more: Country music concert series coming to downtown JacksonJesse Denaro and Luke Healy, a “Nashville-by-way-of-Pittsburgh” duo, make up the group Lakeview, which infuse country, pop and rock music into its performances. Critics with Country Now have called Lakeview the “next big act in country music.” They are known for such hits as “Poor Me” and “Eyes Closed,” officials said. Tickets for the concert, starting at $10, are on sale now and can be purchased on Country Boots & Bands website.

“You are finished making up your own rules,” the federal judge told the Miami-based member of the Proud Boys, who faces civil disorder and obstruction charges.

JACKSON, MI – Head to the Jackson YMCA pool just about any day and you’ll find 97-year-old Betty Morris inspiring others to stay fit and active. “That what makes Betty and other people like her so successful.”Morris has been going to the Jackson YMCA almost every day for 30 years. You can do everything in there.”Betty Morris, at age 97, still works out multiple times per week at the Jackson YMCA. They keep me young,” Morris said. “I’m interested in (talking to) everybody.”Aside from the YMCA, Morris keeps busy attending Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church.

JACKSON, MI -- The Jackson County Animal Shelter, 3770 Spring Arbor Road, has many pets available for adoption. Princess will be the type to take a little longer to build trust in you, but will become your loyal buddy. The dog adoption fee is $150 for medium and large dogs and $250 for puppies and small dogs, which includes vaccinations, microchip and sterilization. Visiting the shelter is always best, but other adoption resources include online applications at https://www.co.jackson.mi.us/2302/Our-Adoptable-Animals, faxing 517-780-4750 or emailing animalshelter@mijackson.org. See more pets available for adoption at Petango.com.

More than 50 people have been killed in New Orleans since the year began. Tamara Jackson is dispatched to most homicide scenes, but her focus is on the families.

JACKSON, MI – Lean Rocket Lab began its journey in Jackson in 2018 with a goal of creating an entrepreneurial hub for manufacturers. But when the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, Lean Rocket Lab saw a huge need to help local entrepreneurs start up or expand their businesses. The individualized program taught entrepreneurs things they would need to know about running a successful business, said Christie Myers, Lean Rocket LOCAL director. The Lean Rocket Lab program helped. Lean Rocket Lab is looking forward to continuing this program, Myers said.

JACKSON -- Leslie boys basketball player Jared Peck was voted Athlete of the Week in the Jackson area for the week of March 6-11. Peck had 19 points in a triple-overtime win over Potterville in the district semifinal.

JACKSON, MI – St. Patrick’s Day in 1973 was not a fun day for anyone in Jackson who doesn’t like a whole lot of snow to go along with their green beer. “The Great St. Patrick’s Day Storm” hit Michigan on Saturday, March 17, 1973, burying the Jackson area in 19 inches of snow. Green beer, live music, Irish food: Here’s where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Jackson CountyGreen beer, Irish fare and plenty of festivities are taking place throughout Jackson County in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day is Friday, March 17 this year. Prosecutor’s Office proposes hiring new attorney to bring Jackson County staff up to 12The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office could soon be hiring another attorney to aid in prosecuting criminal cases.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- A 54-year-old man faces several criminal charges related to an alleged kidnapping attempt, police said. Aldalberto Alvarez, of Jackson, was arraigned Monday on felony charges of unlawful imprisonment and larceny from a motor vehicle. Alvarez is accused of forcing a woman into his vehicle while wielding a knife on the morning of March 10, police said. Related: Knife-wielding man arrested, accused of attempted kidnapping near JacksonJackson County District Court Judge Michael Klaeren set bond for Alvarez in the amount of $25,000, according to court records. Deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office found the suspect vehicle in Leoni Township a short time later, police said, leading to Alvarez’ arrest.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Those who were around in 1973 surely will remember when Jackson streets were covered in white snow instead of people dressed in green on March 17. “The Great St. Patrick’s Day Storm” hit Michigan on Saturday, March 17, 1973, burying the Jackson area in 19 inches of snow. Related: Peek Through Time: St. Patrick’s Day blizzard buried Jackson in 1973The storm closed I-94 for almost two days and stranded more than 1,200 people in American Red Cross relief centers throughout Jackson County. Related: Peek Through Time: Who remembers when St. Patrick’s Day in Jackson was white, not green? In all, it was estimated the storm stranded 6,200 people in Jackson, Calhoun and Washtenaw counties.

