JacksonHeraldTODAY

School safety is again at the forefront for many following yet another deadly school shooting.

On Feb. 14, a 19-year-old gunman killed 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. That tragedy has not only led to national discussions about how to prevent similar future incidents, but it’s also again opened the discussion about school safety among local school system leaders, law enforcement officials and citizens.

Many school leaders attempted to reassure concerned parents and students that local school systems have safety measures in place.

“I want to reassure our community that Commerce City Schools makes safety a top priority,” Commerce City School System superintendent Joy Tolbert wrote in an announcement. “Our school personnel are all aware of our lockdown levels and protocol for each level.  There are classroom posters outlining the specific steps that will be taken during each lockdown level."

She added the district tries to be “as proactive as possible.” Commerce school leaders planned drills on Feb. 16 to “practice lockdown procedures.”

Jefferson High School leaders asked the Jefferson Police Department to go over safety tips with students during lunch last week. The school had planned to host the program at a later time, but moved up the timeline in response to the Florida shooting.

Commerce, Jefferson and the Jackson County School System have all increased focus on safety in recent years. Many have upgraded surveillance cameras, improved communication capabilities with law enforcement and restricted entry into school buildings.

See the full story in the Feb. 21 issue of The Jackson Herald.

Qualifying for the May 22 primary elections will be open March 5-9 in Jackson County. The qualifying locations are determined by the county’s two political party organizations.

Voter registration for the election is April 24 and advance voting will begin April 30 and run through May 18.

Saturday voting will be available on May 12 at the county elections center in Jefferson.

Two satellite sites for early voting will open from May 14-18 at the Braselton Police and Municipal Building and at Commerce Parks and Recreation.

RACES ON TAP
A slew of races will be on the ballot this year, including federal, state and local races.

At the federal level, Jackson County voters will vote in the 9th Congressional District, a seat currently held by Republican Rep. Doug Collins.

In state races, voters will be deciding on a new Governor, Lt. Gov. and other state officials. That will include for State Representative District 31 currently held by Rep. Tommy Benton and State Senate District 46 currently held by Sen. Frank Ginn.

At the county level, voters will be deciding on Jackson County Board of Commissioners District 3 currently held by Ralph Richardson Jr. and BOC District 4 currently held by Marty Seagraves.

County voters will also be deciding on Jackson County Board of Education Post 2, currently held by Tim Brooks; BOE Post 3 currently held by Celinda Wilson; and BOE Post 5 currently held by Steve Bryant.

A number of county fire district posts are also on the ballot this year. Those races will qualify in March, but not be voted on until November’s General Election.