APRIL 2, 2018 - Building on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of the “Beloved Community,” Greater Jackson Habitat announced plans to honor King’s legacy through a series of projects in Jackson. During April, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International and The King Center’s MLK 50 Forward initiative, Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity is renewing and strengthening its commitment to build a world where everyone has a decent place to live and the opportunity for a better future.

Jackson Habitat will repair three homes with the help of many volunteers. This effort will build on work being performed by other Habitats across the country undertaking Beloved Community projects, including the construction of new affordable homes, critical home repairs and community revitalization initiatives.

APRIL 2, 2018 - The 60th Annual Jackson County Rose Parade will be held Sunday June 3, at 1 p.m. The parade route will begin in downtown Jackson on South Jackson St. and Mason St. (near Austin Park) and end at the Middle School at Parkside. There is no Picnic in the Park for 2018. This year’s parade theme is “Celebrating 60 Years”.

MARCH 27, 2018 - Before the car, when horses were still the way people got around town, the Interurban railway showed up and changed lives. Folks from rural America took a ride to the city – to shop, to seek medical care or retreat to the lakeside casino; this was the best way to travel.

You may not be familiar with this part of our history. And that’s why we brought it back. Most interurban systems started in the late 19th century and only operated until the late 1920’s. A very short lifespan for such a significant industry that grew quickly and died just as fast. Most people alive today have never heard of the interurban system. It is the Lost Railway!

More than 400,000 people in the United States will die this year from a tobacco-related disease.  The Jackson Tobacco Reduction Coalition applauds the efforts of eight local schools who are planning awareness and educational activities in their schools to reduce tobacco and other forms of tobacco product use by participating in Kick Butts Day, a nationwide initiative sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids that makes students leaders in the effort to stop youth tobacco use. The majority of these young people are part of the Jackson County initiative known as Most Teens Don’t.“All of Jackson County’s Most Teens Don’t chapters work hard to create activities that will help raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco products. Their creativity and determination to make a difference in their schools and communities are things to be admired,” said Emma Sigman, Most Teens Don’t Coordinator and Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist.   

MARCH 20, 2018 - Michigan Works! Southeast and Jackson County have partnered for Summer18 launching June 18.

A 10-week summer employment and mentorship program, Summer18 pairs local businesses with Jackson County youth (ages 16-24) to provide on-the-job training that sets the stage for life-long careers, opens doors to new industries, and provides mentorship critical to building professional networks.

Whether you’re an MMJ “regular” or this is your first Marriage Matters Jackson event, get ready for a night out as a couple on Friday, April 27 at Boots, Buckles & Bling, set to take place at the Hilltop Manor Inn. 

MARCH 15, 2018 - Craig S. Connor, President and C.E.O. of County National Bank (CNB), announced Gloria Bigelow-Miller was named Assistant Vice President – Controller. She joined the bank on Feb. 8, 2018, and will be reporting to Chief Financial Officer, Erik Lawson. Bigelow-Miller has a diverse background in finance from her recent work experience as Division Controller at her previous job, along with other positions within the finance world. Said Lawson, “The position of Controller has only recently been of need to our growing company. We made a great hire by adding Gloria; her many years of experience in other industries will bring a new approach to the bank." She is a graduate of Spring Arbor University.

MARCH 14, 2018 - Craig S. Connor, President and C.E.O., of County National Bank (CNB), announced plans to expand its presence in downtown Jackson. CNB has acquired the former bank building at 215 S. Jackson St. and is in the midst of renovating the interior of the building, and planning an opening this summer.

MARCH 8, 2018 - American 1 Credit Union announced the opening of its 14^th branch later this year in Manchester, Mich. Following the opening of the Adrian Branch in November of last year, the credit union is continuing its growth in southern Michigan communities. American 1 Credit Union said it is proud to serve the residents of small towns and villages with everyday banking services in a local, personal setting.

MARCH 6, 2018 — Country music superstar Trace Adkins will deliver the most famous words in motorsports, “Drivers, start your engines,” when the FireKeepers Casino 400 gets underway on June 10 at Michigan International Speedway. The race begins at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast live on FOX.

The engines will roar to life for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 on the country music star’s command. The race will cap a week full of entertainment at the track.