The former director of a Mississippi nonprofit organization pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to stealing government funds intended to help needy families in one of the poorest states in the U.S., court documents show. Christi Webb, who stepped down this week as director of the north Mississippi-based Family Resource Center, appeared before U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves in Jackson. The federal charges stem from a welfare scandal that has ensnared high-profile figures, including retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre, who lives in Mississippi.

WALLED LAKE, MI – A Michigan greenhouse is giving away a weed-themed wedding. The Greenhouse of Walled Lake has partnered with Choice Labs of Jackson to give away the weed-lovers wedding valued at $30,000. “Move over open bar hello bud bar.”The “top-shelf” bud bar will be manned by budtenders and stocked with high-quality flower and Choice Labs products. A custom-made Mojo-infused chocolate wedding cake and other desserts will be available to the winning couple. The Greenhouse of Walled Lake, 103 East Walled Lake Drive, is Oakland County’s first fully licensed medical and recreational marijuana dispensary.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Friday’s commute on I-94 through Jackson may be a bit slower as both east and westbound I-94 will be down a travel lane for much of the day. From 7 a.m. to noon Friday, March 17, westbound I-94 from the U.S. 127/M-50 exit to Airport Road will be reduced to a single lane so work crews can safely repair damaged guardrails, according to an alert from the Michigan Department of Transportation. Likewise, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, eastbound I-94 from Elm Road to U.S 127/M-50 will also be reduced to a single lane for repairs. Motorists are advised to plan their commutes as the lane closures will cause slower traffic. More from The Jackson Citizen Patriot:Schedule set for I-94 shut down for repairs to Ann Arbor bridge hit by truckCommonwealth switches gears, moves to a different downtown Jackson location2 Michigan universities have the best bang for your buck, says Princeton Review

JACKSON, MI – Commonwealth Associates, Inc. has moved its headquarters to a different downtown location than previously planned. Related: Financing issue prompts Commonwealth to delay new Jackson headquartersCommonwealth engineers high-voltage power systems for utilities and designs power generation facilities, among other things, Collins said. Commonwealth’s hopes the more centrally located building downtown will help increase its client base, Collins said. “Our hope in this building is that we are going to create a kind of a showplace where we can bring more clients to our building in Jackson,” Collins said. “I’m still a believer that being in this kind of a location and this kind of environment, will help us recruit people,” Collins said.

JACKSON, MI – State regulators want to hear from residents who were affected by the recent surge of winter storms that knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses across Jackson. The Michigan Public Service Commission is hosting a town hall meeting in Jackson to listen to residents’ power outage concerns following large-scale outages that hit Michigan in February during inclement weather. This is an opportunity for Michigan residents to ensure their concerns are heard.”Many residents have been dissatisfied with the $25 credit mandated by Michigan’s service quality rules, Nessel said. Nessel has called on the utilities to automatically credit customers who suffer from outages and to increase the outage credit. “It is my sincere hope that in response, the commission takes action that our residents so badly deserve,” Nessel said.

JACKSON, MI – After almost two years of bumps in the road, Jackson’s social district is ready to launch. The downtown social district of bars and restaurants will begin on St. Patrick’s Day - Friday, March 17, according to the city’s Downtown Development Authority. The formation of Jackson’s social district was originally approved in April 2021, but a lack of bar and restaurant interest prevented it from launching then. After Friday, the social district will operate from noon to midnight Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday. Timing of state approvals and the fact St. Patrick’s Day is on a Friday in 2023 made it the ideal time to launch the social district, Mays said.

CHELSEA, MI -- A string of car break-ins and thefts in Chelsea last week have been connected with a Jackson man, police said. Officers from the Chelsea Police Department responded to four different calls on Friday, March 10, within a three-mile area for reports of theft and vehicle break-ins.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has signed a bill that will restrict electric car manufacturers from selling vehicles in person unless they open franchised dealerships.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed a bill Tuesday restricting electric car manufacturers from selling vehicles in person unless they open franchised dealerships. Defying calls from some fellow Republicans in the Legislature to veto the measure, Reeves enacted into law House Bill 401, introduced by Republican Rep. Trey Lamar of Senatobia. The law will force electric car companies such as Tesla and Rivian to sell vehicles through franchises rather than company-owned stores, which is how they currently operate.

