Bart Hawley

(March 16, 2026 9:35 AM ET) A new initiative designed to attract and retain the next generation of residents in Jackson County was announced today. The Build In Jackson program offers qualified participants $40,000–$60,000 in down payment assistance toward newly constructed homes through the City of Jackson’s 100 Homes program. Selected participants will gain access to a curated package of professional, recreational and community experiences designed to help build their lives in Jackson. The program is a collaborative effort between the City of Jackson, the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Accelerate Jackson County, Jackson Community Foundation, Experience Jackson and Michigan Works! Southeast. It represents the most generous homeownership-centered talent attraction program in the entire Midwest region. Build In Jackson is designed to help young professionals and emerging leaders establish roots in the community while contributing to the county’s growing workforce and economic future. “This program is a direct response to what residents told us during the Drive Jackson planning process - Jackson must be a place where young people and families can build lasting futures,” said Community Growth Fellow Alexie Milukhin. “Build in Jackson is that opportunity. It’s a pathway to homeownership, recreation and community connection to help people build…

Firefighters from 10 area departments joined the Jackson Fire Department in Friday night’s response.  JTV photo. (March 13, 2026 7:28 PM ET) The City of Jackson, United Way of South Central Michigan, and the Center for Family Health are among the organizations offering support for families impacted by the Reed Manor fire on Friday night. Additionally, the community is being asked to help with financial donations and with items needed by apartment residents. The fire severely damaged Reed Manor Building I, leaving one person dead, several injured and 69 families displaced. UWSCMI is collecting financial donations and serving as a collection center for items being requested. The effort is in collaboration with City of Jackson officials, emergency response teams and nonprofits in Jackson County. “The families affected by this fire lost so much in an instant,” said Bethany Stutzman, Senior Director of Community Impact. “We are grateful for the many partners stepping up so quickly to provide critical support. Together we’re making sure these families won’t face recovery alone.” UWSCMI will collect items starting Saturday, March 14. Items can be dropped off at 536 N. Jackson St. each day through Thursday, March 19, noon to 4 p.m., or on Friday,…

JTV photos. (March 13, 2026 11:03 AM ET) The Jackson Fire Department issued the following press release this morning: At approximately 10:00 p.m. on March 12, 2026, the Jackson Fire Department (JFD) and mutual aid partners responded to a first-alarm fire at Reed Manor I after multiple 911 calls reported smoke and flames. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a three-story apartment complex with heavy black smoke and active fire showing from the third floor. Multiple occupants were reported trapped, with several residents observed hanging from windows and unable to exit the building. Fire crews immediately initiated rescue operations. Firefighters deployed ladders to third-floor windows while additional crews conducted interior searches to locate and remove trapped occupants. An estimated 15 residents were rescued from third-floor windows or removed from the building by firefighters. Simultaneously, crews conducted an aggressive, coordinated fire suppression operation to slow the fire's spread while rescue efforts were underway. This coordinated approach allowed firefighters to keep the fire contained while rescue crews safely removed trapped occupants from the structure. “This is a tragic event for our community, and our thoughts are with the family and residents affected,” said Fire Chief Tim Gonzales. “However, without the rapid and heroic actions…

(March 12, 2026 8:00 AM ET)  Following a successful launch of the county-wide Drive Jackson 20-Year Strategic Vision Plan, community engagement continues as implementation efforts move forward. Over the last year, more than 1,300 residents contributed nearly 6,000 pieces of feedback to shape the plan’s vision for the next two decades. That spirit of collaboration remains central to the work ahead and residents and organizations are encouraged to stay involved. Community Presentations Available Drive Jackson is offering presentations to established groups and organizations throughout Jackson County. Groups that meet regularly are invited to host a presentation during an upcoming meeting. Organizations may also schedule a dedicated presentation outside of their regular meeting cadence. These sessions provide a concise overview of the finalized plan, highlight early implementation priorities and create space for dialogue about how individuals and organizations can see themselves reflected in the work ahead. “Drive Jackson represents the collective aspirations of our community, and these presentations are an opportunity to ensure everyone sees their voice and priorities reflected in the work ahead,” said President and CEO of the Jackson Community Foundation, Monica Moser. “We welcome every organization to join us in shaping a stronger, more connected Jackson County.” Organizations…