There was definitely a divided crowd at the Jackson County Board meeting last night – and that led to a divided vote on a county board resolution that would have declared Jackson a safe and welcoming community.

Dozens spoke out – some urging that immigrant SIU students and others need to feel safe in Jackson County while others questioned the resolution’s effect on enforcing laws.

And then the matter came to vote – and a tie at 6 to 6, causing the resolution to fail.