Jackson Citizen Patriot

JACKSON, MI – In divided votes, the Jackson City Council on Tuesday night approved a grant that will continue the use of a license plate reading camera system in Jackson County. The council voted 5-2 to have the city manager sign a “memorandum of understanding” between Jackson and Jackson County for Jackson to apply for a joint $42,271 federal grant to continue their contract with Flock Safety, the Georgia-based surveillance technology company.

JACKSON, MI – The Jackson City Council on Tuesday night decided to enact an ordinance that bans tents and limits personal property in public spaces. City council members voted 4-3 on the measure, which prohibits unattended and excessive attended possessions in places like city-operated parks, streets, sidewalks, buildings or structures. Excessive is defined as more than would fit in a closed 32-gallon tote.

RIVES TWP., MI – A now former Rives Township deputy clerk recently fired from her position claims she was let go because of comments she made at a public meeting when she was applying to be appointed township treasurer. Loren Faist returned her keys to the township office and spoke at the township board meeting on Sept. 8 claiming Township Clerk Kendra Adams fired her for speaking about problems she had with the clerk. “A week ago (Sept. 1), I interviewed for the treasurer position.

JACKSON, MI — The site of a homeless encampment outside Jackson looked in much better condition, and a judge declined Tuesday to hold the host in contempt of court. “It does look like it’s been addressed,” Jackson County Circuit Judge Richard LaFlamme said Tuesday, Sept. 8. LaFlamme was examining pictures Leisa Salisbury provided of the property, now cleared of much of the garbage and debris that littered it a week ago. In a motion filed Wednesday, Sept.

HILLSDALE, MI - Hillsdale College will host a series of public events on Friday, Sept. 11, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and honor those who died that day. The college is partnering with Hillsdale County fire departments for a community gathering at Muddy Waters Stadium starting at 6 p.m. The event will feature prayer, the National Anthem and recognition of the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters and other first responders who died during the attacks.

SOMERSET CENTER, MI – Many people consider it a hidden gem whose uniqueness isn’t noticed by most people driving by on U.S. 12. But Somerset Township’s McCourtie Park in Hillsdale County is a historic landmark linked to legends, ghostly lore and an interesting, whimsical man who left a more than 90-year-old legacy to the industry and community he loved. Former Citizen Patriot reporter Leanne Smith chronicled the history in 2014. Here is what she found.

LENAWEE COUNTY, MI — A jury will decide the fate of a Michigan father accused of killing his three sons, who disappeared more than 15 years ago. After seven days of preliminary testimony from 23 witnesses, Lenawee County District Judge Laura Schaedler ruled Thursday, Sept. 3, the prosecution presented enough evidence to send John Skelton to trial for murder.

BROOKLYN, MI - Five Brooklyn businesses will receive a combined $4,402 to upgrade their storefronts after the village’s Corridor Improvement Authority Board approved the grants at its August meeting. Angel’s Floral Creations, ERA Reardon Realty, Lakeside Printing, Star Theatre and Spellbound Owl Boutique were selected to receive funding through the Façade Improvement Program, which is now in its second year.

This story is part of an MLive series showing the salaries of public employees across Michigan. JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Jackson County paid more than $42 million in wages in 2025, and 24 employees, excluding judges, made $110,000 or more, county records show. County Administrator Michael Overton, the highest-paid county employee in the 2025 calendar year, made a little more than $184,000, according to a wages summary obtained through a Michigan Freedom of Information Act request.

JACKSON, MI -- The Jackson County Animal Shelter, 3770 Spring Arbor Road, has many pets available for adoption. Here are two of them. Molly is a brightly colored calico cat who came in as a stray. She is 4-years-old and on the smaller side at 8 pounds. Molly gets along with all the other cats where she is housed. She generally minds her own business and enjoys curling up in a cat bed. Typically, she is a tad shy and watches rather than jumping in to activities.