A Tennessee police officer fatally shot an armed man who pointed gun at them on Sunday night. No other injuries were reported and an investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

JACKSON, MI – Spring is just around the corner and a volunteer group is gearing up to help clean up Jackson’s parks and trails. People for the Parks and Trails is planning its Spring Kickoff Event at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at the Boos Recreation Center, 210 Gilbert St. Founded in 2021, People for the Parks and Trails is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving city of Jackson parks and trails through volunteer projects, fundraising and advocacy, officials said. In 2022, People for the Parks completed volunteer projects at seven parks, two pedestrian trails and one cemetery. Residents wanting to get involved with volunteer projects can submit an interest form through PPT’s website.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Green beer, Irish fare and plenty of festivities are taking place throughout Jackson County in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Community members celebrate St. Patrick’s day at The Shamrock bar on Thursday, Mar. Two Lakes TavernThe bar, located at 110 Walnut St. in the Manitou Beach area, is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with live music and food specials. Sandhill Crane VineyardsCelebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Road, from 6-9 p.m. on Friday. Denton’s DenDenton’s Den, 802 E. Michigan Ave., is offering food, green beer and live entertainment during St. Patrick’s Day.

JACKSON, MI – Nearly every vacant property owned by the city of Jackson and put up for sale has been claimed by potential buyers . The city listed 11 properties for sale on March 9, and by Monday, March 13 had received and accepted purchase offers on all but one property, City of Jackson Spokesman Aaron Dimick said. The accepted purchase offers will go before the Jackson City Council at its Tuesday, March 21 meeting. If the council approves the offers, city staff will move forward with closing the sale with the future owner. The city-owned properties with accepted purchase offers are:213 Damon St., listed at $10,000138 E Robinson St., listed at $15,0002026 S. Milwaukee Ave., listed at $10,000429 St. Clair Ave., listed at $15,000116 W. Mansion St., listed at $20,000600 W. Biddle St., listed for $20,000901 W. Washington Ave., listed for $25,0001014 Woodbridge St., listed for $18,000323 W. Wesley St., listed for $10,000110 Chittock Ave., listed at $20,000For more information about city-owned properties to be sold, click here.

JACKSON, MI – A new way to treat pain more quickly can be found at Jackson’s latest treatment space. The Jarretts were introduced cryotherapy while Jimmy Jarrett was refereeing Division II college basketball. His friend owns a similar business in Indiana, which they observed and thought people in Jackson could benefit from, Jimmy Jarrett said. Four and a half minutes of this treatment can be equal to about eight hours of using an ice pack, Jimmy Jarrett said. The services have been popular, especially with high school athletes, including those at Jackson High School, Hanover Horton High School and Lumen Christi Catholic School, Jimmy Jarrett said.

The viral video, taken along 8 Mile Road, showed the lengths one man went to in an effort to save a complete stranger.

JACKSON – Not many teams remain in high school boys basketball around the state. District trophies have been handed out and the state-wide field is now down to 32 teams in each class with a chance to get to the Breslin Center next week.

JACKSON – Winter sports are wrapping up, and some have seen their seasons come to an end entirely. But before the spring sports take center stage, here is one more opportunity to honor what those winter sports athletes have done with the Athlete of the Week poll.

When functioning, it will be only the second milk bank in Michigan endorsed by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. McGreal-Miller took them through the process – all donor milk is screened, pooled and tested in what operates like a commercial food processing facility. Now, Henry Ford Health receives milk from Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank in Kalamazoo or an Indiana bank to feed babies at its hospitals. They consider one another.”The American Academy of Pediatrics supports donor milk for high-risk infants when they cannot receive their mothers’ milk. Nothing.”People interested in donating breastmilk can reach out to Henry Ford Milk Bank – Jackson at milkbank@hfhs.org.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Wyatt may be a dog, but he’s become a Jackson ambassador, showing off notable and fun spots in the city and county and stealing hearts while he’s doing it. Wyatt, a “Corgen” or golden retriever/corgi, is the star of Jackson resident Monika Hartman’s social media blog called “Adventures with Wyatt,” which shows off places in Jackson, Jackson County and even the state. He’s such a happy dog.”“Adventures with Wyatt” caught the attention of Experience Jackson, which recently granted Wyatt a “Certification of Ambassadorship” for Jackson County, which recognizes Wyatt’s positive impact on the Jackson community. Wyatt and Hartman plan to continue their adventures, including more places in Jackson County, and even the Upper Peninsula. You can find the “Adventures with Wyatt” blog on Facebook and Instagram.

