Author: Bart Hawley

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Chamber Award Recipients

November 13, 2026

Kyle Hockley, owner of Picture This …Jackson is presented with the 2026 Small Business Person of the Year award by Jake Johnson, County National Bank, award sponsor. JTV photo. (November 13, 2026 1:10 PM ET) The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce held their annual Chamber Awards, honoring the recipients of the 2026 Chamber Awards. The event, held at American 1 Event Center on November 12, announced recipients of various awards in an elegant, black-tie inspired ceremony. “As a small business owner, it is incredibly important to recognize the efforts of fellow business leaders in our community,” said Steve Makulski, Board Chair of the Jackson County Chamber. “The recipients and nominees for tonight's awards embody the perseverance and forward-thinking momentum of our Chamber members, and the Jackson community continues to raise the bar for economic activity in Jackson County.” Awards honor everything from a dedication and commitment to community, strong commitment to employment and the local workforce, a small business leader making an impact, an honorable ambassador who represents the Chamber, an entity who enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors and innovation in the implementation of services, products and programs through a physical investment in their brick and…

Events of November 13, 14, and 15, 2026

November 12, 2026

Friday, November 13 Storyfest presents Tales on Tap. 7 PM. Celebrate Jackson and wrap up Storyfest 2026 with the talented people who call Jackson home. Sponsored By: Dorothy Levy Literacy Endowment Fund Performers will take the stage at the Michigan Theatre to share stories and other creative mediums, highlighting the people, places, and experiences that make Jackson unique. The program will blend live performances with visual storytelling by local favorites, including: Steve & Brian Tucker, Hakim Crampton, Victor McDermott, Del Alta Esme, and ”Banjo Mike" Evans. Together, these stories of past and present will create an unforgettable tribute to Jackson’s rich history, vibrant culture, and creative spirit. A cash bar will be available, and complimentary popcorn will be provided for guests. Free admission. Doors open at 6:30 PM, no ticket or advance registration required. Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson. Chesterton’s Annual Fall Play: Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”. Join us for Chesterton Academy’s annual fall play, Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing” Enjoy an evening of Shakespeare, comedy, and wonderful student performances! We invite you to join us Friday, November 13 at 7:00 PM or Saturday, November 14 at 7:00 PM. Our Lady of Fatima Gym, 913 Napoleon Road, Michigan Center. Adults:…

Events of Thursday, November 12, 2026

November 11, 2026

2026 Community Awards. 5 PM to 8 PM. Join us for a formal, black-tie-inspired evening featuring a cocktail hour, seated dinner reception, awards presentations and opportunities to connect with fellow business and community leaders. Come dressed to impress as we celebrate the people and organizations helping Jackson County thrive. The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the annual Community Awards, an elegant evening celebrating the outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals making a lasting impact across Jackson County through leadership, innovation and service. American 1 Event Center, 128 W. Ganson St., Jackson. Experience: Cocktail Hour • Seated Dinner • Awards Ceremony • Networking. Dress Code: Black Tie / Formal Attire. Tickets: $125 Members | $150 Future Members. Open to Chamber members & community guests. An Evening Worth Dressing Up For. Celebrate. Connect. Recognize. Registration here. Jackson County Restaurant Week. Experience Jackson, Jackson County’s official tourism bureau, presents the return of Jackson County Restaurant Week, planned during the week of November 9-15, 2026. Visit any combination of participating restaurants county-wide to enjoy a selection from their special Restaurant Week Chef’s Choice menu featuring a variety of Jackson County food options. Purchase an entree from the Chef’s Choice menu at a participating Jackson…

