Adam Bragenzer

65th District State Representative Mike Shirkey discussed the merits of a new State House bill, The Main Street Fairness Act, that would require online retailers to collect a 6% sales tax.  Shirkey favors the bill as long as it would be "tie-barred" with a similar reduction in taxes elsewhere.  Mike hosted his grandson, Karter Fannin.  Other guests:  Jackson dentists Dr. Fred Slete and Dr. AJ Balaze;  Becky Mayer and Pamela Minesweaser, AWARE;  Angela Machnik, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce; Ric Walton, The Walton Agency.

The YMCA is planning a new Oktoberfest event for Saturday, October 5.  Wesley Street will be closed to traffic all day as tents, stages and vendors will fill the space offering food, drink, games, entertainment and demonstrations.  Event chair Gary Schultz and committee members Mike Ross and Shawna Tello are including the 4 neighboring churches and other partners in the day long event.  Other guests:  City Councilman Andy Frounfelker;  BuilderWalk with Andy Woell, General Materials;  Consumers Energy's "Coney Challenge" coverage;  United Way of Jackson County Executive Director Ken Toll with Cardboard Boat Race participants John Shough, Jason Reith and Kris Herr;  a tour of Heartland Health Center;  AARP Fashions for a Cause with Maggie Gilson.  The fashion show is scheduled for September 20 at Gene Davis and Sons Banquet Center at 6pm.  Reservations and details at 1-877-926-8300.

Jackson native Krissy Kerwin, Executive Chef and Corporate Flight Attendant, will be a contestant on the Food Network's "Chopped" competition program airing Tuesday, September 17 at 10:00PM.  On today's Bart Hawley Show, Krissy talks about her experiences on the show, along with stories of her various adventures and celebrity assignments.  Other guests:  Lesia Pikkart and Cindy Carlson, disAbility  Connections;  Jackson City Manager Patrick Burtch;  Paul Buchholz, Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers with Health Care Angels Brandon Sanford and Cathy Zakrzewski;  Executive Director Karen Jackson, Jackson Affordable Housing with Brandon Adler, Fifth Third Bank.