JACKSON, MI -- The Jackson County Animal Shelter, 3770 Spring Arbor Road, has many pets available for adoption. Stella is a 1-year-old brown tabby cat. 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, vaccinations and spay/neutering. See more pets available for adoption at Petango.com.

JACKSON, MI – Hundreds of people came out Saturday to enjoy beer, food and live music at the 12th annual Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival. Festival-goers had the opportunity to try 182 different beers, ciders, seltzers and meads from the various breweries present at the event. Festival attendees also had a chance to enjoy food and other merchandise from six different food trucks and 15 non-alcoholic vendors. Unlike previous years, this year the festival also included a live music performance by Grass Lake native and The Voice contestant Brayden Lape. The festival, which serves as a fundraiser for the Jackson County Fair Premium Program, provides the monetary compensation for 4H, FFA and open class exhibitors, Owens said.

JACKSON -- District champions have been crowned in boys basketball and we now know who is moving on to regional play next week. Here are scores from districts involving Jackson-area teams. DIVISION 3at Lumen ChristiMondayLumen Christi 63, Homer 46WednesdayHanover-Horton 73, Concord 69Jonesville 51, Lumen Christi 36FridayChampionship, Jonesville 54, Hanover-Horton 36Jonesville (19-5) will advance to regional at Hanover-Horton to face Laingsburg-----------------at NapoleonMondayGrass Lake 70, Vandercook Lake 48WednesdayMichigan Center 39, East Jackson 36Napoleon 60, Grass Lake 37FridayChampionship, Michigan Center 49, Napoleon 46Michigan Center (17-7) will advance to regional at Hanover-Horton to face Leslie------------at SpringportMondayPotterville 70, Springport 38WednesdayStockbridge 63, Dansville 51Leslie 84, Potterville 79, 3 OTFridayChampionship, Leslie 55, Stockbridge 40Leslie (18-6) will advance to regional at Hanover-Horton to face Michigan Center------------------at HudsonMondayHudson 64, Addison 37Manchester 66, Sand Creek 48WednesdayClinton 63, Hudson 46Columbia Central 65, Manchester 60FridayChampionship, Clinton 74, Columbia Central 69Clinton will advance to regional at Columbia Central to face Plymouth Christian

JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- A woman escaped an alleged kidnapping attempt with minor injuries Friday morning, leading to the arrest of a Jackson man, police said. The victim suffered minor injuries during a physical struggle with the suspect, police said, adding she declined medical treatment. A notice of the incident was sent out to other Jackson County police agencies to look out for a silver Nissan SUV. Deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office found the suspect vehicle in Leoni Township a short time later, police said. The suspect -- a 54-year Jackson man -- was arrested and lodged in the Jackson County Jail pending a criminal charge review by prosecutor’s office, police said.

JACKSON, MI -- A 32-year-old woman faces a homicide charge relating to a 2022 fatal shooting she is accused of aiding. Jennifer Denise Martin was arraigned Thursday on charges of open murder and accessory after the fact to a felony, court officials said. LeAndrew Martin, 44, was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi on Sept. 2, 2022 -- less than a week after the fatal shooting near the Greenwood Food & Beverage Party Store. Though they share a last name, court officials could not confirm Thursday if the two defendants are related. LeAndrew Martin -- charged with open murder and felony firearm -- is scheduled to appear before Jackson County Circuit Judge Susan Jordan March 21 for a pretrial hearing.

JACKSON -- Kaleb Cox has been voted the Athlete of the Week in the Jackson area. The Leslie boys basketball player closed the regular season on a high note with a 19-point game against Tecumseh followed by a 17-point game against Columbia Central.

