Andy Hawley, Author at JTV Jackson

Native Baseball Michigan´s Team

September 10, 2018

Baseball, a tradition formed in the land of the free. Ever since it was established in the U.S, baseball has been one the most popular sports in the country, with major tournament held every year, two different divisions and thirty teams, it’s not hard to see why it is called the “national pastime”. Dating back to the 18th century, English immigrants brought the game to America, where it steadily evolved into the version known worldwide today. By the late 19th century, baseball was widely recognized as the national sport of the United States, setting up a tradition that endures till today and shapes the lives of many Americans every day. Now, let’s get up close and personal with one of those thirty MLB team, the Detroit Tigers, representing the state of Michigan. City born Tigers. Founded in 1894 in its namesake city, the Detroit Tigers began as a member of the minor league Western League division, and is currently the only western team still based in its original city. Also, they the oldest franchise of one name, one city in the American League. The team’s stadium was constructed in 1896 and was named “Benneth Park” just west of downtown Detroit,…

Partridge leads Golden Eagles with confidence

September 7, 2018

By Gary Kalahar Photo By Ryan Kerwin JTV Sports Khol Partridge thinks big. But no detail is too small for the Columbia Central High School senior. Partridge, in his third season as the Golden Eagles’ quarterback, has an interest in space that at one time had him considering a career with NASA. “I study it all the time,” Partridge said. “I’ve always had an open mind, thinking about that stuff, getting into deep thought with space in general. I’ve always been amazed by it.” When it’s time to focus on what’s in front of him, though, Partridge is very down to earth. Whether he’s studying for school or dissecting football plays, his attention to detail has put him on a path to achievement in high school and presumably far beyond. It’s no accident that Partridge wants to model his game after detail-oriented New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. “I’ve looked up to him since I’ve been old enough to watch TV and understand it,” Partridge said. “I’ve ready his book ‘TB12’ twice. He’s the best.” Partridge is going to rank as one of the best quarterbacks Columbia Central has ever seen. Two games into his senior season, he needs just…

Spring Arbor Women’s Soccer remains No. 1 in Top 25 Poll

September 5, 2018

SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women’s soccer team checked in at the top of the first regular season edition of the NAIA Women’s Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, released by the national office Tuesday. Spring Arbor earned its third straight No. 1 ranking, grabbing 14 of 17 first place votes after beginning the campaign with a 2-0-1 record. Head coach Jason Crist and the Cougars posted back-to-back blowout wins over Trinity International University and Point Park University before drawing with then-No. 3 ranked University of Northwestern Ohio. In three matches, SAU has scored 12 goals, which ranks first in the Crossroads League. Senior Bethany Balcer leads the way with five tallies while freshman Lexi Ponstein has three and Kaley Buck and Morgan Marshall have two apiece. Spring Arbor returns to action at Concordia University (1-0-1) in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 8 starting at 5 p.m.

Mitchell, Urschalitz Elected to Hall of Fame

August 16, 2018

Two men devoted to golfers’ improvement and enjoyment of the game make up this year’s class of the Jackson Golf Hall of Fame. Equipment guru Ed Mitchell and former coach and teacher the late Bob Urschalitz will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Sharp Park Golf Course. The public is invited to the induction, which will bring the Hall of Fame membership to 66. “Ed Mitchell and Bob Urschalitz have helped a countless number of people become better golfers,” Jackson Golf Hall of Fame committee chairman Gary Kalahar said. “They did it in different ways, but what they had in common was that much of their work was done behind the scenes. So it is fitting, and well-deserved, that their contributions be recognized with their induction into the Hall of Fame.” Mitchell became a PGA professional in 1967 and was a club pro until 1988, when he founded Mitchell Golf Equipment Co. and revolutionized the world of golf club making, repair and custom fitting. For nearly three decades until selling Mitchell Golf in 2016, Mitchell ran a company that is considered the industry leader. When Mitchell introduced an angle machine to…

2019 Spring Arbor University Athletics Hall of Fame Class Announced

August 8, 2018

SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Three individuals will comprise the 23rd induction class of the Spring Arbor University Athletics Hall of Fame. Jesse Bachman ('09), Randi (Siedzik) Greenslade ('04) and Herbert Rotich ('07) will be formally enshrined at a banquet on the evening of Saturday, January 26 in the Ralph Carey Forum on the campus of SAU. Jesse Bachman (’09) – Baseball Jesse Bachman was a four-year starter for the Spring Arbor baseball program from 2006-09. Over those four seasons, he helped lead the Cougars to a 153-51 record, three conference championships, a NAIA national championship final appearance and a NAIA national championship semifinal appearance. Bachman earned numerous individual accolades as well. In 2007 after guiding SAC to an incredible 48-5 record and a national runner-up finish at the NAIA World Series, he was named a First Team NAIA All-American, the NAIA Region 8 Player of the Year, and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Player of the Year. He was also a two-time Mid-Central College Conference Player of the Year and a four-time All-League selection. Bachman’s name litters the program record book. On the mound, he held a career record of 35-10 with a 2.38 earned…

