July 2023

Jackson College Applauds Creation of New State MiLEAP Education Department

July 13, 2023

Jackson College President Dr. Dan Phelan at a campus event last month. JTV photo. (July 13, 2023 5:08 PM ET) Today, Jackson College released a statement supporting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s creation of a new state department focused on early childhood education, higher education and education partnerships. The Governor announced on Wednesday that the new department, under the executive branch, will handle some functions now under the scope of the Michigan Department of Education and other departments. The statement released by Jackson College: Jackson College applauds Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s creation of the new Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP, and looks forward to working with this new department to provide Michigan’s residents opportunities to succeed. MiLEAP has a bold but necessary goal – building an education system from preschool through postsecondary that can support kids, families, and the economy of the future by ensuring anyone can make it in Michigan. The executive order creates a cabinet-level director to oversee the department and report to the governor. Jackson College has long recognized the need for lifelong learning, especially as the workplace continues to change and advance. A high school diploma will not offer the opportunity it did…

I-94/US-127 Ramp Closures for Resurfacing on Saturday

July 13, 2023

Paving crews work on westbound I-94. Photo courtesy MDOT. (July 13, 2023 4:30 PM ET) The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will close the ramps from westbound I-94 to US-127/M-50/West Ave and from northbound US-127/M-50 to Springport Road for resurfacing in Jackson. The closures begins on Saturday, July 15 at 7 AM and the work is expected to be completed by 5 PM the same day. This work is part of the ongoing $120 million investment to rebuild and widen I-94 near the Airport Road interchange to just west of the east US-127/I-94 interchange in Blackman and Leoni Township. The I-94 project involves upgrading the US-127/M-50 (West Avenue)/I-94 interchange to a diverging diamond interchange, the Elm Road interchange with roundabouts, and the Lansing Avenue bridge over I-94. During the westbound I-94 ramp closure to US-127/M-50/West Avenue, traffic will continue on to the Airport Road interchange and follow eastbound I-94 to exit at US-127/M-50/West Avenue. During the northbound US-127/M-50 ramp closure to Springport Road, traffic will continue on northbound US-127/M-50 to the Parnall Road interchange and follow southbound US-127/M-50 to exit at Springport Road. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes.