29 January 2026

By John Face

The following letter has been submitted for publication here at City Watch after I read it and received permission to do so. Scott Henry is an Albionite who graduated with me from Albion High School here in Michigan. He would go on to attend and graduate from West Point, serve our country for decades, and achieve the rank of Colonel before retiring from the United States Army.

He agreed and sent some photos for me to use with his letter, which are included at the end of his letter. Copies of his letter have been sent to leaders and members of Congress from Virginia and Michigan. As you read this, please appreciate his words. I am sure he would not like me to say this, but I feel it is very brave of him to do so, given the current state of politics.

The Letter:

The Honorable [Name]
[Title]
[Office Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Subject: Accountability, Economic Stability, and the Rule of Law

Dear [Title] [Last Name],

I am writing as a deeply concerned constituent to urge you to do the right thing for the American people by addressing several critical issues that threaten our nation’s stability, safety, and constitutional order.

First, I am outraged by the administration’s handling of immigration enforcement and ICE operations, particularly the recent “Operation Metro Surge” deployment in Minnesota. The fatal shootings of American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis have revealed a staggering lack of accountability. I urge you to investigate the reported use of so‑called “Kavanaugh stops” and instances of agents entering homes without judicial warrants, as these actions appear to be clear violations of the Fourth Amendment.

Second, the rising cost of living is becoming unbearable. Healthcare costs are projected to surge by up to 10% in 2026, and ACA Marketplace premiums are expected to see their largest increase since 2018, with some states facing hikes exceeding 20%. Coupled with persistent inflation driven by new tariffs and market instability, many Americans are being forced to choose between essential medical care and basic living necessities.

Furthermore, I am alarmed by the current administration’s “Western Hemisphere” defense strategy, which seems to prioritize regional isolationism over our vital, decades‑long alliances. Threatening our partners in NATO, the Five Eyes, Japan, and South Korea, while engaging in military strikes across multiple nations, endangers global stability.  We must maintain these alliances and ensure that the President adheres to long‑standing diplomatic norms.

Regarding the rule of law and transparency, I specifically request the following actions:

Release of the Epstein files: It is unacceptable that the Department of Justice remains out of compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Only a fraction of these documents have been released, despite the December 2025 deadline. No one—regardless of wealth or status—is above the law when it comes to heinous crimes such as human trafficking and the exploitation of children.

Televised testimony from Jack Smith: Following his recent public appearance before the House Judiciary Committee, it is vital that the American people hear more from the former Special Counsel in a televised format regarding the January 6th attack and the classified documents case. Accountability for whomever sought to overturn a free and fair election and / or not properly safeguard national SAP/STO & TS/SCI secrets is nonnegotiable.

Our three branches of government must serve as checks on one another. I ask you to show the courage necessary to uphold the U.S. Constitution and to protect the proper roles of each branch from executive overreach. I look forward to hearing your specific plan of action on these matters.

Thank you for your time and for your service to our state and country.

Sincerely,
COL (Ret) Scott Henry

Fairfax, VA 22032

Press Release

January 23, 2026

For ten years, Cascades Cycling Club in Jackson hosted the Pedal and Whine bike tour at Sandhill Crane Vineyards. In 2024, Pedal and Whine moved to eastern Calhoun County, hosted by Albion Malleable Brewing Company in Albion.

Pedal and Whine 2026 comes back to Albion Malleable and Calhoun County on August 1st, 2026. This ride features scenic views, very good pavement, and two gravel options. Pedal and Whine also coincides with Homer’s Hogstravaganza Festival in downtown Homer.

Riders can expect:

• Carefully planned paved routes of 17, 29, 39, 47, and 66 miles through tranquil countryside
• Gravel routes of 42 and 59 miles through Homer and Amish country with the longer gravel route offering a second rest stop in Litchfield
• A fully supported ride with SAG/rest stops offering healthy snacks and refreshments for all routes
• Post-ride meal prepared by the expert staff at Albion Malleable Brewing Company
• Albion Malleable is now offering wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beer in addition to their fine selection of craft beers
• Pedal and Whine is a DALMAC training ride

Spaces are limited to 400 riders. For more details and registration, visit Pedal and Whine Bike Tour🚴

It’s happening on the trail!

