Author: reporter49224

Albion College Football Needs New Direction

By John Face

October 3, 2026

I am about to make a very unpopular post.

Time for Change

As a lifelong Albion College athletics fan, I really need to express my opinion.

Albion College football needs a total reboot. Their AD started last weekend by separating from the head coach.  But I am talking about a top to bottom change. A once proud program has fallen on very tough times. After watching the homecoming game today where they lost to 1 – 3 Kalamazoo College, it’s time.

The head coach certainly needed to go, but he was a small part of the problem. All of his coaching staff, likely needs to see the door at the end of the season. They are as responsible as he was for the on field play.  Tough thing to say to some people who have years at the college. But those people are part of the stagnate play fans are seeing.

Albion was once the home of a powerhouse football program. National contenders year in and year out.  Albion’s home field was feared. These last few years have seen our Briton’s go from feared opponent to looking like a bunch of redcoats running away at Lexington and Concord. 

Today one of the great Briton teams was recognized at halftime and this old towny remembered coming to games and marveling at the skill of the players and great coaches like Joranko, Schmidt, Rundle, Beurer, and so many more.

No one wants to see a total gutting, but sometimes it’s what is needed. I know Miss Rushton, our AD, has a tough job, but please take your time.  As you know you were hired to make all athletics work. And sometimes that means separating from people you like. Maybe it’s time to look outside the Albion College family to refloat this sinking ship.  These young players deserve a chance at winning.

Before you people come at me with, “John in the modern era everything is different.”  I know, but the fact is Albion still needs a top to bottom rebuild.  And some really tough decisions need to be made soon.  It’s nothing personal, it’s business.

Respectfully

Albion College Towny fan

John Face

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Political Endorsements of City Watch NEWS 2026

Voter inserting a ballot into a City of Atlanta poll box

September 29, 2026

By John Face

As the election cycle begins here in Michigan, City Watch NEWS can’t stress enough how important it is to vote. When you see political leaders desperately trying to restrict your voting, it tells you this year matters.  In Michigan, our non-presidential year means we elect our Governor, at least one Senator, and several U.S. House representatives.

Here at City Watch, we will only endorse offices that affect the Albion and Marshall area directly.  We will also endorse very important ballot initiatives.  We will offer little or no dialogue with these endorsements.  It’s important that you vote.  We have seen an increased number of threats and violence in this country, especially now with the federal government planning to send armed troops to voting locations.  

City Watch suggests you vote now by filling out your ballot, taking it to your local clerk’s office, and dropping it off.  You can also vote live in person now at the Calhoun County Clerk’s office in Marshall. VOTE!

Early voting:

Calhoun County Clerk’s Office – County Building

Hours

  • Mon-Thurs 8 am-5 pm
  • FRI 8 am-12 pm

Endorsements

Michigan Supreme Court

Megan Cavanaugh and Noah Hood

Governor and LT. Governor

Jocelyn Benson & Winnie Brinks

U.S. Senate

Abdul El Sayed

Secretary of State

Garlin Gilchrist

Attorney General

Eli Savit

MI State Senator 18th District

Anthony Pennock

MI State Representative 44th District

Jim Haadsma –

Haadsma returns to take on the current rep Steve Frisbee who defeated him in 2024. Frisbee has been AWOL in the Albion area. To be fare, he does show up for photo ops in Albion that get him in the papers and his name on walls. Haadsma has continued his long history of monthly meetings to talk with voters, even now when he has been out of office. Haadsma lost by around 100 votes in 2024. Frisbee is a die hard conservative Trump supporter. His voting record so far has included defunding our public schools, cutting food to all our school age students, and strongly opposes same sex marriage, and he is pro death, meaning he is against a woman’s choice. He wants to control their bodies. Jim cares about all in his district.

MI State Representative 45 th District

City Watch will not endorse any candidate for this office. We feel neither candidate offers citizens what they need: open and honest leadership. The two candidates are:

Republican Sarah Lightner of Springport; Democrat Randy Davis. You can write in a candidate if you wish.

State Board of Education

Judith Pritchett and Tiffany Tilly

U of M Regents

Paul Brown and Amir Makled

MSU Trustees

Brianna Scott and Kelly Tebay Zemke

Wayne State University Governors

Shereef Akeel and Richard Mack

State Proposals

Proposition 1 Constitutional Convention

Vote NO.

Republican leaders are pushing hard to pass this.  The intention is to hold the convention and change the state constitution that would turn our state into a theocracy.  Their top priorities are to repeal our marijuana laws, make abortion illegal again, and get rid of same sex marriage.

Proposition 2 Money out of politics

Vote Yes

This is simple.  Keep corporate money from influencing your vote.  As a general rule, Republicans support what is commonly called dark money and have been in full force trying to tell you this is not a problem; it is. In fairness, many democratic candidates support dark money as well.

Election day is November 3.  If you see any election intimidation, email us here at City Watch and let us know.

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Two Sons of the American Revolution in Albion

Add fireworks in night sky above park

By John Face

June 22, 2026

Flowers for Freedom Celebrates their Lives

Nathan Wood, 12, and Isaac Grant, 16, fought for our independence from Great Britain in 1776. They joined the rebel army, fought in the war, and lived long lives that ended here in Albion, MI. They are both buried here in Albion, Michigan, at Riverside Cemetery. Both were just young boys when they decided to serve the colonial government. Boys who were willing to give their lives so that we may be free. Boys who learned at a young age that right is right and that sometimes it means making sacrifices.

