Written by John Face

November 2, 2022

As Hazel Lias was dealing with the trauma of a December 12, 2021, incident with the then President Mat Johnson of Albion College getting in her face yelling and telling her to deal with an incident, she had no idea what he was talking about. Johnson and his cabinet had a plan, that was tell the public an entirely different story. Meeting in the days after the event involving Lias the entire cabinet had the plan, which simply was getting Johnson’s version out.

In the days after this event Keena Williams, then an employee at the college and a member of Johnsons cabinet and Ashley Woodson, another member of his cabinet would arrive at Hazel Lias front door to comfort her and offer her support if she needed it. During the visit they were asked about the laptop computer that they brought, and the reply was that they would be willing to help her write a response to the situation. Lias refused the offer and would hold a tell all press conference in the days following that told an entirely different story than what Johnson was sharing.

Johnson would ultimately go to the press and tell a story and basically, he was calling Lias a liar. The internal email below is from Kelly Finn then the Chief of Staff for Johnson. It is worth a read again just to see what was happening at Albion College.

There is no secret that Johnson has the desire to return to Albion College and that he, according to several sources is in contact with current Interim President Joe Calvaruso. City Watch has heard from several sources that Johnson has contact with Williams’s campaign as well.

Voting on November 8th is important, voting for Vicky Garcia-Snyder as Mayor will be critical.

Kelly Finn Email

Kelly Finn

Dec 16, (2021)

Notified 32 people

Dear Board of Trustees,
I am writing to clarify the events over the last few days and to provide context for all of you.
The events began last Friday when a small group of students (about 30) assembled on the Quad to protest the way the College had handled a student m3qental health issue. That issue led to the student being advised that they should take a medical leave to seek the care we were unable to provide. Leroy handled the issue expertly. However, the student claimed she was mistreated by the College and misrepresented what took place which led to a demonstration on campus. We made the decision that Dr J would not attend the demonstration and hold space for Leroy to lead as VP of Student Development. Dr J did not attend.

Three off-campus individuals came to the demonstration after having publicized it in the community. Those three individuals were:

1. Morris Arvoy, a former employee of the college who was involuntarily separated from the College when Bob was hired or thereabouts. He has been one of the members of the community agitating on social media. 
2. John Face, a local blogger who has been providing misinformation for months.
3. Maurice Barry, a member of the Black community who often interacts with students.

As reported by Leroy and Ashley, who stood outside with students for over two hours, the three individuals from off campus were contributing to the escalation of the demonstration in a variety of ways. The escalation became so caustic that Leroy was personally attacked. That evening and over the weekend, Dr J reached out to Leroy to support him. Late Sunday he wrote Dr J a long text expressing his appreciation for the support and sharing that over the weekend he had considered resigning because of the attack on him. He finished that message saying he was now in a better place and looking forward to the Cabinet retreat that we were heading into on Monday and Tuesday. 

On Monday at the Cabinet retreat, Dr J made space for Leroy to share about how he felt with the team. We processed it together as a Cabinet for about 45 minutes or so. He said he felt affirmed by the support. We lightly discussed as a team that there needed to be a more proactive approach to managing the off-campus participants but moved into the retreat proper. Dr J discussed privately with Leroy and Keena and me the possibility of banning them from campus. We all agreed to think on it for a few days as we were away at the retreat anyway.

On Tuesday we all came home from the retreat in the evening. Dr J went directly to the basketball game to say a few words about Jeff Weedman’s generous gift and the dedication of the game. After the halftime events, Hazel Lias approached Dr J and asked about the t-shirts that were made for the game. A limited number were made and they had all been given out. He retrieved the one that was designated for him from the bleachers and held it up, handing it to her. As he did, he asked her for help with addressing Maurice’s part on Friday explaining that he didn’t want to overreact. Hazel had offered to Dr J to call on her for help at any time and he was trying to ask for her help. She said to him that she would take care of it and they parted ways on what he thought was a positive interaction. Joe and Donna Calvaruso witnessed the interaction.

Nevertheless, his words, actions, and perhaps tone offended Hazel. She reached out to Marc and told him so. Marc informed us of that on Wednesday morning and Dr J asked for his help and guidance as well as Keena’s with making amends. Dr J also texted an apology to Hazel immediately. She responded and asked for a one-on-one. Dr J apologized in that meeting and she said she accepted the apology and forgave him.

Today, at 6 am Hazel called Dr J to assure him she did not have anything to do with the social media reports, that she will do her best to correct the record that he never touched her, and that she will tell anyone that she has forgiven him. She also asked that we share the same with anyone who asks. 

