Monthly Archives: July 2020

(July 16, 2020 10:44AM) The Jackson County Health Department is alerting Jackson County residents and healthcare providers to an increasing number of confirmed Lyme disease cases being reported in Jackson County. Over the last five years, Jackson County has averaged two cases of Lyme disease for the entire year.  At this point in the year, Jackson County is halfway through tick season and there are five reported cases.  The health department says this increase is an indication of a rise in tick activity in our area. The rising incidence of Lyme disease is due to a number of factors including: ●     Increased tick abundance ●     Overabundant deer population ●     Increased recognition of the disease ●     Establishment of more residences in wooded areas ●     Increased potential for contact with ticks Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the blacklegged (deer) tick.  It is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States and has been progressively spreading across the state of Michigan. Typical signs of Lyme disease include flu-like symptoms but if left untreated may spread to joints, the heart, and/or the nervous system.  The majority of cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Finding…

JTV file photo. (July 15, 2020 6:05 PM)  After an electrical outage on June 29 forced the temporary closure of The Cascades and its adjoining splash pad, the Jackson landmark facility is set to re-open tonight at 8 p.m. The splash pad re-opened this past Saturday. Temporary power from generators will supply power for the facility for the remainder of the season as plans develop for the replacement of the underground electrical lines, transformers, and supporting infrastructure. The electrical lines for the Cascades are original to the facility, which was opened in 1932. “A lot of the infrastructure at The Cascades is original and we need to take our time to design a solid, robust system that will last for decades to come,” Jackson County Parks Deputy Director Kyle Lewis said. “We are working with electrical engineers to get the project designed and out to bid, and construction will take place in the fall. In the meantime, we are excited to have a solution to reopen for the season.” The splash pad at The Cascades is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sundays from 12-6. The Falls are open 8-11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.