The JACKSON Times Vol. 21 - No. 24
In This Week’s Edition
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Holiday House Returns To Light Up The Nights of work to put it all together but this year’s show has come out as our best yet. We love watching the viewers sing with the music and seeing the kids’ faces light up when they see the show,” Michael Cook said. He added, “it warms us when we are told that we have become part of someone’s Christmas tradition. All the hard work is worth it when the kids tell us how much Photos courtesy Cook family they love the show or give us handmade Christmas cards.” When Thanksgiving ends, the holidays truly begin in the neighborAnother tradition is for Mihood around Carlson Court. Decorations are seen being added to the (Holiday House - See Page 4) “Holiday House.” By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – The holiday house at 1 Carlson Court is lighting and brightening up a township neighborhood. The Cooks’ holiday tradition includes officially lighting the exterior of their well-decorated home with a variety of Christmas lights immediately after Thanksgiving. Michael Cook, his wife Carol and members of his family begin setting up the decorations at their home far earlier than that. Preparation for it is a yearlong process. The display also The Cook Holiday House of Jackson is brightening serves as a benefit for charity. “We truly love doing the show. It takes a lot the season.
Committee Agrees To Police Union Contract By Bob Vosseller PLUMSTED - Township Committee members recently approved entering into a collective bargaining unit agreement with the police department union. The contract will start on Jan. 1, 2025 and will run to December 31, 2026. However, Committeeman Robert Bowen didn’t like the timing. This happened during the November Committee meeting. He noted that he had asked for this measure to wait until the December committee meeting to post
this resolution “when we’d actually have the CFO’s (chief financial officer) report on this. We still don’t have the budget information.” He added, “we don’t have the tax increase information. I don’t know why we can’t wait until December so I will abstain.” The rest of the Committee voted in support of it. Applause broke out concerning its passage. Three new provisional police officers (Union Contract - See Page 5)
December 14, 2024
School Officials Planning For Budget Challenges
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Amid rumors of additional school closures within the school district that would address budget challenges, enrollment changes, class size inequities, and increasing student needs, school officials are continuing strategic planning for the future. Another critical factor in consideration is the condition of some of the district’s aging facilities that require analysis. Recently, there has been rumors that the school district’s two high schools, Jackson Memorial and Jackson Liberty, might consolidate. Jackson social media sites have been filled with posts concerning the possible closure of one of the two high schools and debating, were that to happen, which one should be chosen to close. This subject was a potential topic to be discussed at a Board of Education meeting held this week (after the deadline of this edition of The Jackson Times). (Budget - See Page 4)
5K Held For Mental Health In Memory Of Berkeley Officer By Chris Lundy ISLAND HEIGHTS - It takes strength to be a police officer. It takes strength to put your life on the line as a first responder. It takes strength to ask for help. The 5th Annual Survivor Day 5K Run/ Walk was held in Island Heights as a fundraiser to promote mental health awareness. The walk is held on the third Saturday in November, recognized as International Survivors Of Suicide Loss Day. This year’s race was dedicated to Berke-
ley Police Lt. Anthony “Butchie” Kurnel III. He was born and raised in Bayville. He was married with three children and a grandchild. “He was the cornerstone to his family and held such a bright presence in the community,” organizers said. “He was 55 years old when he lost his life to the silent killer of mental health and suicide. His legacy will live on as we remember the countless lives he has touched, all the laughs we’ve had (5k Walk - See Page 5)
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