We met with the Cabinet this morning and we discussed the situation. Marc is very upset by it as he has familial and other connections to Hazel. At one point he excused himself from the meeting. Keena explained to the cabinet that because of community expectations Marc may feel he has to leave Albion because of his responsibility to support Hazel even though she has accepted the apology. Dr J asked the team to step forward as a team and work together on this as Dr J cannot lead the response because of the role he played and the issues being litigated in public. 

We met as a team after our earlier conversation, talked through the issues and agreed to work together with the best interest of the College in mind. At the same time, Keena and Ashley met with Hazel to discuss the issue and a shared way forward in relation to the situation in this community that this creates. Keena and Ashley will lead our response related to the community.

Susie and I will work with Mike to determine what our response from a communications perspective should be. We will bring in outside consultation as needed. While Dr J is deeply concerned with resolving this situation appropriately, he and the team have all agreed that he cannot be the public face and voice of these efforts given his involvement. I will work closely with the Board and Cabinet to ensure our shared strategy reflects the Board’s vision and in close consultation with Mathew. 
I am happy to talk with anyone who would like more information.
Kelly

Written by John Face

November 2, 2022

Five years ago today, City Watch NEWS was launched by this author. I originally started to report on the sudden resignation of then Albion City Manager Sheryl Mitchell Theriot. Theriot would end up rescinding her resignation and staying after citizens stood up at a council meeting demanding council refuse to accept her resignation. It was a time of turmoil in Albion which motivated me to start looking into what was happening in Albion and boy did I have an eye opening.

Unfortunately, Theriot would eventually leave Albion for work on the east side of the state. Those who were causing her trouble were then Mayor Garrett Brown and the city council. The council would then go forward and hire eventual felon that stole money from the city and Brown would be voted out by a landslide as Albion voters rejected his treatment of Theriot and others in Albion.

City watch moved forward reporting as best we could on events and other stories here in Albion. We were blessed to have many supporters who were constantly giving encouraging words and sometimes a “pat on the back” when needed. Now understand we have our critics. Some of those went so far as to make death threats if we kept reporting on specific topics. Well, we are still here reporting.

So we take pride celebrating our 5th aniversary. We are still here, still reporting what the others won’t.

OBITUARY

Romana Saldana

NOVEMBER 8, 1931 – OCTOBER 19, 2022

IN THE CARE OFJ. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home

Romana Saldana, age 90, of Albion, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

A visitation for Romana will be held Friday, November 4, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. John Catholic Church, 1020 Irwin Avenue, Albion, Michigan 49224, followed by a memorial mass at 11:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kevintiddfuneral.com for the Saldana family.

Written by John Face

October 19, 2022

City Watch has confirmed that long time Albion matriarch Mona Saldana has passed away. Not much is known other than she has been ill recently. City Watch will post more as we get information

Mona and her family have done tacos for the Festival of the Forks for over 50 years and is a beloved member of the community.

Written by John Face

September 30, 2022

City Watch NEWS has learned that long time businessman J. Kevin Tidd lost his life as a result of Hurricane Ian on Sanibal Island. City Watch confirmed this information with Tidd’s’ friend Craig Kempf.

Tidd was the founder of J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home located in Albion MI. He is being returned to Michigan and arrangements are pending.

Editorial

Written by John Face

Photos by John Face

September 1, 2022

Ever since the announcement in early August that a Chick-Fil-A (CFA) pop up outlet would open inside the Bohm Theatre 2 there has been controversy.  The members of the LGBTQ+ community and supporters have been in an uproar.

Who is Chick-Fil-A?

CFA was founded in 1946 in Hapeville Georgia and opened its first store in 1967 by the S. Truett Cathy family with current corporate offices located in Atlanta Georgia.  S. Truett Cathy was a devout Southern Baptist; his religious beliefs had a major impact on the company.  The company’s official statement has changed over the years, but they have and continue to push their idea of Christian values.

Apparently, being faithful to God means being against any and all things LGBTQ+.  This writer has researched and found that over the years CFA and its owners, the Cathy family, have been very much against gay rights and anything they see as immoral.  The Cathy family and CFA, which they still own, has given hundreds of thousands to organizations and individuals that are against the gay community.

Even though in 2019 the CFA corporation stopped donating money directly to anti LGBTQ+ groups, the Winshape Foundation, an organization created by the Cathy family continues to fund anti-gay groups.  Winshape is funded almost entirely by members of the Cathy family who earn their living off of CFA money made for them by its franchise owners, otherwise known as customers’ money.

