Jackson protests peacefully, fair canceled for first time in a century: Top Jackson headlines May 30-June 4

JACKSON, MI – Like its neighboring counties, Jackson County has seen its fair share of COVID-19 news this week.

But, aside from reporting the number of positive COVID-19 cases confirmed this week, there were other stories coming from the Jackson County community.

From Jackson residents peacefully protesting against police brutality, to the county fair being canceled for the first time in more than 100 years, a lot has been going on in the Jackson area.

Here are some headlines you might have missed this week.

Two Jackson protests stay peaceful with little police interference

More than 400 people marched against police brutality in two peaceful protests in Jackson on Monday.

The protests were in response to the death of George Floyd. Floyd, 46, who is black, died after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, knelt on his neck for several minutes May 25.

The protests in Jackson did not turn violent, as many nationwide have. The demonstrations started after video footage of the incident spread far and wide, showing Floyd repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe” while Chauvin pinned his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.

No charges sought against man who allegedly attempted to set fire to Jackson County police car

No charges are being sought against a man who allegedly attempted to set a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office patrol car on fire during Monday’s protests in Jackson.

A man was witnessed breaking away from the crowd gathered outside the sheriff’s office during the June 1 anti police brutality protests and walking toward a police cruiser blocking the gate.

Considering the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the minor damage caused to the patrol car, police consulted with Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka and elected not to pursue charges.

Jackson County Fair canceled for first time in more than a century because of COVID-19

The Jackson County Fair has become the latest local event canceled this year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The week-long event, set for Aug. 9-15 this year, was canceled to protect the health and safety of attendees, amid the uncertainty surrounding large gatherings, officials said.

This is the first time the fair has been canceled since 1914, according to historical documents.

8-foot python returned home after escaping through window, crossing street near Jackson mall

An 8-foot python casually snaking its way across a Jackson street Tuesday night was wrangled by animal control officers and returned home.

It was determined the snake had busted out a window in its home near where it was found. This was not the first snake Jackson County Animal Control Officers have wrangled, but so far it is the largest.

Jackson County officials say they won’t pay for Gov. Whitmer’s executive orders

Businesses in Jackson County that violate Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders will not be reported to licensing agencies, Jackson County officials said.

A resolution passed by the county Board of Commissioners, states the county will not bar access to businesses that fail to follow guidelines designed to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Concord High School hosts drive-through graduation

Coronavirus has forced schools to get creative with graduation this year. Concord High School graduated 59 seniors in drive-through fashion on Sunday, May 31.

The seniors could come with their parents and whoever could fit from their family in one vehicle. They would drive up to the school and receive their diploma, sometimes from a parent who is a teacher or board member at the school.

Northwest High School graduates 177 in careful, two-day ceremony

It’s not a typical graduation ceremony at Northwest High School this year. It’s going to take two days.

Northwest Community Schools officials designed a ceremony to honor their seniors, but adhere to social distancing and other precautions necessary because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Jackson’s essential workers discuss life, work changes amid COVID-19 pandemic

Even though much of the state remains shut down due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, there are people who have been and still are working hard to serve the Jackson County community.

This story lets you take a look at some of the men and women who are among those essential workers.

Jackson residents paying part of $2.5-million roundabout construction

A special assessment to Jackson residents will help pay for a $2.5-million roundabout project on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

The special assessment for the roundabout between Morrell and Mason streets, just south of downtown, was approved 4-2 by the Jackson City Council at its Tuesday, May 26 virtual meeting. Councilmen Will Forgrave, 6th Ward, and Freddie Dancy, 2nd Ward, voted against the assessment.

I-94 project in Jackson still on schedule, budget despite COVID-19, engineer says

The I-94 project in Jackson County is scheduled to be completed in late July on schedule and on budget, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

The $110-million project, which began in summer 2018, is repairing and expanding the highway in multiple spots, while also repairing overpasses and interchanges.

Ella Sharp being honored with new Ironbark Brewing Co. beer and artists can design the can

Ella Sharp is known for donating her 400-acre Hillside Farm to the city of Jackson in 1912 for a park and museum.

Now, she’s being honored in a unique way.

The Ella Sharp Museum, located in Sharp’s former home, and Ironbark Brewing Co., 2610 Kibby Road in Jackson, are partnering to to create a new Ella Sharp-inspired beer and artists can help design the can for it by submitting their designs online.

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