Author: reporter49224

Leadership Change At Homestead

Press Release

March 31, 2026

On February 27, 2026, Homestead Savings Bank today announced the retirement of President, Chad Rumsey, effective April 22, 2026. The Board of Directors has unanimously appointed Jennifer R. Wilber as the next President & CEO of the bank along with Ashley Vinton as Executive Vice President & CFO.

Homestead Savings Bank recognizes the leadership that Chad has provided during his tenure at the organization and his 28 years of extensive experience. We are grateful for his time with the bank and wish him retirement filled with new adventures. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed the time I had here at Homestead. Banking has provided me with a wonderful life of meeting new people, new challenges, and always keeping me on my toes. I look forward to what retirement is going to bring and hope it is just as fulfilling,” said Rumsey. 

Wilber has been with the organization for 33 years with her most recent role of Sr. Vice President, COO. Vinton has been with the organization a total of 13 years with her most recent role of Sr. Vice President, CFO. Wilber and Vinton have extensive experience in key areas of accounting, operations, lending, compliance, and bank strategy. Their leadership has been instrumental in the bank’s success in most recent years.

“I am grateful for the trust placed in me by the Board and am honored to be appointed to lead this organization,” said Wilber. “I look forward to building on our strong foundation and continuing to serve our customers, employees, and communities.”

“I am incredibly happy to accept this position and look forward to my continual growth, through strong guidance from the Board, strategic partnerships with our internal team, and confidence from the communities in which we serve.” Noted Vinton. 

Homestead Savings Bank, Chair, Herman McCall expressed confidence in the transition: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank Chad for his leadership as President and CEO. We are grateful for his time leading the team. He brought dedication and a wealth of experience to the role, and we wish him all the best in retirement and his next chapter.” 

“For 137 years, Homestead has worked to be a pillar of stability and trust. Our longevity is due to our ability to embrace change while holding fast to a necessary set of core values. In Jenny Wilber, we have not only an experienced and talented individual, but she is also the right leader to carry our legacy into the future. She respects our past, while being relentlessly focused on our future. The Board is confident and incredibly proud to name her our first female President/CEO, knowing she will lead with integrity, strength, and a clear vision for our continued growth and success.” 

“We look forward to Ashley’s expanded leadership contributions to the executive team. Beyond her stellar technical qualifications and demonstrated skill, Ashley understands that community banking is built on engaged personalized service. Her financial expertise and interpersonal acumen align perfectly with our culture of serving our customers and community with excellence.”

Homestead Savings Bank will host a celebration event on April 22, 2026, in our Albon Branch at 5 p.m. and invite the public to attend.

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No Kings Protest Draws Crowd

By John Face

Photos by John Face

March 28, 2026

At noon today, around 200 people from around the Albion, MI area came together to take part in the national No Kings Protest. Event organizers state that over 8 million supported the march around the globe. Albion’s protest was peaceful and energetic, with chants, music, and singing. Enjoy the photos below of the protest.

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City Manager Welcomed

March 27, 2026

By John Face

Photos by John Face

A reception sponsored by the Albion Arts Commission was held on Wednesday, March 25, at the Art Commission’s home on Cass Street. The event was well attended and gave citizens an opportunity to welcome back Sheryl Theriot, who is returning as City Manager.

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Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office to Host Hunter Education Field Day on May 9

Press Release

March 25, 2026

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) will host a Hunter Education Field Day on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST at the Marshall Regional Law Enforcement Center, located at 714 Old 27 N., Marshall, MI 49068.

The Field Day is the required in-person portion of the Michigan Hunter Education online certification course. Participants must present their online Hunter Education certification at check-in in order to complete this segment of the class. The course can be accessed through the Michigan Hunter Safety Course website using Event ID 10805. A written test is also required as part of the Field Day.

This training does not include live fire exercises. Students will demonstrate safe handling and competency using inert (non-functional) firearms to meet state field day requirements. A working lunch will be held during the program, featuring a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) presentation on applicable laws and regulations.

There is no minimum age requirement for attendance. However, students under 10 years old must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a parent-approved adult throughout the training. Participants are encouraged to bring snacks and a lunch, as lunch will be a working session.

This Field Day is offered free of charge, with instruction coordinated by CCSO and MI DNR representatives.

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Earth Day Events in Albion – Free and Open to All

Press Release

March 21, 2026

Creation Justice — Albion’s Part

A Community Earth Day Celebration at the Albion Arts Center

ALBION, Mich. — The Albion Arts Commission invites the community to celebrate Earth Day with a special event: Creation Justice — Albion’s Part, a free, family-friendly gathering that brings together local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to showcase Albion’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable living, and the natural beauty of our region. The event will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Albion Arts Center, 107 E. Cass Street in downtown Albion.