Bohm Theatre and Chick-Fil-A

City Watch has reached out to the Bohm Executive Director Shane Williamson and Bohm Board President Cliff Harris.  Harris said that the statement released by Williamson is, at this time, the only comment to expect from him or the Board.  After a lengthy discussion with Williamson, I requested an official statement from him.  He provided me with the following talking points, here in its entirety:

Below are the points from our end. 

• Chick-fil-A is one of the largest American fast food restaurant chains and the largest specializing in chicken sandwiches. Mr. Dekoekkoek approached the Bohm with interest in making this popular food available to the local public at the Bohm in a way that won’t interfere with performances yet will provide a source of revenue to the Bohm. Something which the charity needs after the pandemic.

We realize that some people have criticized the personal values expressed by Mr. Cathy, Founder of Chick-fil-A. However, to our knowledge, Chick-fil-A and the local franchisor, Mr. Dekoekkoek, operate in accordance with applicable laws, and the Bohm does not discriminate.

This is no different than any other rental the Bohm theatre has done. We invite any business looking for partnership to reach out to Bohm leadership to explore options.

The above talking points state that the owner Mr. Dekoekkoek, of the Battle Creek MI CFA approached the Bohm to set up a pop up.  City Watch can’t confirm that statement as we have heard from sources that Dekoekkoek approached the City of Albion who then passed the information on to the Bohm, and then worked to bring in CFA.  Either way, CFA and the Bohm worked out a contract that would bring CFA to Bohm 2 on Wednesday evenings from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.

City Watch initially was advised when this story broke that Bohm employees would not be involved in any manner with the CFA venture.  This is untrue as City Watch has observed that Bohm employees working side by side with CFA employees. It’s stated the Bohm employees take money for concession soft drinks sold only but are still required to be on site during the pop-up hours no matter what their personal feelings may be about CFA.

The Bohm does not discriminate in their business, they say, but City Watch contends denying CFA this opportunity is not discrimination at all.  The Bohm rents out the movie theatres for movies or live events to many people and organizations, which is its intended purpose.  The Bohm can sign contracts with anyone it chooses much like the one with CFA, they also can deny such contracts, especially to a company that has openly fought gay rights in America and affects a group of Albion area citizens in our hometown.  The fact is the Bohm could deny the CFA deal, corporations do it every day.  Domino’s Pizza is not sold inside Little Caesars Arena because the arena owners don’t allow it. Budweiser is not sold at Comerica Park home of the Tigers because they have a contract with Miller beer. That’s not discrimination it’s sound business.

The statement continues that CFA offers revenue for the Bohm, “Something which the charity needs after the pandemic”.  City Watch was unaware as were three local citizens we spoke with that the Bohm was experiencing financial problems.  One person said, “why didn’t they come to the community asking for help first?”

As far as the claim “some people have criticized the personal values expressed by Mr. Cathy, Founder of Chick-fil-A”, when I spoke with one person in the LBGTQ+ community, “this isn’t about the personal values of the Cathy family” they said, “this is about the hate that is spread by them (the Cathy family), their surrogates, and CFA by supporting anti LBGTQ+ initiatives”.  

The Protestors Against CFA Albion

From the very start there have been protestors out front of Bohm II with signs expressing their opinions about CFA and those buying chicken.  City Watch spent two different Wednesdays talking to them about the concerns they have.  One protestor stated that “I have seen who really cares more about chicken than the gay community”.  Another said that “I saw community business leaders walk right past us because apparently a chicken sandwich means more to them than their gay friends and customers”.

As Frank Passic walked past the protestors after making his purchase, I asked him for a quote.  He said, “Albion can’t discriminate against a business and the town needs businesses”.  He went on to say, “the Bohm needs the money, so if you don’t like the CFA don’t go”.  Art Kale another patron of CFA was asked for a quote as he left said only “the protesters have the right to protest” and went on his way. This writer asked another man for a quote about the protesters.  He stopped briefly, chuckled after I told him why they were protesting and said, “fuck them” turned and walked away.

Loree Grinnell was protesting tonight for the second week in a row as she expressed disappointment that CFA was here in Albion.  One of her problems is the Bohm is a non-profit that is supposed to be supportive of all Albion people.  She said, “The relationship between the Bohm and LBGTQ+ community makes them feel cut out from the Bohm”.  She also feels the Bohms relationship with CFA does the same to local businesses.  When I discussed the Bohms contention that they can’t discriminate against CFA she said, “But they have no problem discriminating against the LGBTQ+ community by bringing in CFA?”.

