Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance (NMM) Program in Calhoun County. Offered annually by the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA), this program supports the upkeep of vacant Land Bank–owned properties in the cities of Battle Creek and Albion while providing funding opportunities for local non-profit and community groups.
Community organizations, such as churches, youth groups, scouting groups, nonprofits, and other civic groups, are encouraged to apply. Approved groups will mow and maintain 20 vacant properties from April through October, mowing the properties at least once every three weeks. Groups that successfully complete the program will earn a total stipend of $3,600 for their organization. With prior approval from the Land Bank, participants may also receive 20 percent of the stipend ($720) after completing two mowing cycles to help cover equipment costs.
“Our Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance Program gives groups and volunteers a meaningful way to give back by helping maintain neighborhoods, while also earning funds to support their local activities,” said CCLBA Executive Director Krista Trout-Edwards. “We encourage any interested groups to apply and be part of this community-driven effort.”
The deadline to apply for the 2026 Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance Program is Friday, March 27. This is not an individual employment opportunity and is only available to nonprofit and community groups. To see if your group or organization may qualify, contact the CCLBA at 269-781-0777 or landbank@calhouncountymi.gov. Applications are available online at calhounlandbank.org/neighborhood-mow-maintenance/.
Albion State Rep Frisbee Votes to Cut Support for Moms and Babies
Matt Hall Talks “Lower Costs” as His Own GOP Budget Would Have Cut Healthcare and Food Assistance for Working Families
LANSING, Mich. — Today, House Speaker Matt Hall claimed Republicans are “lowering costs” for Michigan families — even as House Republicans voted for a budget that cuts affordable health care access, slashes food assistance, and raises everyday costs.
Despite Hall’s claims, House Republicans backed and voted for a budget that:
The following House Republicans voted for Matt Hall’s budget:
Rylee Linting, District 27
Jamie Thompson, District 28
James DeSana, District 29
Steve Frisbie, District 44
Kathy Schmaltz, District 46
Ron Robinson, District 48
Ann Bollin, District 49
Mark Tisdel, District 55
Alicia St. Germaine, District 62
David Martin, District 68
Nancy DeBoer, District 86
Karl Bohnak, District 109
“This is what Republican leadership looks like — big talk about lowering costs, paired with a budget that drives up everyday costs,” said Amber Gantt, Communications Director for the Michigan House Democrats. “That’s not lowering costs — it’s pushing them onto the backs of working families.”
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.
COL (Ret) Scott Henry
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.
COL (Ret) Scott Henry
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.
COL (Ret) Scott Henry
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.
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.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the arrest of a Sheridan Township man following a multi-state investigation involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
On January 21, 2026, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Atkinson Police Department in Nebraska regarding a report that a 21-year-old male from Sheridan Township, Michigan, was discovered to be engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female from Holt County, Nebraska.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives learned that the suspect had traveled to Nebraska, where he engaged in sexual conduct with the minor. As part of the investigation, detectives with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on January 21, 2026, in the 13000 block of 29 Mile Road in Sheridan Township. During the search, several computers and cellular phones were seized as evidence.
The suspect was arrested and lodged at the Calhoun County Jail on the following charges:
Soliciting a minor for immoral purposes
Using a computer to commit a crime
Disseminating sexually explicit matter to a minor
This investigation was conducted with the assistance of the Atkinson Police Department and the Holt County District Attorney’s Office.
This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Pignataro at 269-781-0880 or provide an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.
“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
City Watch News Blog 
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