JACKSON, MI – The popular country music group Lonestar is headed to Jackson for a concert. Lonestar has been together for 30 years and will perform some of its biggest hits at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 19, on the stage at Jackson College’s Potter Center, 2111 Emmons Road. Related: REO Speedwagon, Michael Bolton coming to Jackson College in next entertainment lineupLonestar, whose members are all from Texas, formed in 1992 in Tennessee. The group consists of Dean Sams on keyboards and acoustic guitar, Michael Britt on lead guitar, Keech Rainwater on drums and Drew Womack on lead vocals. Lonestar has charted more than 20 singles on the Hot Country Songs list.

JACKSON, MI – Wyatt is a good boy and he is ready to show the world what Jackson has to offer. Jackson OKs $1M construction project to make Brown Street more pedestrian friendlyBrown Street could soon be more pedestrian friendly after the city approved a million-dollar construction project. At about 1:17 a.m. March 9, deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle on Spring Arbor Road near Robinson Road, east of Jackson. Jackson County looking to upgrade aging court video systemJackson County’s Circuit and Family Courts are looking to replace their aging video communication equipment to bring them to par with the times. Overnight fire destroys Jackson County homeA vacant Summit Township home was destroyed in an overnight fire on Monday.

The median home in Novi and Rockford is more than 50 years newer than the median home in Grosse Pointe, Jackson or Bay City. Some of the oldest housing stocks in Michigan belong to the western Upper Peninsula and the Detroit area, according to an MLive analysis of U.S. Census survey data. This includes all types of occupied housing units, including houses, apartments and mobile homes.

JACKSON, MI – PizzaForno is moving all of its pizza vending machines out of Jackson and into a different market. Related: Gourmet pizza vending machines coming to Jackson“It was just not the right location,” Lowder said. The company will move these machines out of Jackson in the next month to new locations in Michigan, Lowder said. PizzaForno also removed its pizza vending machines from Ann Arbor in 2022. PizzaForno machines are still available in Tecumseh and Flint, according to its website.

JACKSON, MI -- Snowy roads are giving some Jackson-area students a long weekend as schools are closing on Friday, March 10. Here is the list of school closings. This list will be updated as more closings come in, so please check back here. Addison Community Schoolsda Vinci InstituteJackson Public SchoolsMichigan Center SchoolsNorth Adams-Jerome Public SchoolsNorthwest Community SchoolsOnsted Community SchoolsWestern School District

A Mississippi man who burned a cross in his front yard to intimidate his Black neighbors was sentenced Thursday to 42 years in prison. U.S. Southern District of Mississippi Judge Sul Ozerden handed down the sentence after Axel Cox, 24, pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime in December. Cox, of Gulfport, was charged with violating the Fair Housing Act over a December 2020 incident in which he put together a wooden cross in his front yard and propped it up so his Black neighbors could see it.

JACKSON, MI -- Fire, smoke and water caused “extensive” damage to a small Jackson home Thursday afternoon, officials said. Crews from the Jackson Fire Department were dispatched to the 100 block of Hollywood Street at 3:44 p.m. March 9 for a report of smoke coming from a residential building. Though no flames were showing from the outside, a passerby or neighbor saw smoke leaking out of the windows and eaves of the house, said Cpt. The blaze was contained to a couple of rooms in the middle of the small house, though there was “extensive” smoke and water damage done to the interior of the building. Jackson Fire was assisted at the scene by the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety, Summit Township Fire Department and Jackson Community Ambulance.

On Thursday, the Henry Ford Health System in Jackson showed off its new facility and took a significant step towards opening its doors to the community.

JACKSON, MI -- A Jackson woman was arrested Thursday morning, making her the second suspect to be brought into custody for a 2022 fatal shooting. At about 1:17 a.m. March 9, deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle on Spring Arbor Road near Robinson Road, east of Jackson. An occupant of the vehicle -- a Jackson woman -- was found to be wanted on a homicide warrant relating to the shooting death of Markeithis Thomas-James Smith and was arrested, police said. This woman is the second person to be arrested in connection Smith’s death. LeAndrew Martin, 44, was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi on Sept. 2, 2022 -- less than a week after the fatal shooting on Aug. 28 near the Greenwood Food & Beverage Party Store.

