Bart Hawley Show

Steve Simpson assumes the presidency of the Jackson Campus of Baker College on July 1, 2015.  Simpson takes over for Patty Kaufman who has been appointed president of Baker College of Clinton Township in Macomb County.  Simpson has been overseeing the online offerings of Baker College for the past few years.  Kaufman leaves Jackson after serving as president for nine years.  On today's show, they discussed the progress of the Jackson campus and plans for the next year, which include expanding engineering offerings and new expansion of the campus.

The Fresh Food Initiative, a partnership on the Food Bank of South Central Michigan and community organizations begins this week.  Fresh food will be available for distribution starting Monday, June 22 and continuing every Monday through August 31.  Compassionate Ministries of Jackson Executive Director Terry Williams and David's Promise Director Rebekah Moilanen are hosting one of seven sites for the program.  Compassionate Ministries is located at First Church of Nazarene, 3509 Clinton Road in Jackson and each Monday distribution begins at 9:30am at their site.  Other locations (with varying times) include The Salvation Army (9:30am), Parma Elementary School (8:45am), First Evangelical Church of God in Christ (10:30am), Family Worship Center (4:30pm), Concord High School (8:30am) and Jeruel Baptist Church, Munith (5pm).  Monthly distribution, on the 4th Monday of each month, year-round will occur at First United Methodist Church (5pm).  The program is open and free to all in need and you are asked to bring your own box or bag to carry your food.

"Just Brett & Lilly" is the title of a new network television show being filmed in Jackson this month.  The show chronicles the story of a single father raising his daughter and stars Brett Hayworth and Lilly Hayworth as the real life father-daughter team.  Residents of Jackson, the Hayworths appeared on today's Bart Hawley Show to discuss the progress of the pilot's production.  Several days of filming have already occurred at various locations in Jackson, with more shoots planned later this month.  In addition to Brett and Lilly, actor and singer Robert Davi has filmed scenes in Jackson for the pilot.  Several networks are interested in the series and Brett hopes to have a deal soon.  Other guests:  Paula Freehling, Jackson Area Career Center Counselor of the Year with Western High School counselor Becky Callender;  Janet Meyer, Jackson KidzArt and Club Scientific;  Jackson Speedway owner John Lefere with Mark Joseph, owner, Sparky's Fireworks Outlet, Entertainment news with Dave DeBaker;  Ric Walton, Walton Insurance Group.

John Wilson, candidate for Jackson mayor appeared on today's Bart Hawley Show to talk about his campaign and priorities.  Wilson's number one campaign issue is the city's neighborhoods and the condition of streets in neighborhoods.  If elected, Wilson would bring back leaf pickup to be performed by city crews.  Other guests:  Lumen Christi baseball players Josh Iocca and Joey Mehelich with coaches Phil Clifford and Jamie Sweeney;  Financial Planner Doug Barber, Rehmann;  Scott Vitale, Childrenz Challenge;  Kim Conant, Salvation Army;  Jackson College Assistant Professor Tom McMillen-Oakley;  Pet of the Week with Sue Lovell, Cascades Humane Society.

Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Beal has earned a stellar rating at the completion of his first year on the job by the JPS Board of Education.  The board cited his leadership, board relations and community relations as strong points.  Beal also was commended for reducing expenditures without layoffs or cuts in student programming and for providing options for students and families, such as the reconfiguration of JPS elementary schools next year and partnerships with community agencies.  The superintendent was joined on today's Bart Hawley Show by Jeremy Patterson, Principal of Frost Upper Elementary and Mary Kuhn, Principal of Cascades Early Elementary.  Both schools will be re-aligned next school year and will be working together more closely.