News

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".

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.

  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.

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.

Habitat for Humanity Community Relations Coordinator Leanne Prout and intern  Kiara Wright announced plans for "A Brush with Kindness", an initiative to help beautify neighborhoods.  From April 20 to 25, more than 350 volunteers will help 25 homeowners by painting, landscaping, cleaning and performing minor repairs.  Those who would like to donate materials or volunteer can visit the website or Facebook page.  Other guests:  Monica Moser, President, Jackson Community Foundation;  Andy Farmer, AARP;  Collin Cote, Jackson Area Association of Realtors with Kate Lambert-Lee, Community Action Agency;  HOME.FM personalities Jamin Bradley, Christine Gorton and Kaitlyn Tracy;  Ric Walton, Walton Insurance Group.

Jackson High School will be hosting the State Jazz Festival, Wednesday, March 25 in the Jackson High School Auditorium.  Joel Shaner, Director of Instrumental Music, along with student musicians Noah Spencer and Brett Trombley will be participating with the JHS Jazz Band performing at 6:30pm.  The festival begins at 2:30pm and all are welcome.  WKAR is profiling the Jackson band for an upcoming episode of "Forte".  Other guests:  Summit Township Supervisor Jim Dunn;  Laura Schlecte, city council representative;  Park Supervisor Jim O'Brien, Hayes State Park;  Dave DeBaker, entertainment previews.

The Jackson Women's History Council has selected Angela Machnik and Nancy Miller as this year's recipients of the 2015 Susan B. Anthony Award.  For their leadership on women's equality issues, the two were honored at a dinner program last month along with the presentation of essay contest winners from area schools.  Other guests:  Builderwalk with General Materials;  Rock Mangus and David Schwartz, Mission of Hope Cancer Fund;  Alicia Barry, Director of Development, Food Bank of South Central Michigan;  "Gears, Beards & Beers" with Lyman Robertson, Cindy Pape and Coley Kennedy;  Gabby Whitaker, Yanet Morales and Devon Payne, Jackson Area Career Center's Hair and Fashion Show winners;  Ethan Smith, Napoleon High School's Jeremiah's Gift Dinner.