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(March 17, 2021 12:00 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12:00 PM today, there are 9,734 positive cases (cumulative), and 220 deaths (cumulative)*.     There are 67 new cases since yesterday’s report.  Cumulative recovered, as of March 17: 8831** 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 4:30 PM March 12, there are 4,826 confirmed positive cases at Jackson facilities and 591 confirmed positive staff cases.  MDOC positive case numbers are cumulative. As of 9 AM March 16,  there are 14 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…

Members of the East Jackson High School Trojan Marching Band participate in the 2019 Rose Parade.  JTV photo. (March 17, 2021 11:16 AM) The Jackson County Rose Festival today announced the decision to cancel this year’s Jackson Country Rose Parade.  In a statement, the Rose Festival Board Chairman Jim Francis said, “As we all try our best to follow the guidelines to limit the spread of the COVID 19 virus it has become apparent that creating a situation that may gather large groups of people together is not in the best interest of our community.  After discussions with local officials and taking into consideration state guidelines that limit the amount of people at an outdoor gathering we feel this is the only resolution.” In 2020, the Rose Parade was among the long list of community events cancelled due to the pandemic. The Rose Parade typically requires a large group of volunteers to handle the advance work of organizing the parade months in advance.  Logistically the Rose Festival has not been able to gather a large enough group of volunteers to do the work of organizing the parade. This lack of volunteers and the costs and the hours of work that…

(March 17, 2021 10:26 AM)  A COVID-19 stimulus bill signed into law by President Biden continues federal unemployment insurance programs which were set to expire on March 13, 2021. Individuals with claims of any type should continue to certify as usual. Most claimants will not experience a gap in benefits as long as they remain eligible and continue to certify. Unemployment provisions under the federal American Rescue Plan are extended from March 13 – Sept. 4, 2021: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides coverage to the self-employed, gig workers and others in non-traditional employment. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program (PEUC), which provides additional weeks of benefits to those who exhaust their regular state benefits. Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC), which provides all unemployment recipients with an additional $300 per week. Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), which provides an additional $100 per week to claimants on some benefits programs who have self-employment income of at least $5,000. The relief package also includes the extension of 100% federal financing for the use of the Work Share program. “Continuation of these federal benefit programs will provide some financial breathing room to Michigan workers as we continue to fight the effects of COVID-19,” said Liza…

Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies at City Hall.  Courtesy photo. (March 16, 2021 6:25 PM) Like most annual events over the past year, Jackson’s State of the City Address is going virtual. Mayor Derek Dobies will deliver his 2021 State of the City Address in a recorded video that is slated to premiere on the City’s website and social media on Wednesday, March 17 at 6:00 p.m. This is the City’s Fourth Annual State of the City Address. In previous years, the address was held in different venues across the City depending on the event theme. Past State of the City events were held at the Michigan Theatre, former Masonic Temple, and the Martin L. King, Jr. Center.  Wanting to be mindful of COVID-19 safety, City officials decided to hold this year’s address virtually. The 2021 message was recorded in the Mayor’s Office in Jackson City Hall. Mayor Dobies says his message will look back at the struggles and accomplishments of the last year, and look toward the future. “The State of the City has been, and will continue to be, a celebration of Jackson’s continue progress,” Dobies said. “I will call attention to what we’ve been able to accomplish despite…