Sponsored by Salem United Church of Christ, Creation Justice is a growing movement that recognizes the sacred responsibility we share to care for the earth and to ensure that the benefits of a healthy environment are equitably available to all. This event celebrates that spirit through an Albion lens — highlighting the people, places, and businesses in our own community that are doing the meaningful, everyday work of living in better relationship with the natural world.

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from the following participating organizations, each sharing how their work connects to environmental care and community well-being:

PRESENTATIONS:

10 AM – Lorraine Grinnell, Pastor, Salem United Church of Christ, Albion with Debra Singer – Bee Kind; Don’t Bug the Environment- the Importance of Bees

11 AM – Bradley Chase, Professor of Anthropology, Albion College Updates from the Nature Center; Potawatomi Projects and more

12 PM – Jenny Risner-Wade, Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop, Albion Bean to Bar Chocolate, a Deep Commitment to Sustainability

1 PM – Juanita Solis Kidder, Citizens to Beautify Albion Nature’s Beauty in Albion

2 PM – Wesley Dick, History Professor, Albion College; retired Significance and History of Earth Day

3 PM – Thomas Wilch, Faculty Director for the Center for Sustainability, Albion College Environmental Justice in Albion

“Earth Day is a reminder that caring for creation is not just a responsibility — it is an act of community and an act of love. With Creation Justice — Albion’s Part, we want to celebrate the remarkable people and organizations right here in Albion who are doing that work every day. The Albion Arts Center is the perfect place to gather, learn, and be inspired by what our community is already doing — and to imagine what more we can do together.” — Mary Slater, Chair, Albion Arts Commission

Admission to Creation Justice — Albion’s Part is free and open to all. The event is family-friendly and welcomes residents of all ages. The Albion Arts Center is located at 107 E. Cass Street in downtown Albion. For more information, contact the Albion Arts Commission at the number or email listed above.

Albion Nature Center A champion of natural education and outdoor exploration in the Albion area, the Albion Nature Center will share information on local ecosystems, native habitats, and ways residents can connect with and protect the natural landscapes of Calhoun County.

Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop Albion’s beloved small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolatier and coffee roaster, Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop crafts its products with a deep commitment to quality, sourcing, and sustainability. Yellow Bird will be on hand to share how conscious sourcing and slow-crafted production connect to the spirit of Creation Justice.

Jolly Green Junction A 50-year Albion institution, Jolly Green Junction is the region’s go-to destination for gardening, plants, seeds, local produce, honey, and Michigan’s seasonal harvests. They will be bringing their passion for growing things and their deep roots in the Albion community to celebrate the joy and importance of tending the earth.

Beautify Albion Beautify Albion is a community-driven initiative focused on enhancing the cleanliness, greenery, and visual appeal of Albion’s neighborhoods and public spaces. They will highlight volunteer opportunities and ongoing beautification projects that residents can join to make a direct, visible difference in the community.

Salem United Church of Christ Statement (Albion, Michigan): Salem United Church of Christ in Albion is an Open and Affirming congregation committed to welcoming all people and advancing justice, compassion, and environmental stewardship as expressions of faith. Rooted in the values of the United Church of Christ, Salem actively supports initiatives that care for creation and strengthen community for present and future generations.

About the Albion Arts Commission

The Albion Arts Commission is a City of Albion advisory body dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts as a driver of community well-being and economic development. The Commission oversees the Albion Arts Center at 107 E. Cass Street, which serves as a hub for exhibitions, workshops, classes, and community events for residents of all ages.

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Welcome Home, Dr. Sheryl Theriot (Mitchell) – Open House Planned

March 18, 2026

Press Release

Community Open House Celebrating Dr. Sheryl Theriot’s Return as Albion’s City Manager – All Welcome

Date: WED, MARCH 25, 2026

Time: 5-7 PM

Location: Albion Arts Center, 107 E. Cass Street, Albion, MI
ALBION, Mich

Free and open to the Public

The City of Albion and the Albion Arts Commission are pleased to host a community Open House welcoming Dr. Sheryl L. Theriot back to Albion as the city’s newly appointed City Manager. The event is open to all residents and will be held at the Albion Arts Center, 107 E. Cass Street in downtown Albion. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served.


Dr. Theriot is a familiar and beloved figure in Albion, having previously served as the city’s City Manager from 2014 to 2018, at the time under her professional name Sheryl Mitchell. During that tenure, she earned a reputation as a hands-on, community- centered leader — one who could be found in the streets alongside work crews and in the community alongside residents. Her return is a homecoming in the truest sense: Dr. Theriot has expressed her intention to make Albion her home once again.