The Calhoun County Trailway Alliance is a Community Project Fund of Encourage BC!, a supporting organization of the Battle Creek Community Foundation. Over 92% of our budget goes directly to trail projects.

Press Release

January 21, 2026

LANSING, Mich. — Speaker Matt Hall is taking a victory lap on Republican budget cuts and the freeze of $645 million in critical state project funding for children with cancer, sexual assault survivors, veterans, and first responders — calling it “waste,” saying he “couldn’t have been happier” with the cuts, and boasting that “it was exactly what I expected. It’s exactly the deal that I made.”

“When a leader celebrates taking help away from families in crisis, that tells you everything about his priorities,” said Amber Gantt, spokesperson for the Michigan House Democratic Fund. “Michigan families are worried about paying for groceries, health care, and housing — not cutting political deals. Families don’t feel ‘wins’ at the grocery store or the gas pump. They feel higher bills — and they deserve leaders who take that seriously.”

Just some of the critical programs impacted by Michigan Republicans’ budget cuts and funding freeze:

• $18.5 million from prenatal and infant support programs
• $3 million from local food assistance programs
• $368,000 from Michigan veterans and veteran-serving organizations
• Funding for children undergoing cancer treatment
• Funding for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence

Press Release

January 7, 2026

WALKER, Mich. — Today, Khristian Silvis, Democratic candidate for Michigan House District 84, released the following statement after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel ruled that House Republicans $645 million budget cuts were unconstitutional:

“Today’s ruling confirmed what Michiganders already knew: House Republicans abused their power and put real people’s lives at risk by blocking funding our communities were already promised — including here in District 84.

These weren’t abstract budget lines. This funding directly impacts our community and their ability to continue to address the needs of vulnerable seniors, community health services, support for first responders protecting our neighborhoods, and local communities ability to address critical systems. Republicans chose political antics over the stability communities and families depend on. 

Michigan deserves leaders who put people first and protect the services our communities rely on — not leaving families with the consequences of their political stunts.”

Press Release

January 7, 2026

The Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (CCDA) is announcing a new partnership with Michigan Storm Chasers to strengthen severe weather monitoring, emergency response, and public safety through the installation of two live-feed cameras in Calhoun County.

The CCDA has funded the purchase of the cameras, which will be owned by the Authority. Michigan Storm Chasers contributed additional funding to upgrade the equipment to higher-quality cameras and will provide ongoing monitoring and live-feed broadcasting.

One camera is located on the B Drive North radio tower in Leroy Township. The second camera is installed on a CCDA tower in Albion and includes a view of Interstate 94. Together, the cameras offer expanded visibility across key areas of the county.

“This technology provides dispatchers, emergency management, and our public safety partners with real-time visual information during severe weather and other emergency situations,” said Michael Armitage, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority. “Having visual confirmation helps us right-size responses, improve responder safety, and share timely, accurate information with the community.”

The live camera feeds will support multiple uses, including:

• Real-time weather monitoring for dispatch and emergency management
• Improved situational awareness during severe storms and emergencies
• Assistance validating traffic conditions on I-94 and surrounding areas
• Enhanced public access to live weather conditions

Michigan Storm Chasers will have access to the camera feeds and will broadcast them on their YouTube channel, @MichiganWeatherNetwork, allowing residents and weather watchers to view live conditions as events unfold. The cameras will also be available for use during non-weather-related incidents where visual confirmation supports emergency operations.

“This partnership allows us to expand Calhoun County’s monitoring capabilities while leveraging the expertise and established network of Michigan Storm Chasers,” Armitage added. “It’s a practical example of collaboration that directly benefits public safety.”

These two cameras will join more than 90 live cameras currently operating as part of the Michigan Storm Chasers network across the state.

“Michigan Storm Chasers would like to extend our sincere thanks to Calhoun County Dispatch for sponsoring and providing two pan-tilt-zoom cameras within Calhoun County.” Stated Michigan Storm Chasers Founder, Ryan Harriott. “These cameras offer a valuable bird’s eye view of incoming severe weather, winter storms, and other atmospheric conditions, while also capturing scenic sunsets and daily sky conditions. This partnership enhances situational awareness for the public and strengthens our mission to deliver timely, accurate, and visually informative weather coverage to the community.”