Events of Wednesday, November 11, 2026

November 10, 2026

Jackson Veterans Day Service. 11 AM. Withington Park, Downtown Jackson. Jackson County Veterans and the public are invited to the annual program honoring Veterans. Program includes a guest speaker, presentation of Veteran of the Year and Veteran Organization of the Year. 410 West Michigan Avenue. Hosted by the Jackson County Veterans Council. YPOP Veterans Day Celebration. Young People of Purpose presents a Veterans Day Celebration, a time to Honor Those Who Served and the Families Who Stand Beside Them! Come join us and hear from our Veterans. Guest Speaker is Vietnam Veteran, Minister Carl Parker, A Story of Resilience, Hope and Faith. We will have our Flag Service, honoring our Veterans with their Flags. YPOP Youth and Veteran Impacttul Interviews, where our Youth and Veterans get together to share information and stories as the youth interview them and engage in conversation. We also will be sharing Food and Gift Baskets for the Veteran families. Wednesday November 11, 12:00 noon to 1:30PM at the Martin Luther King Center. Immediately following our program a delicious Veteran Lunch will be served at the Sauk Trail Post 246, Prospect St. Jackson, come out and fellowship together. Veterans Day Chili Cookoff. 11 AM. American Legion…

Events of Tuesday, November 10, 2026

November 9, 2026

Jackson County Restaurant Week. Experience Jackson, Jackson County’s official tourism bureau, presents the return of Jackson County Restaurant Week, planned during the week of November 9-15, 2026. Visit any combination of participating restaurants county-wide to enjoy a selection from their special Restaurant Week Chef’s Choice menu featuring a variety of Jackson County food options. Purchase an entree from the Chef’s Choice menu at a participating Jackson County restaurant between November 9-15, 2026. Pick up a punch card from any participating location and get a stamp for your Restaurant Week meal purchase (one stamp per card, per meal, per person). Share a photo of your food with #TasteOfJackson. More details, participating restaurants and menus here. Your Voice Your Choice Your Voice, Advanced Directives. 3 PM. Advance directives for healthcare and financial needs. How many times do you get asked if you have advanced directives? Have you gotten yours done? Do you need to make changes. Maybe you have questions about your plan. Join us for an important informative session about planning for your future. Open to the public, staff residents and family members. Come in and hear from a Nurse Practitioner about A Living Will, and a DNR. The financial planner will…

Jackson County Restaurant Week Begins Today

November 9, 2026

(November 9, 2026 10:00 AM ET) Experience Jackson, Jackson County’s official tourism bureau, announces the start of Jackson County Restaurant Week, November 9-15, 2026. Forty participating restaurants in Jackson County, Michigan will provide a selection of at least three Chef’s Choice menu options throughout the week - featuring a variety of locations and tastes to experience. Jackson County Restaurant Week specifically features menu items curated by each participating restaurant. Visitors will have a span of seven days to experience a variety of Jackson County restaurants. From comfort food favorites to bold international flavors, Jackson County Restaurant Week offers something to satisfy every craving. Participating restaurants are serving up everything from juicy burgers, coney dogs and hearty pasta dishes to fresh seafood, sizzling Mexican specialties, Asian-inspired bowls and chef-crafted entrées. With featured menu items ranging from approximately $8 to $29, diners can explore new flavors, revisit longtime favorites and discover something unexpected along the way. Participating Locations Asher Creek Baby Bear Burger The Bar The Blue Julep Bakery Bone Island Grille Booher's Chilango’s Burrito Bar City Crepes Clarklake Golf Course The Crazy Cowboy Dirty Bird Ferg's Parma Pub Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant & Cantina #2 The Five Forks Bakery GG’s Café Greystone…

Spring Arbor University Surpasses $80 Million Goal for Ignite Campaign

November 9, 2026

University leadership and donors participate in groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday. Courtesy photo. (November 9, 2026 9:25 AM ET) Spring Arbor University today announced that it has surpassed its $80 million fundraising goal for Ignite: The Campaign for Spring Arbor University, marking a significant milestone in the university's commitment to Christ-centered education and continued institutional growth. Made possible through the extraordinary generosity of alumni, friends, and community partners, the campaign is already making a lasting impact across campus. As a result of this support, SAU will begin construction in spring 2027 on a three-level addition to the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center. The new addition, located on the west end of the existing building, will nearly double the size of the Science Center. Designed by French & Associates and constructed by Mercer, the three-level expansion will include new classrooms, laboratory spaces, meeting rooms, and study areas along with connecting walkways between the Science Center and White Library. These enhancements will improve accessibility between buildings while creating new opportunities for collaboration among students and faculty across academic disciplines. Earlier this year, SAU completed construction of a new atrium on the east end of the Science Center, providing students with an inviting space to gather, study, and…