Dr. Theriot returns to Albion at a pivotal moment, as the city moves forward with major infrastructure improvements, housing and industrial redevelopment, and continued efforts to build community pride and regional reputation. The Albion City Council
recognized her experience, commitment, and proven leadership as the right fit for the challenges and opportunities ahead. All Albion residents, community members, and friends of the city are warmly invited to attend, meet Dr. Theriot, and share in this moment of community celebration. The Albion Arts Commission is excited to host this event at our new Albion Arts Center.

About the Albion Arts Commission: The Albion Arts Commission is a City of Albion advisory body dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts as a driver of community well-being and economic development. The Commission oversees the Albion Arts Center at 107 E. Cass Street, which serves as a hub for exhibitions, workshops, classes, and community events for residents of all ages. Quick Thanks to Council Member Donivan Williams for helping us coordinate with Sheryl’s schedule.

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Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 15–21

Press Release

March 13, 2026

Don’t be these Michiganders – Head for your shelter

Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (CCDA) will participate for the first time in Michigan’s annual voluntary statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 18, at 1:00 p.m., as part of Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 15–21).

CCDA encourages residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations across Calhoun County to take part in the drill and use it as an opportunity to review emergency preparedness plans and severe weather safety procedures.

The tornado drill is a reminder to ask important preparedness questions:

  • Do you have a plan?
  • Where will you go?
  • What will you do?
  • Do you know the alerts, warnings, and notification systems in your area?
  • How will you communicate with family members and coworkers?

Agencies across Calhoun County will participate in the following ways:

  • Live Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) test on Wednesday, March 18 at 12:59 p.m. across Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties
  • Testing of the countywide opt-in alert system (text, phone, and email) on Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Public safety messaging shared on social media throughout Severe Weather Awareness Week
  • Coordination among emergency response partners to practice procedures as if responding to an actual tornado warning

“Participating in this statewide tornado drill gives our dispatchers and emergency partners an opportunity to practice real-world procedures while helping residents prepare themselves and their families,” said Michael Armitage, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority. “When severe weather happens, seconds matter. Practicing now ensures we’re ready to respond quickly and effectively.”

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Calhoun County emergency alerts and confirm their contact information is current. Alert systems provide timely notifications about severe weather and other emergencies that may impact the community.

About Severe Weather Awareness Week

Statewide Severe Weather Preparedness and Awareness Weeks are held each spring to increase public awareness and readiness for severe weather hazards. The observance is scheduled ahead of Michigan’s typical severe weather season and includes a coordinated tornado drill when test warnings are issued at a predetermined time.

Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and participate in the drill as a way to test emergency plans and communication methods in a safe, controlled setting.

For more information about tornado safety and preparedness before, during, and after severe weather, visit Michigan.gov/MIReady.

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2026 Seasonal Weight Restrictions Lifting

March 13, 2026

Press Release

In accordance with Public Act 300 of 1949, the Michigan Vehicle Code, the Calhoun County Road Department is lifting Seasonal Weight Restrictions effective at 6:00 a.m., Monday, March 16, 2026. 

Weight restrictions are commonly put in place each year by counties across Michigan and are intended to help preserve and protect our local roads when they are most vulnerable from freeze thaw cycles that cause road damage. 

For details on Calhoun County’s seasonal weight restrictions, please visit our website at www.calhouncountyroads.com. County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) also offers convenient information on all county seasonal weight restrictions at http://www.micountyroads.org/weight.php. 

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Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Receives $50,000 – Purchases AED’s

March 5, 2026

Press Release

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce a $50,000 grant from Walbridge to purchase 22 Stryker Lifepak CR2 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for patrol cars and prisoner transport vehicles. The new devices will significantly expand access to early defibrillation throughout Calhoun County, particularly in outlying and rural areas where response times can be longer.

According to WMed Medical Control, Calhoun County averages approximately 250 cardiac arrest calls annually, with some outlying areas historically underserved. Dispatch now automatically sends law enforcement, along with fire and EMS, to cardiac arrest calls, recognizing that early defibrillation and immediate, hands-on CPR dramatically increase survival rates.

The Stryker Lifepak CR2 devices offer advanced features that enhance patient care and coordination, including:

  • Integration with local ambulance and fire systems
  • Real-time status monitoring
  • The ability to transmit patient data directly to emergency responders and hospitals
  • A built-in pediatric “child mode” for use on younger patients

“This generous donation will absolutely save lives,” said Steve Hinkley. “Our deputies are often the first to arrive on scene, especially in rural parts of the county. Having these AEDs in our patrol cars and transport vehicles ensures we can immediately begin lifesaving measures while EMS is en route. We are incredibly grateful to Walbridge for their commitment to public safety and to the health of our community.”

The Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to Walbridge for its generosity and to WMed Medical Control and Stryker for their partnership and support in implementing this program.

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