Category: News | Page 1813

Prosecutor Announces New Commerce Division

May 27, 2015

Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Jerry Jarzynka announced the creation of a new division within the prosecutor's office focusing on retail fraud, shoplifting and bounced checks at businesses. Several years ago the office eliminated a similar department due to budget cuts. The funding for the new office, to begin in late June, will come from restitution fees and penalties imposed on those convicted of these crimes. Appearing on The Bart Hawley Show, Jarzynka also provided updates on recently concluded cases.

Front Porch Concert Series features great music in fun, casual setting

May 27, 2015

Enjoy great music in a fun outdoors setting at the 2015 Front Porch Concert Series at Jackson College this June! All concerts begin at 7 p.m.; they are free and the public is welcome! Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the music! This year’s schedule includes: June 11 — Capital City Brass Band, (CCBB), an all-volunteer brass and percussion ensemble inspired by the traditional British-style brass band model. June 14 — 31st Annual Trombonefest. Trombone players from across the state gather for this one-of-a-kind musical extravaganza. June 18 — Jackson Jazz Ensemble, a local jazz group made up of 20 local jazz musicians under ensemble Director Jim Stuart. June 23 — Jackson Community Concert Band Pre-Fourth of July Concert. Enjoy patriotic favorites like John Philip Sousa’s “The Washington Post March,” Aaron Copland’s “A Lincoln Portrait,” narrated by David Phelps, the “1812 Overture” and much more! The band is comprised of college students and community members, under the direction of Conductor Ronald L. Douglass.

Sheriff Department Presents Annual Awards

May 21, 2015

The Jackson County Sheriff Department presented their annual awards at a banquet May 20 at Cascades Manor House. Sheriff Steve Rand and Undersheriff Chris Kuhl awarded various department members with citations for exemplary service performed over the past year. Jeremy Barnett was honored as Deputy of the Year and Jeffrey Stetz was named Corrections Deputy of the Year. Dispatcher of the Year was Tara Ortwine and Kody Naylor named Civilian of the Year. The Sheriff and Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka presented a special award to Mike Hirst for his work with Andy's Angels in the fight against heroin and drug abuse. The "of the Year" award winners were selected by their peers.

DDA Relocates Cruise Nights Due to Construction Project

May 20, 2015

Nathan Mack, Downtown Development Authority Assistant Director announced the 2015 season of Downtown Cruise Nights will take place this year. The event, held on the 4th Friday of each month (May thru September) will move one block south to Cortland Street. As in past years, cars will also be displayed on Mechanic and Jackson Streets. The first Cruise Night will take place this Friday, May 22 starting at 6pm. Sidewalks in the construction zone will remain open and several restaurants will be featuring outdoor menus. The event is free and open to all.

Smart Commute Kicks Off

May 15, 2015

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to ride your bike around town to get to your destination? Are you nervous about traffic or parking your bike? Have you ever tried walking to work? What about taking the bus for once to save on gas. If you have ever done these things or have yet to try now is the time to join us! The Smart Commute program is a community-wide celebration in encouraging community members to find a cheaper, greener, and healthier way to get to their destination. The 2015 Smart Commute kicked off on Friday, May 15 with several options to Smart Commute: Morning Meet-Up Stations with a light breakfast, The Rally Ride with community leaders and smart commuters and "Meet the Bus" at the downtown transfer station. The JTV Smart Commute team had complete participation and looks forward to re-capturing the team championship at the end of the summer.

Local Restaurant Honors Young Man Dying From ALS

May 12, 2015

JACKSON, MI - Brian Schnurstein was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2010 at the age of 28. Brian is married to Lindsay Schnurstein (Hill) who was born and raised in Jackson. They were married at the First United Methodist Church, have one daughter (almost six years old), have a strong community of loved ones in town, and currently reside in Portage MI. Now a little over five years later, after a long and hard fight, this debilitating disease has really taken its toll. Brian hasn’t been able to walk for three years, talk for two years, eat for one year, and underwent a tracheostomy six months ago to allow him to breathe through a ventilator. Brian and his family have come to terms with the fact that his body is failing him and that his time is limited and precious. To celebrate Brian and his fight against ALS, his brother in-law and sister in-law, Brian and Angela Hill, had the idea of honoring him in the best way they knew how – through food! Brian was a strong athlete with an equally strong love for food. And one of his great loves was the Hunt Club smoked turkey sandwich. So much so,…

City in Union Negotiations, Budget Preparation

April 20, 2015

Jackson City Manager Patrick Burtch and his staff are working on the city's 2015-16 fiscal year budget and negotiating retirement terms with union representatives. The manager provided an update on downtown construction progress and the new Horace Blackman Park. Workers hydro-seeded the park over the weekend and tivoli lights were strung on Monday. Other guests: Center for Family Health President and CEO Molly Kaser; Jackson District Library Summit Branch Manager Sarah Hashimoto with Friends of the Library's Volunteer of the Year Jerry Saari; Monica Hommerding and Kym Parker, Relay for Life; Jackson High students Chase Myers, Brett Trombley and Aurora McCroy, appearing in "Curtains", a murder mystery musical; Brandy Golombeski, "Cinderella for a Day".

Court Goes to School Program Visits Jackson High School

April 17, 2015

The Jackson County District Court continued its "Court Goes to School" program at area high schools this month. Two cases were tried at Jackson High School with Judge Joe Filip, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey Guernsey and Defense Attorney Jared Hopkins. Students witnessed two actual court cases and had the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session following adjournment. "Court Goes to School" has also been taken on the road to Columbia Central High School and Lumen Christi High School. Other guests: Jackson County Health Officer Richard Thoune; Phil Wrzesinski, The Toy House Toys of the Month; Movie reviews with Dave DeBaker; Ric Walton, The Walton Insurance Group.

Bart Hawley Show Celebrates Its 24,000th Guest

April 14, 2015

The Bart Hawley Show today celebrated guest number 24,000: Stephanie Schiro of United Way of Jackson County. The show, now in its 15th year, has now welcomed more than 24,ooo guests from all walks of life to the daily show. The Bart Hawley Show is the only live, 100% local two-hour daily television talk show in the country. Nearly 3,700 episodes have aired live from JTV Studios in downtown Jackson. Other guests: William Patterson and Jennifer Oswalt, Jackson Public Schools; Nancy Doyal, Executive Director, The Bohm Theatre with board member Mary Slater; Martin Griffin, candidate for Jackson Mayor; Comedian Khurum Sheikh, Rod Malloy, Exchange Club and Wendy Gonzalez, Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect; Elli Blonde, American 1 Credit Union.

Bill Jors Announces Run for Mayor

April 13, 2015

Jackson native Bill Jors announced his intention to run for the position of Mayor of the city of Jackson. Jors, a vice president with County National Bank is making his first run for office in the August primary. He hopes to restore leaf pickup service at the level residents enjoyed previously, work on improving city streets and make the city more business-friendly. There are as many as six candidates who have indicated their plan to run, including incumbent Mayor Jason Smith. Other guests: Kim Hastings, Executive Director, Jackson School of the Arts; Dave Kemler and Debbie Alford, St. Vincent de Paul Fashion Show; Karyn Clow, Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists; CP Federal Credit Union scholarship recipients Cody Schaub, Aubrey Bills, Kimberly Berry and Shelby Schneider; Nathan Mack, Jackson Downtown Development Authority.

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