Bart Hawley

(January 28, 2026 4:04 PM ET) The City of Jackson has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Movement Jackson LLC to explore potential new recreation features at Ella Sharp Park. Approved by City Council last night, the memorandum establishes a framework for a public-private partnership that allows planning, fundraising and phased development concepts to move forward. The agreement does not authorize construction but provides a pathway for continued collaboration and future coordination. Movement Jackson LLC is led by Jackson residents with long-standing ties to the community and experience in community-focused initiatives. The group’s vision centers on creating accessible outdoor recreation opportunities designed to serve residents of different ages and activity levels.  Members of Movement Jackson include leaders of the Bright Walls Mural Festival. “This project was inspired by our families and grew out of a desire to create spaces that bring people together,” said Greg Stevenson, project lead for Movement at Ella Sharp Park. “Shared outdoor spaces have a way of building connection and pride, and we see this as an opportunity to encourage people to get outside, stay active, and spend time together.” The proposed project would be located within Ella Sharp Park and is intended to complement existing…

(January 28, 2026 3:34 PM ET) Ella Sharp Museum announced today that Tina Mercier has accepted the position of Interim Executive Director. The Board of Directors chose Mercier to lead the Museum and work closely with the Board to ensure continuity and continued progress during this transition. Mercier has been part of the Ella Sharp Museum team for the past two years, most recently serving as Assistant Executive Director, where she supported day-to-day operations and organizational leadership. Mercier has indicated her desire to seek the position in a permanent capacity and the board is offering to delay a search for one year. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in community event management, volunteer coordination, and cross-functional team leadership. In addition, Mercier is a business owner with a strong record of building relationships with clients, partners, and community organizations. Prior to joining the Museum staff, Mercier supported Ella Sharp Museum through the Art, Beer and Wine Festival, where she led volunteer coordination and expanded participation. She later joined the Museum as Director of Member and Volunteer Engagement, continuing to take on increasing leadership responsibilities. In her new role, Mercier will focus on strengthening donor relationships, deepening community connections,…

(January 28, 2026 3:12 PM ET) The City of Jackson, in partnership with Summit and Jackson County, will conduct a managed deer harvest in and around Ella Sharp Park and the Cascades Golf Course beginning Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, following a previously scheduled harvest that was postponed. The harvest is part of an ongoing effort to responsibly manage an overabundant deer population in areas where deer density exceeds sustainable levels. The work is conducted under strict guidelines from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and carried out by authorized professionals to support public safety, protect park ecosystems and promote long-term population balance. To ensure the safety of residents and workers, Ella Sharp Park and the Cascades Golf Course, range and short course will be closed to the public during harvest activities from Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. Only authorized personnel will be allowed in the park during harvest hours. Most streets running through the park will also be temporarily closed during these times. Posted signage will be in place to alert residents of closures. STREET CLOSURES DURING HARVEST TIMES West Hickory Avenue and Fourth Street West Hickory Avenue and Horton Road Stonewall Drive and Oakwood Drive East…

(January 28, 2026 2:39 PM ET) The Jackson County Intermediate School District Board of Education voted unanimously to offer the position of superintendent to Maureen Keene, Ed.S., following a public interview and Board deliberation. Keene, who currently serves as Assistant Superintendent and Director of Special Education, was the only internal candidate to apply for the position. During the interview, she shared her leadership philosophy and vision for the district, emphasizing alignment with JCISD’s guiding principles of Instruction, Leadership, Service, and Community. Keene described her leadership approach as visible, transparent, and collaborative, focusing on maintaining stability for students and staff while thoughtfully evolving systems to meet emerging needs. She emphasized building trust, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring clarity and purpose across the organization. “I believe strong leadership is built on trust, service begins with listening, strong communities are built through collaboration, and quality instruction depends on clarity,” Keene said. “I am ready to lead this district with stability, integrity, and a clear focus on what is best for students, staff, and our community.” Keene brings nearly three decades of experience in education, including 20 years in administration. In her current role, she leads a staff of more than 500 and oversees the…