Asked how the public has treated the protestors, most she says, “walk by working hard not to look at us.  We have been able to explain to a few people what was going on and they didn’t enter”. 

This Writers Opinion

So, this is where we are. I write this article knowing full well it may hurt people whom I know and consider friends. But as a journalist I put those feelings aside as I personally choose to be on the right side of history. I have family and dear friends who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and are deeply hurt by the Bohms action and of those who walk past them ignoring their plight just because they have to have a chicken sandwich. What is next, a local NAZI organization renting out the Bohm to sell swastikas? You can’t discriminate. Also, before you get on here and tell me to figure out a way to raise money for the Bohm, I say no. That’s not my job, and whoever the job belongs to has some serious explaining to do. You hurt my family and friends, when you hurt them, you hurt me. We can’t stop CFA from coming to Albion, but we should sure as hell be able to stop them from using our beloved Bohm.

Bohm Responds – Again

I reached out again to Shane Williamson for further comments, and he supplied me with the following expanded talking points.  City Watch will share completely for you all to read so you may see what the Bohm Board and its Director feel.

Bohm Theatre Statement on Rental of the Theatre

Below is the Bohm Theatre Leadership statement and response to questions and
concerns by our friends in the Albion Community. We are providing the community
with the facts around the Bohm Theatre operations and rental and community
concern about Chick-fil-A renting the Bohm Theatre II space.

 The Bohm Theatre is a nonprofit organization serving the greater Albion
community in the arts and entertainment field. In fulfilling our mission, we do
not discriminate against anyone in any way.
 The Bohm Theatre spaces are available to rent for individual, social, and
business use.
 The Theatre itself costs an incredible amount of money to maintain while also
paying for the financing that brought it to life. The organization hasn’t ended a
single year with more cash on hand than it owes in financing and loans.
 Renting theatre space, classroom space, and office space to organizations,
businesses, and more; generates revenue streams that support the Bohm while
the Bohm is not open to make revenue. Rental of a Bohm Theatre space is not
an endorsement of or by the board of the Bohm theatre of any political,
religious, or social beliefs of any renter or organization.
 Additionally, the Bohm Theatre board, staff, and leadership work tirelessly to find
partnerships and business opportunities to further create revenue streams that
support the theatre without having to rely completely on philanthropy. The
leadership of the Bohm Theatre also welcome other businesses and
partners to join us in creating an even more vibrant theatre.
 Chick-fil-A is one of the largest American fast food restaurant chains and the
largest specializing in chicken sandwiches. Mr. Dekoekkoek approached the
Bohm with interest in making this popular food available to the local public at the
Bohm in a way that won’t interfere with performances yet will provide a source of
revenue to the Bohm. Something which the charity has needed since the
restoration of the theatre. 
 We realize that some people have criticized the personal values expressed by
Mr. Cathy, Founder of Chick-fil-A. However, to our knowledge, Chick-fil-A and the
local franchisor, Mr. Dekoekkoek, operate in accordance with applicable laws,
and the Bohm does not discriminate against anyone. We value all members of
our local, state, national, and global community.
Further inquiries or questions can be directed to director@bohmtheatre.org .

Written by John Face

August 17, 2022

Interim Albion College President Joe Calvaruso and Chief Financial Officer Gary Black have been instructed to sell.

The college Trustees Executive Committee has told them to start selling all the properties purchased under former Albion College President Mat Johnson to help raise funds for the cash strapped school. Johnson resigned last December after his very public altercation with an elderly Albion woman and icon.

Readers should remember that Johnson with the help of Attorney Richard Lindsey Jr., who at the time was the local school board President, were buying property throughout the city. These land purchases caused great concern for residents due to the fact that Marshall Public Schools was trying to pass a school bond in which some of that money would build a desperately needed Elementary School in Albion

Many claims from the public that Lindsey’s involvement with the college as a paid consultant was illegal along with what at the time was Johnsons attempt to force his plan of building the elementary school on some of this purchased college land was a major reason the Bond issue was soundly defeated.

The college Trustees have also officially put on hold any work that was planned for the Washington Gardner High School. This means the three million already spent on the steam tunnel that ripped up streets, and that was only partially complete for the Gardner project was all for nothing.

City Watch has learned though from sources that during the construction phase of the steam tunnels the college discovered their physical plant was too small to supply steam to the new building anyway, according to sources that was another reason the college had to stop the project. City Watch has attempted several times to get any comment on this, but Calvaruso has not given any response to City Watch.

College executives have been told moving forward that these actions are needed for cash flow as the college must stop raiding endowment funds.

City Watch will update this story as needed.

