Long debated anti-discrimination policy passes with split vote in Jackson County
Updated 1:51 PM;
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JACKSON COUNTY, MI A much-debated anti-discrimination policy focused on hiring practices passed in a split vote at Tuesday’s Jackson County Board of Commissioners meeting.
During the May 18 meeting, five commissioners voted for the policy that’s been in the works for 10 months, while four voted no.
Commissioners voting no were Daniel Mahoney, D-Jackson; Darius Williams, D-Jackson; Rodney Walz, R-Grass Lake, and Tony Bair, R-Sandstone Township. Voting yes were Earl Poleski, R-Spring Arbor Township; Corey Kennedy, R-Leoni Township; Phil Duckham, R-Brooklyn; Ray Snell, R-Blackman Township, and Chairman James “Steve” Shotwell Jr.
Former health officer had tense relationship with Jackson County commissioners, emails show
Updated May 11, 2021;
Posted May 11, 2021
Jackson County Health Department and Henry Ford Allegiance Health workers operate a vaccination clinic against COVID-19 on April 9.
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JACKSON COUNTY, MI – As Jackson County was experiencing some of the highest rates of new COVID-19 cases in the nation, county leaders were considering ways to remove the top official responsible for public health guidance, email communications show.
Health Officer Rashmi Travis left her post leading the health department on March 19. Emails from County Administrator/Controller Mike Overton, obtained by MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot through a Freedom of Information Act request, indicate the county Board of Commissioners may have considered forcing Travis out, if she hadn’t resigned.
Policy review, budget issues top list for Jackson County’s new sheriff
Updated Dec 10, 2020;
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JACKSON COUNTY, MI – Gary Schuette has been sworn in as Jackson County’s next sheriff.
Schuette, 49, was sworn in by Jackson County Clerk Amanda Kirkpatrick outside the sheriff’s office on Thursday, Dec. 3. He swore to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Michigan Constitution.
“It feels really great,” Schuette said. “I’m really excited and I can’t wait until Jan. 1.”
Schuette won the Nov. 3 election as the Republican candidate, besting Democratic challenger Val Cochran-Toops and Independent Joseph Beaman. He will start work Jan. 1, as Sheriff Steven Rand leaves office.