I plan to ask you to help me honor these two war veterans. I have mulled over several ideas and came up with one I think is simple and elegant. Both of their graves have been honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution with proper headstones and flag holders. I want to do something special for July 4th, and I think covering their graves with flowers, wreaths, and other appropriate July 4th-themed grave decorations would be a great way to do so.

I would like to ask you to purchase flowers and/or flower arrangements, whether living or artificial, and I will place them on their graves. I have spoken to Anna of Anna’s House of Flowers, located at 310 South Superior, 517-629-5583. Anna will take your orders, and you can pay her directly. So what I am asking is if you want to donate to honor our Sons of the Revolution, go to her flower shop and purchase an arrangement. When you make your order, tell the staff you want flowers for the revolution graves and use my name, John Face.

Anna said she will work with everyone who comes in to get something nice together for your price point. I have been asked whether someone can donate other flowers they purchased elsewhere. Yes, if you want to do that, reach out to me, John Face, here on Facebook, and I will arrange for pickup.

I will place the flowers on Friday, July 3, so that we can all appreciate them. I need you to place your order with Anna no later than noon on July 2nd. Remember, I want to cover two graves with a bunch of flowers and ornaments. Consider pooling your money.

Let’s do this, people. They are in our care now, these Sons of the Revolution, belong to us here in Albion for eternity. I will let everyone know when I plan on placing the flowers for those who may be interested.

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Lieutenant Chris Young Receives 2026 Harley Simmons Award

Sheriff Department Employee wins Award

June 9, 2026

Press Release

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that Lieutenant Chris Young has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Harley Simmons Award, presented annually by the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce’s Silent Observer Committee.

The Harley Simmons Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the safety and security of residents in the Battle Creek area through crime-reduction efforts, public-safety initiatives, and support for crime-prevention programs. The award was established in 1993 in memory of Harley Simmons, a longtime community leader, Silent Observer Committee member, and advocate for public safety.

Lt. Young was honored for his leadership of a transformative school safety initiative that has strengthened emergency response capabilities and enhanced security for students, staff, and first responders throughout Calhoun County.

Photo: Silent Observer Chairperson Dennis Wilkins presents award to Lt. Young.

Over the past four years, Lt. Young has led a $1.7 million effort to improve school safety across the county. Through his vision and coordination, 48 school buildings are now connected to an advanced safety system that integrates hundreds of newly installed cameras with thousands of existing ones into a unified network. The system provides law enforcement and emergency responders with rapid, real-time access to critical information during emergencies.

The project required extensive collaboration with 12 school districts and multiple technology partners. Lt. Young worked closely with school leaders to build trusted partnerships, develop agreements, and ensure seamless implementation of the system across the county.

“Chris has dedicated countless hours to making our schools safer and strengthening partnerships between education and public safety,” said Sheriff Steve Hinkley. “His work has created lasting improvements that will benefit students, educators, families, and first responders for years to come. This recognition is well deserved.”

According to the Silent Observer Committee, Lt. Young’s efforts embody the mission of Silent Observer by advancing proactive crime prevention, increasing situational awareness, and fostering meaningful collaboration between community partners and law enforcement.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office congratulates Lt. Young on this prestigious honor and thanks him for his continued dedication to serving and protecting the residents of Calhoun County.

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Pop-Up Photo Safari beginning at Albion Arts Center

May 15, 2026

Press Release

Let’s socialize and practice four basic Framing and Composition Techniques

Thursday, May 21 5:30-6:45 p.m. 107 E. Cass Street, Albion, MI

The Albion Arts Commission invites you to help us celebrate our closing week of our
current display of photography, Albion P.O.V. by participating in our FREE Pop-Up
Photo Safari. Join Sylvia Benavidez for an informal walk through downtown Albion for a
photo safari and add your expertise to the conversation. Bring your cell phones or bring
your state-of-the-art camera and let’s practice four basic Framing and Composition
Techniques with what we see downtown. Any skill level welcome. Sharing knowledge
and what you love about photography is encouraged.

Let’s talk Composition!

We’ll start off looking at the photos in the gallery to see which ones use the Rule of
Thirds, Leading Lines, Symmetry, and Framing within a Frame, go on a 30 min walk,
return to review and share an example of our best technique, and end with snacks and
time to socialize and talk about what we love about photography. Be adventurous
whether a beginner or skilled photographer, this time is to have fun sharing what we
love together!

For questions or to let us know you’re joining us email:
AlbionArtsCommission@gmail.com

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Rx Kids Is Working in Michigan

May 11, 2026

Republicans Matt Hall and Ann Bollin Want to Kill It.

LANSING, MI — The Rx Kids is helping new moms buy diapers, keep the lights on, recover after childbirth, and give their babies a stronger start in life.

Republican Reps. Matt Hall and Ann Bollin want to kill it.

New reporting from the Detroit Free Press and Michigan Advance shows the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program is delivering real results for Michigan families. A new study found Rx Kids led to a 32% drop in child welfare investigations among Flint infants in its first year.

The program works because it meets families where they are: $1,500 during pregnancy, followed by $500 monthly payments after birth to help cover the basics during one of the most financially vulnerable moments in a family’s life.

But instead of backing a program that helps parents afford rent, groceries, utilities, diapers, transportation, and baby supplies, Hall and Bollin are trying to strip all $20 million in state funding from the program at a time when Michigan families are already stretched thin due to Trump’s disastrous economic policies.

“Michigan Republicans love to talk about being pro-family until it’s time to actually help families,” said Amber Gantt, MHDF spokesperson. “Rx Kids is helping parents afford diapers, keep the lights on, recover after childbirth, and give their babies a stronger start in life — and Republicans want to rip it away. It’s cruel, out of touch, and exactly why Michigan voters will be rejecting this Republican agenda this November.”

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