Monthly Archives: May 2020

(May 14, 2020 12:15 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12:00 PM today, there are 410 positive cases (cumulative), and 26 deaths (cumulative)*.  The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 8:15 PM Wednesday, there are  996 confirmed positive cases are at Jackson facilities, 132 Confirmed Positive Jackson Staff. As of 2 PM on Wednesday, May 13, there are 26 individuals with positive COVID-19 results who are inpatients at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. To date, a total of 111 positive COVID-19 HFAH inpatients have been treated and discharged. *These numbers do not reflect any cases or deaths identified through Michigan Department of Corrections.  Their numbers are listed under a separate category “MDOC” for the Michigan Statistics. Gender   Percent Male 189 46.1% Female 221 53.9% The Age group is reported as a percentage of the total instead of the actual number.  Age - Years Percent 0 -19 4.4% 20 - 29 15.1% 30 - 39 14.1% 40 - 49 20.0% 50 - 59 17.8% 60 - 69 16.1% 70 -79 6.1% 80 6.3% Race and Ethnicity tables were added on April, 8, 2020. Note: Totals may not add to 100% due…

(May 14, 2020 12:01 PM) The Jackson Area Association of Realtors released the monthly real estate sales statistics for the region.  The report shows the impact of the coronavirus crisis with sales and listings down compared to April of last year. New Listings dropped 73 percent for single family homes and 75 percent for condos. Pending sales were down 92 percent for single family homes.     On March 23, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-21 which prohibited in-person real estate sales activities.  Real estate agents have been conducting showings, closings and other activities virtually until May 7.  While transactions were allowed to continue, many buyers and sellers chose to wait it out until in-person activities could resume.  Local Realtors have told JTV the market was severely impacted during the shutdown. In recent months, potential home buyers have had fewer available properties to choose from.  This week’s report shows a 24 percent increase in supply of inventory. Median sales price decreased 1.6 percent in April to $137,700 for single family homes but increased 47.7 percent to $166,000 for condo properties. Since May 7, real estate professionals may once again conduct in-person listing appointments and showings.   The Governor’s Executive…

(May 14, 2020 11:24 AM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) issued a bulletin today strongly encouraging financial institutions to protect customers’ COVID-19 economic impact payments from overdrafts and fees. “Michiganders have been greatly impacted by COVID-19, and we must do all we can to help those who are suffering financial losses due to this pandemic,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Our state’s financial institutions have been good partners in their communities, and we encourage them to continue to assist their customers with the financial challenges they face.” Relief funds, distributed by the federal government as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, are intended for necessities, such as food, medicine, and housing during this public health emergency and disaster. Guidance issued in today’s bulletin encourages Michigan financial institutions to treat those deposits in the spirit of the disaster relief legislation so Michiganders can use the funds on those important living expenses. Institutions are strongly urged not to access customers’ COVID-19 stimulus payments to satisfy overdrafts or for overdraft fees, ATM fees or late payment fees. “We appreciate the great efforts our state-chartered banks and credit unions have taken as part…

(May 14, 2020 10:11 AM) Michigan families hit hard by the financial and health-related impacts of COVID-19 will benefit from a $450,000 Consumers Energy Foundation grant to eight community action agencies working to meet the emergency needs of low- and moderate-income residents in 43 counties.   “We are honored to help those on the frontlines delivering food to Michiganders struggling due to COVID-19,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “More residents need help feeding their families, and it’s important we support the local agencies that are both meeting their immediate hunger needs and developing new ways to deliver vital services safely. Consumers Energy is committed to investing in our communities to help power through these challenging times together.” The grant will support agencies trying to keep up with a huge increase in requests for assistance during the pandemic.  “The beauty of community action is that we’re nimble,” said Lisa Bolen, executive director of Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, which provides core services such as food and emergency and short-term housing to individuals and families in 11 counties. Her agency will receive $200,000 and will likely spend part of it on a vehicle, as COVID-19 issues have significantly…

(May 14, 2020 10:01 AM) On Monday, May 18, American 1 Credit Union will return to their extended evening drive thru hours. While lobbies will remain closed until further notice, members will be able to visit American 1 drive thrus during their convenient, extended evening hours, with most branches staying open until 7pm on weekdays. “During these uncertain times, we are focused on how to best serve our members and maintain the well-being of our staff,” said Martha Fuerstenau, President/CEO of American 1. “We’ve reached a point where we able and comfortable returning to our extended evening hours at all of our drive thru locations. As we work through these trying times together, we thank you for your membership and continued patience.” Below are the updated hours for drive thru locations (all lobbies remain closed until further notice). ·         Home Office - Mon-Fri  9a-7p  |  Sat 9a-4p ·         Battle Creek - Mon-Fri  9a-7p  |  Sat 9a-4p ·         Hillsdale - Mon-Fri  9a-7p  |  Sat 9a-4p ·         Parnall - Mon-Fri  9a-7p  |  Sat 9a-4p ·         North Street - Mon-Fri  9a-7p  |  Sat 9a-4p ·         Vandercook - Mon-Fri  9a-7p  |  Sat 9a-4p ·         Manchester - Mon-Fri  9a-7p  |  Sat 9a-4p ·         Michigan Center - Mon-Fri  9a-7p  |  Sat 9a-4p ·         Spring Arbor - Mon-Fri  9a-7p  |  Sat 9a-4p ·         Canton – Mon-Fri 9a-6p  |  Sat 9a-3p American…

(May 14, 2020 7:10 AM) Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-83 and 2020-84 last night, both of which were effective immediately and replace her previous orders 2020-51 and 2020-50, respectively.  Executive Order 2020-83 continues the expanded access and capacity for child care services, giving priority to essential workforce, and extends until June 10, 2020. Executive Order 2020-84 continues to protect residents and staff in long-term care facilities and extends until May 20, 2020.   “This virus has created unprecedented challenges for people across the state, and by expanding access to child care for our frontline workers, we can give them peace of mind while they work to fight the spread and protect our families,” Governor Whitmer said. “It is also necessary to continue to these important practices within long-term care facilities so we can continue to protect residents and staff from the spread of the virus. I am only extending this order for an additional week, and will continue to work with partners to further protect nursing home residents and staff beyond then. I look forward to hearing suggestions from the legislature to protect Michiganders from COVID-19 and am hopeful we can work on solutions together.”  Executive Order 2020-84 establishes procedures in long-term care facilities to protect the health and safety of both employees and residents. The order provides…

(May 14, 2020 6:55 AM) Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan State Police Col. Joe Gasper issued a statement acknowledging that some Michiganders are expected to protest at the Capitol in Lansing Thursday and are reminding residents that public safety should be a priority for everyone and that state laws will be enforced.  The Attorney General’s office is working in coordination with the Michigan State Police and the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure any protests that occur at the state Capitol are peaceful and free of violence and intimidation.  “We are in unprecedented times which have called for significant measures to protect the health and safety of Michigan residents. I vehemently support the First Amendment right to protest government actions at the Capitol or elsewhere around the state; however any such activity must be done in a manner that is safe and lawful,” Nessel said. “The presence of heavily armed protestors at the Capitol  unnecessarily creates a powder keg dynamic that is dangerous to protestors, law enforcement and public servants reporting to work at the Capitol. My office will work in coordination with local authorities and the Michigan State Police to uphold our commitment to public safety.”  “We’re asking the public to partner with us to ensure the Capitol remains a safe forum for everyone,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director…