Monthly Archives: January 2021

(January 18, 2021 6:40 PM) Consumers Energy and the City of Jackson today announced the start of the Our Town meal distribution program, a one-of-a-kind collaboration in Michigan to support local restaurants and provide free meals to community members. The new Our Town program will distribute thousands of meals to Jackson families in need for 10 weeks, starting February 1. Nearly $500,000 contributed by Consumers Energy and several community partners will pay over 20 locally-owned restaurants to prepare healthy meals. Restaurants also will ensure that over half of the food is locally sourced, creating more economic value for the community. “We are excited this innovative and collaborative effort will assist those in need in our hometown,” said Roger Curtis, Consumers Energy’s vice president for public affairs. “We have been so touched by the generosity of our friends with the City of Jackson and community partners who are stepping up to ensure our local restaurants stay in business and our neighbors do not go hungry.” The Jackson effort is inspired by Everyone Eats, a program in Brattleboro, Vt., that used federal funding to support restaurants and provide thousands of meals. Consumers Energy and Jackson city officials hope the Our Town approach…

(January 18, 2021 3:47 PM) Michigan reported 2,843* coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 538,377. Michigan is reporting 20 COVID-19-related deaths today with the state total at 13,824. *Note on cases (01/18/21): Today’s daily case count represents new referrals of confirmed cases to the MDSS since Saturday, January 16th.  Over the two days, Sunday and Monday, the average number of new confirmed cases is ~1,421 per day. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 1/15/21): 442,408. This information is updated Monday through Saturday at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.  Monday reports include Sunday data. 

(January 18, 2021 12:00 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12 PM today, there are 8,325 positive cases (cumulative), and 188 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 46 new cases since Saturday’s report.  Cumulative recovered, as of January 18, 2020:  6,785** The cumulative numbers posted on Mondays include the data from Sunday and Monday.  Recovered numbers are being posted as received. The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 6 PM January 15, there are 4,369 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 552 confirmed positive staff cases.  MDOC positive case numbers are cumulative. As of 9 AM January 13, there 36 persons at Henry Ford Allegiance Health being treated as inpatients for COVID-19. Note:  Jackson County will post COVID-19 data daily by mid-afternoon, Monday-Saturday, keeping with the schedule established by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The cumulative numbers posted on Monday will include the data from Sunday and Monday.  Recovered numbers are being posted as received.  Epicurve data and Township maps are also posted on Mondays by 3:30 PM. *These numbers do not reflect any cases or deaths identified through Michigan Department of Corrections.  Their…

(January 18, 2021 11:55 AM) Michigan’s small businesses impacted by the recent COVID-19 emergency “gatherings and face mask orders” can begin applying for $55 million in Michigan Small Business Survival grants through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. EST, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today. The program was authorized by the Michigan Strategic Fund on Jan. 14.  “The Michigan Small Business Survival Grants Program will help small businesses throughout Michigan hardest hit by the impact of COVID-19, especially as they continue to experience additional strain in the winter months,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This program provides a significant opportunity to address the immediate needs of these businesses, and I strongly encourage all eligible businesses to apply for assistance.”  The Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program was signed into law by Governor Whitmer to meet the urgent need of Michigan small businesses that have experienced a significant financial hardship since the “gatherings and face mask orders” went into effect. Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to businesses that are fully closed, with grants of up to $15,000 awarded to businesses that have been partially closed, or otherwise are open and can demonstrate an impact.  To help businesses prepare, resources including the application questions,…