Steve Maddalena Named 2026 GAM Super Senior Player of the Year

November 9, 2026

Steve Maddalena. Photo courtesy Golf Association of Michigan. (November 9, 2026 9:16 AM ET) Steve Maddalena of Jackson, who turns 67 in January, has decided the Super Senior competition for those over age 65 is a good thing. “It’s easier than playing against the younger guys in the regular senior division,” he said. “Those young seniors hit it 300-plus yards. In the Super Senior, my driving is adequate, and lately I’ve chipped and putted the ball better than I have in a long time. I had a really good summer putting the ball.” Maddalena, a three-time Michigan Amateur Champion in his younger days, and a member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, has been named the 2026 GAM Super Senior Player of the Year, Ken Hartmann, senior director of competitions and USGA services, announced today. Player of the Year point totals can be found on a pull down from the PLAY tab at GAM.org. Carl’s Golfland is the presenting sponsor of the points lists. In the last two weeks, McCoy Biagioli of White Lake was named Men’s Player of the Year, Bridget Boczar of Canton and Elayna Bowser of Dearborn were named Co-Women’s Players of…

Events of Monday, November 9, 2026

November 8, 2026

Jackson County Restaurant Week. Experience Jackson, Jackson County’s official tourism bureau, presents the return of Jackson County Restaurant Week, planned during the week of November 9-15, 2026. Visit any combination of participating restaurants county-wide to enjoy a selection from their special Restaurant Week Chef’s Choice menu featuring a variety of Jackson County food options. Purchase an entree from the Chef’s Choice menu at a participating Jackson County restaurant between November 9-15, 2026. Pick up a punch card from any participating location and get a stamp for your Restaurant Week meal purchase (one stamp per card, per meal, per person). Share a photo of your food with #TasteOfJackson. More details, participating restaurants and menus here. Jackson College Soccer Complex Ribbon Cutting. Jackson College will celebrate the completion of its new Jets Soccer Complex with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. Students, employees and community members are invited to attend the celebration, which will include a short program, ribbon cutting and light refreshments. Located on the Northeast end of the Central Campus, near the baseball and softball fields, the new complex features a modern sports turf field, an accessible restroom and press box building, bleacher seating, a scoreboard, plenty…

Jackson Fire Chief Tim Gonzales Graduates from National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program

November 6, 2026

Courtesy photo. (November 6, 2026 1:33 PM ET) The City of Jackson Fire Department announced that Fire Chief Tim Gonzales has graduated from the National Fire Academy’s (NFA) Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program. This nationally renowned program develops senior fire service leaders and equips them to address the complex organizational and community challenges facing today’s fire and emergency services. The EFO Program is among the National Fire Academy’s most esteemed leadership initiatives. Its comprehensive curriculum emphasizes executive leadership, organizational effectiveness, community risk reduction, strategic decision-making, and the application of research to advance fire and emergency services. Chief Gonzales’s completion of this rigorous program reflects his deep professional commitment to continuous improvement, leadership excellence, and advancing the fire service. “Completing the Executive Fire Officer Program is a significant professional milestone, but more importantly, it’s an investment in the future of the Jackson Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Tim Gonzales. “The challenges facing today’s fire service require us to think beyond emergency response. We must prioritize organizational leadership, long-term sustainability, regional partnerships, and our community's evolving needs. The knowledge and experience I’ve gained through this program will guide our department as we shape the next 20 years.” During his tenure with the…

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Bart Hawley