Now they explore throughout Jackson County, the state and surrounding states. “I love that (Jackson) is from the 1800s, and just the history behind Jackson,” Hartman said. She enjoys seeing the feedback on her page from current and previous Jackson County residents. Hartman and Wyatt also have caught the attention of Experience Jackson, which recently granted Wyatt a “Certification of Ambassadorship” for Jackson County. “A major part of our mission is to strengthen the positive perception of Jackson County,” Boldt said.

JACKSON, MI – Justin Moore is making his way to Jackson this summer for a country music concert. Country Boots & Bands is bringing Moore for a performance at 9 a.m. Friday, June 23 at Optimist Ice Arena, 1300 W. North St.

JACKSON -- A dozen times in the first half of Wednesday’s Division 3 district semifinal at Lumen Christi, the Titans turned the ball over. The Comets brought their signature defense to the postseason, and used it to stymie Lumen Christi in a 51-36 win. “They made a ton of free throws and did a good job of finishing it off. “That all goes to Turner and our squad for making free throws, because we practice free throws for about 30 minutes a day,” Elder said. On Friday against soon-to-be Cascades Conference rival Hanover-Horton, Jonesville will try to win its first district title since 2001.

JACKSON -- The tournament fields have been whittled down with Wednesday’s semifinals. Here are scores from districts involving Jackson-area teams. DIVISION 3at Lumen ChristiMondayLumen Christi 63, Homer 46WednesdayHanover-Horton 73, Concord 69Jonesville 51, Lumen Christi 36FridayChampionship, Jonesville (18-5) vs. Hanover-Horton (12-10), 7 p.m.-----------------at NapoleonMondayGrass Lake 70, Vandercook Lake 48WednesdayMichigan Center 39, East Jackson 36Napoleon 60, Grass Lake 37FridayChampionship, Napoleon (22-1) vs. Michigan Center (16-7), 7 p.m.------------at SpringportMondayPotterville 70, Springport 38WednesdayStockbridge 63, Dansville 51Leslie 84, Potterville 79, 3 OTFridayChampionship, Stockbridge (13-8) vs. Leslie (17-6), 7 p.m.------------------at HudsonMondayHudson 64, Addison 37Manchester 66, Sand Creek 48WednesdayClinton 63, Hudson 46Columbia Central 65, Manchester 60FridayChampionship, Clinton (19-4) vs. Columbia Central (9-14), 7 p.m.

JACKSON, MI – A city owned lot home to Jackson’s Optimist Park may soon be sold to developers to be turned in a new piece of commercial property. The city-owned lot, which is zoned for commercial development, is currently home to Optimist Park, a small park located across from West Argyle Street, between a Burger King and a Papa Johns Pizza. In October, the council voted to move the park to an adjacent city lot where it would build a new basketball court for residents. Related: Popular Jackson park to be relocated, get new basketball courtWith the sale, the former park will likely be turned into a multi-tenant retail or restaurant space. Lormax Stern is a West Bloomfield based company that has developed multiple retail location across Michigan and several outside the state.

The mother of a 25-year-old Black man who was shot to death by Mississippi Capitol Police last year is telling state lawmakers that she strongly opposes giving the state-run police department wider territory to patrol inside the majority-Black capital city of Jackson.

The expected move next week in Congress to overturn District of Columbia laws dealing with criminal justice and voting has created a political tempest in the nation’s capital, with local activists decrying it as the latest effort to undermine the city’s ability to determine its own future.

Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has signed a bill to ban gender-affirming care in the state for anyone younger than 18.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has written her first majority opinion for the Supreme Court.

People in Mississippi’s majority-Black capital city say the mostly white state Legislature is trying to encroach on their rights of self-government.

Thirty years after terrorism first struck the World Trade Center, victims’ relatives and survivors are remembering the deadly 1993 bombing that foreshadowed 9/11.

The federal government has allocated $190 billion in pandemic relief to help schools.

Bill Martin has donated $100,000 to an Ann Arbor-based nonprofit to improve the lives of those living near one of Central America's largest garbage dumps.

It has been three weeks since 5-year-old Ethan Belcher was found dead in a Detroit home.

