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The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians that the return to standard time, which takes effect at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, means it will get dark one hour earlier. It is important to watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists on the drive home, as they will be much less noticeable after the time change goes into effect. Research from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute confirms that pedestrians are more at risk of serious injury from a motor vehicle crash in the weeks following a return to standard time. The most dangerous time is the first hour of darkness. "Driving through school zones becomes more challenging for motorists during the first week of the time change," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Pedestrians and bicyclists should wear brighter, reflective clothing in order to be seen more easily, and those behind the wheel need to pay close attention and eliminate distractions while driving."             MDOT also reminds bicyclists to travel with the flow of traffic.             According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,735 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2013 and an estimated 66,000 were injured (10,000 of these injuries happened…

The Weatherwax Foundation recently donated the final $50,000 piece of a $394,000 puzzle to break ground on the CP Federal City Square in downtown Jackson. After CP Federal Credit Union officials announced a $100,000 contribution toward the construction of the Glidden Parker mural project - and penned a naming rights agreement with the City of Jackson - Weatherwax Foundation officials donated $50,000 to raise the necessary funds needed for the climate-controlled gallery site in Horace Blackman Park. “The Weatherwax Foundation appreciates efforts to develop and improve Jackson’s downtown,” said Maria Dotterweich, executive director of the foundation. “We hope the preservation and highlighting of this unique mural and the improved park amenities will encourage residents and visitors to meet.” CP Federal City Square will serve as a focal point of a current downtown placemaking effort in Jackson’s newly completed urban core park. The design of the structure will not only protect and preserve the 9 foot by 28 foot mural designed by famed artist Glidden Parker, but will include an art exhibit viewing area as well. “The Weatherwax Foundation is a great supporter of the arts in our community,” said Janet Meyer, chairperson of the Jackson Public Arts Commission. “Their contribution…

Governor Rick Snyder has proclaimed Saturday, October 17, 2015, the 7th Annual 'Shake Your Mailbox Day' in Michigan.  The day is designated to get the public involved in proactive mailbox maintenance.  Record snow falls in recent winters have led to an increase in the number of mailboxes damaged by  heavy snow thrown from passing plows. Taking time to prepare your mailbox for winter now can prevent serious headaches later. If your  mailbox moves when shaken, it could be knocked over by snow thrown off the road by a passing  snowplow. Residents should prepare mailboxes for winter by tightening screws and ensuring the post  and receptacle are secure enough to endure large amounts of thrown snow. Although the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Jackson County Department of  Transportation (JCDOT) have policies in place regarding replacement of mailboxes that have clearly  been hit by a snowplow, road agencies have never assumed responsibility for mailbox damage  caused by standard snow removal operations…snow impacting a mailbox. Mailboxes are one of the only objects allowed by law to be placed in the road right-of-way. The  location and construction of mailboxes must conform to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Postal  Service and standards established…

Two artists with Jackson roots were in the national spotlight on the same day; one winning a national reality show competition and the other announced as White House Fellows 50th Anniversary Artist. Steampunk Eddie was selected as winner of the first season of GSN's reality competition show, Steampunk'd, defeating  two co-finalists in a room-building competition.  Selected by a panel of judges, Thayer better demonstrated creativity, skill, functionality and personality in creating a family room from random and junkyard materials.  For his efforts, Steampunk Eddie wins the title of Steampunk'd Champion and $100,000.  A large crowd joined Eddie and his family at the Michigan Theatre to watch the finale, cheering throughout and erupting in a large ovation when the results were revealed.  Steampunk Eddie established himself as a premier steampunk artist with his work creating pieces for Grand River Brewery. Dominic Pangborn was announced as the artist for the White House Fellows 50th Anniversary.  Pangborn, a world-renowned artist from Jackson, has created art to commemorate the anniversary of the White House Fellows Program, America's most prestigious leadership program. His work will be unveiled at the White House Fellows 2015 Leadership Conference Oct. 22-23. "I am very proud to design and contribute…