Monthly Archives: March 2026

(March 20, 2026 1:15 PM ET) Jackson District Library officials are continuing their efforts to expand digital access by offering free public WIFI to residents in Brooklyn through a partnership with the Village of Brooklyn. Village leaders and library officials have worked together since late 2025 to provide free WIFI, which will be accessible 24/7 to individuals in and around the Village Square in downtown Brooklyn. “Reliable digital access should extend beyond buildings and paywalls and into public spaces,” JDL Director Liz Breed said. “Adding free public WIFI in downtown Brooklyn creates a welcoming, connected environment in the heart of the village and supports our shared goal of expanding digital access.” Brooklyn Village Manager Matt Swartzlander echoed Breed's remarks and said the partnership between the library and the village has been a constructive one. “By partnering with JDL, we’re making sure residents and visitors can stay connected for work, school, and life while enjoying the small-town charm of our downtown area," said Village President Estella Roberts. "This collaboration helps us reach residents where they are. Connecting our visitors and residents to free public WIFI adds another wonderful amenity to move our community forward.” Downtown Brooklyn is the fourth public space…

(March 20, 2026 12:11 PM ET) The Jackson County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of new playground equipment for Sparks Foundation County Park (Cascades Park) at its regular meeting this week. Kyle Lewis, Parks and Recreation Director, told the board the current playground, installed in 1991, is slated to be replaced in the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan. The County will be using a grant awarded for “Inclusive Play,” ensuring people with disabilities have opportunities to participate. This playground will be the county’s most accessible/inclusive playground. The equipment and installation will be provided by Playcore Wisconsin Inc, dba GameTime at a total cost of $776,698.  The Statewide Initiative Grant of approximately $150,000 will reduce the cost to approximately $625,000. The playground is scheduled to be installed in the fall of 2026. At the same meeting, the board approved a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund for $276,000 for the renovation of Swains Lake County Park and Fishing Access. The board committed to matching the grant, if awarded, for development and renovation of the existing parking lot and trail system, and the addition of a fishing pier.   That project would be scheduled for 2027.