Members of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus are denouncing efforts by the state Legislature to grab power from the capital city of Jackson.

Michigan State Police said they have received a series of fake threats targeting schools across the state, including in Ann Arbor and Detroit.

A former University of Mississippi chancellor says Republican Gov. Tate Reeves spoke privately with him years ago about the benefits of expanding Medicaid to people in low-wage jobs.

The first Black woman elected to the Mississippi Legislature 38 years ago says she will not seek another term.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba says that legislation that would create a separate court system run by unelected judges in part of Mississippi’s capital city is racially motivated.

Michael Jackson’s 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play the King of Pop in the planned biopic “Michael” to be directed by Antoine Fuqua.

A newly released report from the Mississippi State Department of Health finds that an increasing number of mothers in the state have died in recent years due to pregnancy complications.

U.S. health officials want to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like the annual flu shot.

The Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $100 million in competitive grants for projects that advance environmental justice in communities disproportionately affected by industrial pollution and other hazards.

A doctor who worked at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson and went missing last week has been found dead in a frozen pond near his home, according to officials.

A cold snap blanketing the Deep South has upended water systems as local officials struggle to repair widespread leaks and broken pipes.

Police are asking for help locating a Michigan doctor who was last seen at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson.

The federal government will put $600 million toward repairing the troubled water system in Mississippi’s capital city — a project that the mayor has said could cost billions of dollars.

Monday was the night for Grass Lake’s Brayden Lape. He had two performances in the finale of The Voice.

Five-time Grammy Award Winner, Janet Jackson, will be bringing her “Together Again” tour to Detroit on May 24, 2023.

An attorney for Harvey Weinstein at his Los Angeles sexual assault trial told jurors that the prosecution's case relies entirely on asking them to trust accusers who have proved they were untrustworthy.

The U.S. Justice Department has received a federal judge’s approval to carry out its proposal to improve the precarious water system in Mississippi’s capital city.

The Justice Department is making a rare intervention to try to bring improvements in the beleaguered water system in the Mississippi capital city.

Residents in several towns across Louisiana and Mississippi have taken cover amid the blare of tornado sirens amid a severe weather outbreak erupting in the Deep South.

Choosing his own numbers for the first time paid off for a Jackson man who won a $150,000 Powerball prize from the Michigan Lottery.

Consumers Energy is reporting 122,000 customers across the state are without power due to high winds.

Jackson State coach Deion Sanders has forbidden his players from leaving the team hotel while they’re in Houston for Saturday’s game against Texas Southern after the rapper Takeoff was fatally shot in the city early Tuesday.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the water in Mississippi's capital city is now safe to drink, following months of sampling at a water treatment plant overwhelmed by late August flooding.

Jurors have begun deliberations in a third trial connected to a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Prosecutors have rested their case in the trial of three men charged with assisting a 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced it is investigating whether Mississippi state agencies discriminated against the state’s majority-Black capital city by refusing to fund improvements for its failing water system.

A panel of U.S. vaccine experts says COVID-19 shots should be added to the lists of recommended vaccinations for kids and adults.

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates inched up this week ahead of another expected rate increase by the Federal Reserve when it meets early next month.

A judge has dismissed a young woman from the jury hearing the trial of three men in connection with a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after attorneys accused her of flirting with one of the defendants.

A defense lawyer lashed out at a star witness in a trial related to a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates reached their highest level in more than two decades this week and are likely climb further as the Federal Reserve all but promised more rate increases as it tries to tamp down inflation.

Prosecutors are raising concerns about a female juror who apparently has been smiling at one of three men on trial in connection with a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Jurors in Michigan heard secretly recorded audio as prosecutors tried to show how a paramilitary group was connected to a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

An FBI agent has testified that postings in online chatrooms by members of a paramilitary group connected to a 2020 anti-government plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer included instructions on how to make explosives.

Mackenzie Hughes has won the Sanderson Farms Championship with a birdie on the second playoff hole against Sepp Straka.

Lauren Jackson capped her storied international basketball career with another bronze medal and scored 30 points to lead Australia to a 95-65 win over Canada in the third-place game at the women’s World Cup.

Mississippi’s top law enforcement official said officers of a special police unit in the capital city of Jackson will not change the way they pursue suspects.