Bart Hawley Show Guests

Consumers Energy Senior Vice President & General Counsel Cathy Reynolds and Vice President, Customer Experience, Rates & Regulation Patti Poppe discussed the company's opposition to the proposed electric energy deregulation legislation being proposed by State Representative Mike Shirkey.   The officers cited evidence the bill would have negative impacts on the Jackson community, service reliability, costs, infrastructure investments;  and would force the company to divest itself of energy generation facilities likely resulting in substantial staff reductions.  In addition, deregulation has not lowered costs in other states and several states have abandoned electric deregulation.  Other guests:  Jackson Mayor Jason Smith;  Paragon Academy 7th Grade Choir;  Karyn Clow and Nick VanBogelen, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists and Optimal Performance Specialists;  a visit to Gold Crown Jewelers with Paolo DiCola;  Holiday music with Kiley Ladwig;  Pet of the Week with Sue Lovell, Cascades Humane Society.

The Jackson Host Lions Club will continue their Holiday Nut Sale at Jackson Crossing this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Club President Jim Cavender and member Jim Dunn will be manning the booth located in front of MC Sporting Goods with a selection of Koeze nuts and other products.  Other guests:  Toys of the Month with Phil Wrzesinski, The Toy House;  Sue Stevens, Karmay's Flowers, Gifts & Candy;  Michigan Center Schools Superintendent Scott Koziol, teacher Matt Desmarais, students Paige Rochefort and Dani Zaborowski;  musical entertainment with Shannon Watts and Jeff Watts;  Recovery Technology CEO Greg Gallagher.

Jackson District Library Director Ishwar Laxminarayan announced JDL set a record for number of items checked out this year.  So far, nearly 1.1 million books, CDs, DVDs, ebooks and other materials have circulated at the 13 branches.   New investment is planned for 2014, including the renovation and expansion of the Meijer branch; new computers and equipment; and a new service offering streaming downloads of movies and tv shows.  Other guests:  Candidate for governor of Michigan  Mark Schauer;   Jackson Antique Mall owner Tim Bos;  Musicians Genna & Jesse (performing at the Jackson Coffee Co. December 27th);  Coffee Talk with Robert Ernst, Jackson Coffee Co.;  Jack Jordan, CEO, Q-One SmartWatch Wrist Phone.  Viewers were offered a 20% discount using the code "JTV" at the company's website, plus a credit on first month's service.  Details here.

State Representative Mike Shirkey shares thoughts on the Right to Work legislation he authored which was passed in December 2012.  He is currently working on legislation regarding insurance reform, campaign finance and electric utility regulation.  Other guests:  Lee Hampton, Director of Multicultural Relations and Kelly Williams, Assistant Director of Diversity, Jackson College;  Jackson College Art Department faculty Tom McMillan-Oakley, Chrissy Hughes and Doug Jones;  Singer Anne Fleming;  Jackson Community Federal Credit Union CEO Jim Francis with Amy Mullins-Rodgers, Arcadia Home Care for "Warm Feet=Warm Hearts" clothing drive.  Socks, hats, mittens and gloves can be donated through both organizations for the Region II Area Agency on Aging;  Ric Walton, The Walton Agency.

The Kiwanis Club of Jackson's 95th annual Newspaper Sale will be held Friday, December 13 throughout the community.  Club Secretary Joe Wolfe, in his 40th year chairing the event, will join fellow Kiwanians on street corners and at building entrances selling newspapers for a donation.  Last year, the club donated more than $109,000 to various charities in the community.  Other guests:  Jeff Matzen, Matzen Financial, with "Money Matters";  "Builder Walk" with Andy Woell, General Materials;  Justine Marcantel on location with Teresa Boone, FiveOneSeven Salon & Spa;  Wendy Clifton, A Frame Above;  David Schultz, Assistant Director, Jackson Symphony Orchestra.

WILX Meteorologist Andy Provenzano predicts a cold couple of weeks leading up to Christmas with the strong possibility of a white Christmas.  Andy spent some time reminiscing about his years in Jackson and the various charities he is involved in.  He will celebrate thirty years of forecasting weather in Michigan next year.  Other guests:  United Way Executive Director Ken Toll with Consumers Energy's Director of Corporate Giving Carolyn Bloodworth;  Amy Reimann, Executive Director, Ella Sharp Museum with volunteer Mary Baker;  Harmonica player Bill Price; Justin Shuberg, Walt's Health Foods;  Pet of the Week with Sue Lovell, Cascades Humane Society. Program Note:  Today's show will replay Wednesday, December 11.

Jackson City Manager Patrick Burtch updates viewers on the recently approved dangerous buildings demolition project, court of appeals landlord registry decision and downtown plans.  Other guests:  Dan Evans, Jackson Public Schools Superintendent;  Local author J.R. Devereaux;  One Five One's Leslie Daugherty and Nikki Waldron with celebrity chef Krissy Kerwin;  Gary Beck, Beck's Flowers;  Bill Morris, Toys for Tots.

Mike Archer fills in for Bart on Thursday with guests:  Western Schools Superintendent Mike Wajda;  Andy Woell, BuilderWalk;  Heather Herndon, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services;  Sandy Sykes and Lori Pelham, A Yuletide Cabaret;  Nate Price and Kate Price, Academy of the Arts;  Film producer Malin Darrah, Kiwanis Travel Adventure Series;  a tour of Anna's Gifts and Porch Cafe. Thursday's show replays Friday, December 6.

On today's show, guest host Jeff Matzen had the news of the University of Michigan Health System and Allegiance Health affiliation.  On Wednesday, Allegiance Health hosted a "Breakfast for Business" focusing on the merger.  JTV will have video coverage of the event on Thursday's show, and an outline summary here: BREAKFAST FOR BUSINESS Jeff's guests:  Michael Masters, Jackson Preparatory & Early College;  Rick Wilson and Shawna Tello, Jackson YMCA;  Jean Weir and Victoria Newton, Armory Arts Holiday Sale;  Lumen Christi Drama students Justin Williams, Daniel Nowinski and Hannah Colella;  Pat Kalahar, Principal, Holy Spirit School, Grand Rapids. PROGRAM NOTE:  Tuesday's program will replay on Wednesday, December 4.

Many Jackson area businesses are participating in the "Shop Small" campaign Saturday.  This is a day dedicated to helping support small businesses throughout the country.  Today, Anna Kusterer gives us a tour of Anna's for Home, Family & Friends.  Other guests: Outgoing Jackson Mayor Martin Griffin;  Rod Malloy, Executive Director, Dahlem;  Builder Walk with Andy Woell, General Materials;   A performance by Queens Church musicians John Lynch, Anne Fleming and Riley Schaff;  Nathan Brue, Jackson Coffee Company;  Ric Walton, The Walton Agency. Today's program will replay on Friday, November 29th.  Happy Thanksgiving!