News

​Dan Phelan, president of Jackson College and chair-elect of the AACC board of directors, prepares to speak before a U.S. Senate committee on behalf of AACC. (Photo courtesy: Matthew Dembicki) Dr. Daniel J. Phelan, president of Jackson College, will serve as chair of the American Association of Community College Board of Directors starting in July. Phelan has served on the AACC Board of Directors since 2013, and also served from 2003-06. AACC is a national organization representing nearly 1,200 two-year, associate degree-granting institutions, a national “voice for community colleges.” It is governed by a 32-member board of directors elected by the membership. Phelan has served as president of JC since 2001. Active at the local, regional and national levels, Phelan served on the AACC’s Presidential Advisory Council on China, the AACC Audit and Finance Committee, and is Chair of the Commission on Communications and Marketing. He served on the blue ribbon 21st Century Commission on the Future of Community Colleges on the Implementation Steering Committee. He is a past president of the Continuous Quality Improvement Network (CQIN). He is also on the Board of Directors for the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE). In addition, he serves as a…

Construction has begun on Baker College of Jackson’s new engineering building, which will support the projected increased demand for engineering talent by employers in the Jackson area. It will open for 2016 fall quarter. The stand-alone, 14,266-square-foot building on the Baker College of Jackson campus will offer high-tech classrooms and approximately 8,000 square feet of shop floor for students pursing Baker College’s current manufacturing programs as well as programs added to meet local employers’ needs. Baker College of Jackson currently offers a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, associate degrees in mechanical technology, advanced manufacturing technology and computer aided design, and a certificate in computer numerical control (CNC) machinist. Steve Simpson, Ed.D., Baker College of Jackson president, noted that a Baker College System market analysis projected growth in the engineering and manufacturing sector in the Jackson area and identified local student interest in related careers. “Manufacturing is strong in the Jackson area, and it is expected to grow in the near future,” Simpson said. “With this new engineering building, we will be able to help more students gain the educational qualifications and knowledge necessary to meet the demand of local employers. The additional space can accommodate projected enrollment increases.” As part…

The City of Jackson Water Department will start the Spring Fire Hydrant Flushing Program on Monday, April 18th, 2016. Flushing will start in the Southwest Section of the City and will finish in the Northeast Section approximately (3) weeks later.  Flushing will take place from 7:30am to 3:00pm, Monday through Friday. This semi-annual flushing is necessary to wash iron and other sediment out of the water mains.  This sediment does not affect water quality, but can cause water to become discolored.  The water is safe to drink and discoloration often disappears within a short time.  Motorists are urged to slow down where flushing is taking place and to exercise caution.  Residents are also advised not to wash clothing while lines are being flushed in or around their neighborhoods.  In addition, it is always advisable to check the color of the water before doing any laundry. If you would like further information, please call the Department of Public Works at (517) 788-4170 or visit our website at www.CityofJackson.org

Starting this spring, M-50/US-127 BR (West Avenue) will be reconstructed from Michigan Avenue to Wildwood Avenue, and from Ganson Street to North Street. Work along both sections will include storm sewer upgrades, water main replacement/upgrades, sanitary sewer improvements, and sidewalk replacement. TRAFFIC IMPACTS: West Avenue will be reconstructed in stages to minimize the disruption to motorists and residents. Starting next week, Stage 1 begins, which includes West Avenue closed in both directions between Ganson Street and North Street. Traffic will be detoured to Wisner Street. Motorists are advised to find alternate routes during this stage of construction. After Stage 1 is complete and open to traffic, Stage 2 begins, which includes closing West Avenue from Michigan Avenue to Wildwood Avenue. Traffic will be detoured using Argyle Street, Wisner Street, Ganson Street, Wildwood Avenue, and Michigan Avenue. In addition, the West Avenue/Wildwood Avenue intersection will be closed for approximately seven days toward the end of the project. While the intersection is closed, traffic will use Michigan Avenue.