BAKERSFIELD -- Starting as a weekend sportscaster in May 1991, Mike worked his way up through the ranks to his current position as weekday news anchor at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The excitement of live shots, anchoring the desk and working on special reports are the highlight of Mike's job. He wrote, produced, edited and anchored KERO's one-hour special report on the 50th anniversary of the Kern County earthquake entitled, "On Shaky Ground." It won several awards in the marketplace. Mike has taken home numerous Kern Press Club awards for his work over the years, but still points to the Arizona Broadcasting Award of Excellence in 1988, his first award, as the motivating force in his life.

Born in Detroit, Mike's early life resembled that of a military brat, only his father worked for Ford Motor Company. His father, mother, sister and four brothers all reside in Scottsdale, Arizona.

A graduate of Arizona State University in 1986, Mike shares a fondness for the Sun Devils, along with his father's alma mater, Notre Dame.

Mike moved to Bakersfield in May 1991. He and his wife Lori have two sons, Michael, 9 and Cody, 1.

The Hart family is extremely active in Arabian horse shows, which includes a U.S. National Champion. Not to be outdone, three award-winning Scottish deerhounds, a Borzoi, Miniature Schnauzer, and a Pembroke Welch Corgi also have run of the place. Add their two cats, Rainbow and Tiger Lilly, who were adopted at the Bakersfield SPCA and you've got a full house.

When he's not working the newsroom, Mike enjoys an active life away from the station.

As a boxing ring announcer for 10 years, Mike has appeared on ESPN numerous times in live shows from the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills to the stockyards in Austin, TX. He also is the P.A. voice of the Bakersfield Condors and Bakersfield Blitz.

Perhaps one of his favorite passions is the chance to grace another stage. Mike performs with a local swing band, "Chesterfield King and the Sultans of Swing." A group of professional musicians that allow Mike the privilege of singing his "Hart" out.

When he finds some free time, Mike and his wife Lori volunteer in their son's classroom. Mike is also co-chairman of the School Site Counsel at Rio Bravo Greeley Elementary School.

If there was ever a time Mike entertained the thought of leaving Bakersfield and Kern County, that day is long gone. The Harts have planted roots in this part of the Central Valley and look forward to growing with the community for years to come.