MAY 7, 2018— The Michigan Works! Association has partnered with the Michigan Department of Treasury and Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson to eliminate qualifying Driver Responsibility Fees (DRF) before Oct. 1, 2018, for individuals who participate in a qualifying workforce development training program. Many programs are available to the public, and Michigan Works! organizations will assist individuals with enrollment.

Michigan Works! Association, Michigan Department of Treasury and Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson released the following joint statement:

“Eliminating fees will remove financial, work-related barriers for a large number of Michiganders who are able and willing to work. This partnership provides a unique opportunity to participate in workforce programs with getting people on the road and back to work as the end goal.

The partnership created through the DRF program is key in helping to return workers to our state’s labor pool.

Michigan Works! and our state partners will continue to work together to ensure the success of this program, thereby serving job seekers, and ultimately employers, in a comprehensive, efficient way.”

MAY 7, 2018 – The Jackson County Health Department announced the award of $15,000 in funding from the Michigan Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission (CLEEC) to further eliminate child lead exposure in Jackson County. The Jackson County Health Department was one of 11 award recipients in the state demonstrating innovative approaches to the elimination of child lead exposure. 

The project will be a collaboration of the Jackson County Health Department, Jackson Health Network, and Jackson Community Medical Record with a focus on Preventing Lead Exposure in Pregnant Women.  Lead exposure during pregnancy is of concern because lead can be passed to the developing fetus during pregnancy or to the infant during breastfeeding.

Dr. Ray King, President and CEO of Jackson Health Network, said, “The unique collaboration between Public Health (JCHD), Henry Ford Allegiance Health and JHN physicians and providers, and the rest of our community resources makes this type of work feasible in our community.”

MAY 1, 2018 — Henry Ford Allegiance Health announced the grand opening of its Center for Health Innovation & Education on May 1. Ground was broken in September 2016 for construction of the two-story addition to the northwest side of the Charles Anderson building. The Center’s leading-edge technology makes it possible for residents, researchers, educators, physicians and nurses to hone their medical and interpersonal skills through simulated learning. Increased knowledge and advanced skills allow the Henry Ford Allegiance Health team to provide a higher level of quality and safety for an exceptional patient experience, HFAH said.

MAY 3, 2018 - American 1 Credit Union announced a new compensation strategy for the credit union’s 187 employees. The new compensation plan, which took effect on April 25, 2018, increases wages for every position at American 1, with the exception of the CEO, and comes at an annual cost of $954,405 in increased compensation.

MAY 3, 2018 - The Hackett Auto Museum has been approved to receive a $15,000 “Intervention” loan from the Michigan Historic Preservation Network. Ted O’Dell, project leader and executive director of the museum said, “This funding will allow us to address immediate needs with the roof in order to help stop further deterioration of the building.”

The MHPN Intervention Loan program provides funding for repairs to nonprofit organizations that focus efforts on saving historic buildings. The primary aim of the program is to stabilize historic properties that are threatened by one or more failures of major building systems, like structural elements and rehabilitation of the building.

MAY 1, 2018 — Henry Ford Allegiance Health is taking steps to ensure patients have access to the level of care they need in the most appropriate setting. These steps include offering expanded hours at the Henry Ford Allegiance Walk-in Clinic, located at 1401 W. North Street in Jackson.

“Our goal is to provide the most appropriate, most timely care possible to the community. In order to do that, we need the primary focus of our Emergency Department to be on patients with life threatening concerns, such as a heart attack or possible stroke,” said Mark Smith, MD, Henry Ford Allegiance Health Chief Medical Officer. “Offering a walk-in clinic with expanded hours makes it possible for Henry Ford Allegiance Health to provide timely, affordable care for patients with non-emergency health needs."

MAY 1, 2018 - Great Lakes Caring recognized Rebecca Butzin as the 2018 Volunteer of the Year in the Jackson branch. Butzin began volunteering with Great Lakes Caring Hospice in 2013 and has donated over 100 hours. Her Volunteer Coordinator Cheryl Karasek said Butzin is very organized and keeps projects moving smoothly, as well as helps educate fellow volunteers on their computer skills. 

“Great Lakes Caring Hospice volunteers are compassionate individuals who dedicate their time to enhance the lives of others,” said Becky Matthews, Vice President of Hospice at Great Lakes Caring. “Our 2018 Volunteer of the Year awards recognize an outstanding volunteer in each Great Lakes Caring Hospice branch during National Volunteer Week. It is one of the ways we say ‘thank you’ for all of the valuable work our volunteers do to assist hospice patients and their families.”

APRIL 24, 2018 — MIS Cares presented $1,000 scholarships to 13 students from Lenawee and Jackson Counties to further their education. The track’s charity foundation also presented $75,007 in grants to 16 community organizations. 

The scholarships are part of an ongoing initiative to promote learning among students at all educational levels by MIS Cares and Michigan International Speedway. The scholarship was open to any graduating senior in Jackson or Lenawee County who is entering a STEAM-related (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) field at a college, university or trade school in the state of Michigan.

APRIL 24, 2018 - The Board of Directors of County National Bank approved the promotion of Erica Johnson from Branch Manager to Branch Officer. Johnson joined CNB in December 2016 as the Branch Manager for the Horton Road Office and has 21 years of banking experience, ranging from Teller to Assistant Banking Center Manager. Her familiarity with the Jackson market and clients will be beneficial to CNB in her role as Branch Manager, the company said.

APRIL 19, 2018 — Michigan International Speedway and Consumers Energy have expanded their relationship in a multi-year agreement to include the entitlement sponsorship of the August Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. The race on Aug. 12 will be called the Consumers Energy 400.

“Consumers Energy is proud to support a great family tradition for Michiganders who enjoy seeing NASCAR come to Michigan year after year at MIS," said Patti Poppe, President and CEO of Consumers Energy. "We look forward to powering this event and MIS, spurring economic growth for our hometowns."