Bart Hawley Show Guests

The Grass Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the annual Spring and Business Expo this weekend at Grass Lake High School.  Chamber President and Village Manager Tom Nolte has lined up more than 80 vendors, entertainment, food, kids games and prizes for the two day event.  Doors open on Saturday at 10am, Sunday at 12Noon.  There is no admission charge.  Other guests:  John Ortega, Director of Philanthropy, Jackson College;  Jackson City Manager Patrick Burtch;  Jane Robinson, Executive Director, Reading Writing Connection;  Sue Lovell, Cascades Humane Society with "Pet of the Week".

Event chair John Waldron and Principal Barbara Baird-Pauli, Jackson High School invite the community to the 27th Annual Ambassador's Dinner and Auction on March 21.  The event is a fundraiser and will be held at the school on Friday, March 21.  Tickets are $50 and are available by calling 841-3702.  Other guests:  Jenna Chmielewski, Vista Grande Villa Director of Marketing, Mike Draffen, Marketing Assistant and Melinda Vollmer, Director of Marketing, Trellis Gardens;  Ken Toll, Executive Director, United Way of Jackson County with Kriss Giannetti, Energizing Education Coordinator;  Rock Mangus, Mission of Hope Cancer Fund Executive Director with singer Jimmy Irish;  Paul Hamilton and Sharon Hastings, Jackson County Meal Services.

Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Jerry Jarzynka plans a workshop to educate law enforcement on recent changes in Michigan law concerning credit card skimming.  It is now a felony to sell, use or possess a credit card skimmer. A skimmer is a device that can be affixed to an ATM, gas pump, or any other credit card reader. Its purpose is to store or transmit the card data for illegal use.  The prosecutor also updated viewers on current cases underway.  Other guests:  Michael Bannasch, Willis & Jurasek, with "Tax Talk";  Vandercook Lake High School students Libby Wingard, Zach Brown and Devin Shook presenting "Grease" March 13 to 16 at Michigan Center High School's auditorium;  Amy Thomson, McDonald's;  "In the Kitchen with Lisa Spampinato";  "Mike's Mortgage Minute" with Mike Archer, Mortgage 1.

Father Dan Lannen has joined Lumen Christi as Chaplain, arriving from St. Francis de Sales High School, Toledo.  A native of Holland, MI, Fr. Lannen is a member of the Oblates of St. Francis religious order, the founding order of Lumen Christi.  Principal Chris Smith updated viewers on spring plans, which once again include a raffle for a new Cadillac.  Other guests:  Dr. Brent Ellis, President of Spring Arbor University;  Miss Jackson Crossroads Quinn Fischman with Miss Outstanding Teen Jenny Holubowicz;  Ken Baxter and Rob Tipton, JSO Jazz Night;  Movies reviews with Dave DeBaker;  Ric Walton, The Walton Agency.

The Vandercook Lake Girls Bowling team visited the show to talk about their State Championship, Division 4 Bowling.  This is the third state championship for the Jayhawks in the past four years.  Coach Todd Reichard was joined by Kelsea Reichard, Jessica Bunch, Malloree Ambs, Lily Warner, Cassidy Crabtree, Ashley Partin, Cassliyn Clem and Brianna Fish.  Other guests:  Shelly Hendrick, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director;  iCreate Founder John Voelz with student winners Ayden Ferris, Abby White and Wyatt Esham;  Sue & Clint Dent, Kiwanis Travel Adventure Series film producers;  Melissa Merkel and Ted Wilson, Boy Scouts of America, Cascade District.

Grass Lakes Community Schools Superintendent Brad Hamilton provided an update on happenings in Grass Lake, including a preview of the upcoming Grass Lake Chamber of Commerce Spring Expo.  It will be held at the High School on Saturday, March 15 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday March 16 from 12 Noon to 4pm.  A record number of exhibitors will be on hand for this free event, open to all ages.  Other guests:  Fitness Council of Jackson Executive Director Nic Pangborn with Girl Quest & Boy Quest Coordinator Jennie Lapp;  Author Laurie Lazebnik with Rick Davies and Michael Thompson.  Laurie has written "The Atomic Sailor" while Rick and Michael shared their personal war experiences;  Sue Lewis, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee with board member Sr. Barb Quincy.  St. Patrick's Day box lunches will be available from the agency, reservations here;  Pet of the Week with Sue Lovell, Cascades Humane Society.

Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Dan Evans reported on the contract approval that brings Jeffrey Beal in as his replacement.  Beal is due to start on July 1, 2014 and receives a three year contract by unanimous approval.  Other guests:  Michigan Center Competitive Cheer Division 4 State Champions with coach Jessica Trefry;  Kelly Sheppard, Great Start Coordinator;  Chris Gorton and Sheila Troxel, Jackson Junior Welfare League;  Northwest High School senior Daniella Sanchez, "Art-A-Loan" artist.  Video highlights from the first round of boys district basketball tournament.

Jackson County Fair Manager Denise Owens urged viewers planning to attend Saturday's  Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival to get tickets in advance.  Admission is $25 and tickets are available at the fair office on Ganson Street or by calling 788-4405.  Doors open at 12 Noon and the event runs until 5pm at the American 1 Events Center.    Other guests:  Elaine Crosby, Jackson Area Catholic Schools;  Liz Niles, American 1 Credit Union Women's Expo (Saturday at Parkside);  Angela Machnik, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce;  Wendy Wight and Dave Kemler, "The Big Seed".

State Senator Mike Nofs reported at least $100 million dollars will be allocated to winter road maintenance and pothole repair, with the possibility of twice that amount eventually getting approved.  Nofs also told us off the air that Senator Bruce Caswell has decided not to seek re-election.  Caswell would have represented Jackson County when redistricting takes effect at the end of the year.  Other guests:  Dr. John Wald, Allegiance Health Neurologist;  Tyler Schramm, Western Michigan University student, triathlete and Formula 2ooo race car driver;  Citizen Interaction Design Project Manager Scott TenBrink with University of Michigan students Sarah Mainville and Trevor Croxson;  Dave DeBaker with an Oscars preview, Michelle Brown, The Walton Agency.

The new Executive Director of the Jackson Area Transportation Authority was introduced on today's show.  Brad Charkowske was recently hired, serving most recently in Seattle supervising light rail services.  Charkowske is a Michigan native and was anxious to return to his home state.  He replaces Cameron McCollum who retires after more than 37 years with the Authority.  Other guests:  BuilderWalk with General Materials;  Jan Witte and Todd Wanty, "Taste of the Irish Hills" (March 7-8), Brooklyn Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce;  Phil Wrzesinski and Parker Wrzesinski, The Toy House "Toys of the Month";  Singer Steve Berkemeier (performing at the Jackson Coffee Co. Friday evening);  George Staudacher, St. Joseph/St. John Paczki Dance;  Brian Surgener, Jackson Coffee Co. Drawings of the Month.