Consumers Energy Names Roger Curtis Vice President of Public Affairs

August 8, 2018

File Photo JACKSON, Mich., Aug. 8, 2018 – Consumers Energy today announced that Roger Curtis, currently director of talent and economic development (TED) for the State of Michigan, has been named vice president of public affairs, effective Oct. 1, 2018. “Whether we’re enhancing our energy system, volunteering alongside our neighbors or responding to storms, our touchpoints with customers and communities are critical to delivering hometown service to Michigan,” said Brandon Hofmeister, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president of governmental, regulatory and public affairs. “Roger’s passion for leading teams that effectively engage with customers and collaborate with diverse stakeholders will help us continue to deliver on our commitment to people, planet and Michigan’s prosperity.” Curtis will lead the company’s community affairs, corporate communications and corporate giving functions, reporting to Hofmeister. As TED director, Curtis led Michigan’s efforts to provide the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to Michigan. Prior to working for TED, Curtis served as president of the Michigan International Speedway and vice president of marketing and sales for California Speedway. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Indiana State University.

Dedicated Legislator Infuses Service into All Things

June 28, 2018

By Alex Cash JTV Contributor Making the shift to state legislator came very naturally to Julie Alexander. Having a career as a farmer for 31 years as well as a teacher, she was used to habitually putting in seven days’ worth of work in a week. Being up early tending to farm responsibilities and staying up late grading papers, time spent working was nothing that Alexander shied away from. Working hard is what she has continued to do in her 18 month stint as member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 64th District. With six months left in her first term in this office, she truly loves what she does. Her job is not a typical nine to five. As she answers the question of what she likes to do for fun, it is evident that service to her constituents is imparted on nearly everything that she does. “Recently I went out for dinner with my husband and another couple. The other couple was having some issues with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). That meant follow-up calls to the DEQ the next day.” Though Alexander has weekly office hours she serves her constituents wherever they are,…

Bethany Balcer Spring Arbor Athlete of the Year

SAU’s Bethany Balcer named CL Female Student-Athlete of the Year for third straight year

June 28, 2018

AVON, Ohio – The Crossroads League named Spring Arbor women's soccer standout, Bethany Balcer (Hudsonville, MI / Unity Christian), as its 2017-2018 Female Student-Athlete of the Year on Tuesday, honoring the three-time NAIA All-American with the prestigious award for the third time in as many years. Balcer is the only student-athlete to win the honor more than once and earned the recognition for the third time on the heels of leading Spring Arbor to the 2017 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship, for SAU's second national title in the past three seasons and third-straight appearance in the title match. In addition to being named the NAIA National Player of the Year and earning a third NAIA All-American honor, Balcer claimed a third-straight Crossroads League Player-of-the-Year award and took First-Team All-Crossroads League honors while leading the Cougars to the CL and NAIA Championships. Balcer also excelled in the classroom, repeating as a CoSIDA Google Cloud Academic All-American and taking home CoSIDA Google Cloud College Division Academic All-America of the Year honors for women's soccer. The midfielder from Hudsonville, Michigan also earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Crossroads League nods. "Bethany has been consistently the top women's soccer player in…

Jackson Junior Golf Tour Results – Justin Bunch shoots 68 to win at Calderone

June 27, 2018

Player Division Score Wesley Learned Boys 10 & Under 9 Holes 47 Jack O’Shea Boys 10 & Under 9 Holes 52 David Munro Boys 10 & Under 9 Holes 57 Parker Gough Boys 10 & Under 9 Holes 58 Blayden Steller Boys 10 & Under 9 Holes 60 John Wallbaum Boys 11,12,& 13 9 Holes 64 Gavin Klintworth Boys 11,12,& 13 9 Holes 68 Justin Bunch Boys 13 & 14 68 Seth Petry Boys 13 & 14 89 Ryder Pickering Boys 13 & 14 107 Andrew Ferguson Boys 13 & 14 113 Reece Dubois Boys 13 & 14 114 Jake Waldvogel Boys 13 & 14 117 Jake Swiontek Boys 13 & 14 119 Anthony Donnelly Boys 13 & 14 171 Caleb Breining Boys 13 & 14 WD Zach Boorom Boys 13 & 14 DNS Brendan O'Dowd Boys 14 & Up - 9 Holes 45 Ethan Petitto Boys 14 & Up - 9 Holes 48 Nash Hanchett Boys 14 & Up - 9 Holes 54 Dylan Hutchison Boys 14 & Up - 9 Holes 57 Gage Pulford Boys 14 & Up - 9 Holes 63 Cannon Risner Boys 15 & 16 75 Kyler Rod Boys 15 & 16 81 Noah Abbey…

Business News – Barker Weber Welcomes Kathy Potts

June 22, 2018

JACKSON, MI - Barker Weber Insurance Agency announces the addition of Kathy Potts to their team of dedicated insurance professionals. Kathy brings with her more than 30 years of insurance expertise to ensure your family and business are well protected. Kathy is a consummate professional with unsurpassed knowledge, personalized service, and longstanding client relationships. Kathy, a lifelong native of Jackson County, is the proud mother of four grown children and is very active in her church. When Kathy is not at Barker Weber or her church, you will find her volunteering as the Executive Director of Jackson Right to Life.