Written by John Face

Photos by John Face

July 16, 2022

City Watch NEWS has learned that Albion College, the City of Albions top employer, is facing significant revenue loss, and this is going to cause layoffs in the coming weeks according to sources. On June 30 of this year a first round of Layoffs or job eliminations occurred with the affected employees being told not to share that information with the press. City Watch spoke with sources who said, “it almost seems like the employees were threatened”. When asked if they had direct knowledge of employees being threatened, the source said they did not directly hear it but spoke to one of the employees involved and that is how they took the “no talking to the press” statement.

Letter to Staff

City Watch has been given a copy of an email sent by Cathy Cole to staff on Friday July 15 at 4:40 P.M. Here is the email:

The subject line said “saving money just makes “cents”

Good afternoon, 

This is a tough year, economically. Inflation is at record highs, the stock market is continuing to tumble and gas is at prices the likes of which we have never experienced. As much as this impacts your personal budget at home, it is also impacting our budget at Albion College. 

Everyone at Albion College can be good stewards in managing the budget. We ask each department to come in under budget this year to help the institution meet its financial needs, build for the future and get through a difficult 2022.

Before spending any amount this fiscal year, please ask yourself, “Does this impact students?” If it does, how? Will they be impacted negatively? Will their experience be altered significantly? If not, do we really need to spend the money THIS year? Can the conference be put off until next year? Can we eke another year out of that copier? Can we not order those water bottles this year? Can we ask everyone to brown bag it for the lunch meeting and presentation? Can one person travel instead of four? Let’s take every opportunity we have to make “cents” out of our spending.

For this one year, we can work together to make a difference and save as much as we can, where we can. In the next few days, we will send out information about a spending approval process that will make saving easier. We will also send out information about how you can be a budget hero — one dollar at a time. 

Look for the emails next week. We’ll also send invitations to fall Town Halls as we get closer to the beginning of the semester. A little “change” will help us all. 

Thank you,

The Office of Business and Finance

Financial Problems

It has been reported here on City Watch that Albion College has been dipping into their endowment funds for the last several years. According to sources the college is in the hole again to the tune of millions. Former college President Mat Johnson who resigned/Let go, depends on who you talk to, was hired by the Board of Trustees solely to raise money and help right the school finances. Instead, he spent money “like a drunken sailor” said one staff member. One needs to remember that Johnson had no real-life experience in a significant leadership role and that the last job he was at, Brown University, he was demoted for unspecified public reasons prior to coming to Albion.

He created departments and “schools” which in turn hired a significant number of staff, these newly hired Department heads, Johnson appointees, have not been released. Johnson was also making financial promises to every community organization and leader in Albion that would benefit him, promises that he never backed up and having the college paying off the huge debt of Dave Diemert’s former construction company to then turn around and place Diemert in a position of authority under the new construction company name of WG Construction Company now owned by the college. This venture has several employees at the college receiving scrutiny for their involvement in WG and the amount of money funneled through it.

Johnson was doing this all the while the college sunk deeper in debt. It’s been no secret by staff there were problems, but some were shocked at the level of debt the school carries.

Johnsons’ influence at Albion appears to continue. City Watch has spoken to two different employees who state they are aware of senior staff appointees of his who regularly talk to him. It is for this reason that many at the college still fear for their jobs. His high-level appointees have appeared to have a free pass and continue to hire employees. “During Johnsons purge” said one staffer, “he pushed out good people and brought in his flunkies to do his bidding”. The source continued that many are fearful that they will be released as these Johnson appointees and the people they hired remain.

Stay connected to City Watch and follow this and other stories.

Written by John Face

July 13, 2022

As the search comes to an end for the elusive alligator things slowly return to normal. Albion College released a statement via their Facebook page that the Whitehouse Nature Center would reopen as usual. They stated “Staff consulted with state and local wildlife experts and followed their advice about when and how to conduct searches along the trails and Kalamazoo River. The College followed the instructions precisely and found no evidence of an alligator at this time in the Whitehouse Nature Center”.

What this means is that there are no obvious signs of an alligator beyond the two separate witness reports. Now this does not mean that BRITagator isn’t out there. So, as you walk the trails and float the river be aware of your surroundings because you never know if ole “BRIT” will appear again.

Written by John Face

July 12, 2022

BRITagator, the name given to the elusive alligator swimming in the Kalamazoo River around Whitehouse Nature Center on the campus of Albion College has not been seen since its first sightings. Authorities have been tight lipped so far about their searches and continue to have the Nature Center closed out of an abundance of caution.

City Watch will bring updates as soon as we get them.