The Shelby Township Community Relations Department and Shelby TV solidified their position as industry leaders by clinching the highly coveted 2026 Hometown Media Award for Overall Excellence in Government Access programming nationwide. 

Adding to their success, Shelby TV's beloved children's program, "The Treehouse," hosted and produced by Kelsey Kobylarek, has been honored as the best Children's Program in the nation. These prestigious awards are presented by the Alliance for Community Media, underscoring the township's commitment to delivering exceptional content and engaging its community.

This year's triumphs follow Shelby TV’s 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022 award for Overall Excellence in Government Access, further cementing the Shelby Township Community Relations Department and Shelby TV's reputation for excellence. 

“Winning the 2026 Hometown Media Awards for Overall Excellence for the fifth consecutive year and a second Children’s Program award is an amazing achievement,” Shelby Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis said. “This recognition reflects the talent, creativity, and dedication of our Shelby TV team and highlights how they keep our residents informed, engaged, and connected.”

“The Treehouse,” which debuted in 2020, has also secured past awards being tabbed the Hometown Media Awards’ Best Children’s Show in 2023 also secured the Central States regional award for the top children's show in 2022 and 2023. It was also named the “Best in Show” at the 2023 Philo Festival as the top piece of media among all entrants across all categories. In 2024, The Treehouse segment exploring a Utica Community Schools bus won the award for best “Instructional Video” and a finalist for Children’s Show.

Kobylarek also won regional Philo awards, which include competition from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, for producing and hosting the township’s Christmas Aglow show as the 2024 winner for “Entertainment” and the 2022 finalist for “Community Event.” 

Kobylarek brings a wealth of experience in early childhood care and education. Leveraging her background and expertise, Kobylarek curates interactive and educational videos that captivate young children, contributing significantly to the show's success.

“Kelsey started with us as a part-time host of the Treehouse in 2020 to help increase exposure for the township’s youth programs,” Community Relations Director Brad D. Bates said. “She’s done that and so much more. Later we had the opportunity to hire her full-time, and her professionalism and creativity are only outdone by her enthusiasm for every assignment she takes.”

Beyond its impact on the small screen, “The Treehouse” is pivotal in the Community Relations Department's widely anticipated Shelby Township Summer Fest event at the Civic Center Campus that returns June 26-27 this year. Day one starts at 4 p.m. June 26 and serves as an annual summer extravaganza, attracting thousands with activities such as food trucks, touch-a-truck displays, strolling princesses, an outdoor concert and a one-of-a-kind live taping of “The Treehouse” that starts at 6:30 p.m.

Art Shink, the Broadcast Services Manager, expressed pride in his team's accomplishments, stating, “The recognition from the Hometown Media Awards shows the dedication and creativity of our team at Shelby TV. It’s a privilege to work with such talented people who work hard to bring quality programming to our community.”

Since 2019, the talents of the Shelby Township Community Relations Department and Shelby TV staff have earned a total of 32 awards between the Hometown Media Awards and the Philo Festival, showcasing versatility and commitment to excellence.

“This achievement is only possible because of our team led by Assistant Community Relations Director Chelsea Schneider, Broadcast Manager Art Shink, Kelsey Kobylarek, Andrew Sielski, Stacey Bell, Nick Monacelli, and our dedicated part‑time production crew,” Bates said. “It’s great to know that the peers judging these awards see what I see every day, a team of amazing creative professionals who truly love serving the people of Shelby Township.” 

In addition to its television programming, the Community Relations Department oversees all township communications, publishing, media relations and marketing efforts. Among a host of duties, their responsibilities encompass managing 15 social media accounts, producing the quarterly Fountain township newsletter, curating the Branching Out catalog and maintaining shelbytwp.org.

Residents can view Shelby TV programming on channel 5 on Xfinity, channel 10 on Wide Open West and channel 99 on AT&T. All Shelby TV programs are online at youtube.com/shelbytownshiptv and “The Treehouse” airs on youtube.com/shelbytvkids.

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