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.

The following is from Albion College Facebook page.

Over the weekend, Albion College received two independent sightings of a possible alligator in the Kalamazoo River at the Whitehouse Nature Center.

The College is working directly with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other local agencies to resolve the situation as safely and quickly as possible.

While there has been no confirmation of an alligator after multiple searches, Albion College is taking every precaution to ensure the safety of the campus and the surrounding community.

As a result, the Whitehouse Nature Center will remain closed until further notice.

Written by John Face

Photos by John Face

June 25, 2022

More than one hundred locals met this morning to officially dedicate the T-Ball Park along with a statue and plaque. The ceremony was to recognize the late Jerry Sacharski a long time Albion teacher, coach and inventor of the game of t-ball. This event was attended by Sacharski’s three sons who all spoke during the event. Mike, Will and Dave were touched at the outpouring of respect given to their late father.

Speakers shared stories of their time playing T- Ball or Pee Wee baseball as it is known in Albion. The plaque which is pictured in the photo below tells the story best.

Event organizer Linda Kolmodin, stressed to this writer to make mention of Janet Domingo’s work as co chair. “It is because of Janets hard work that this all came together. Without her we may not be here”‘ she said.

The statues unveiling was well received by the crowd and the Sacharskis.

The furure of Pee Wee, or T-Ball in Albion had their chance to pose with the statue.

Written by John Face

June 23, 2022

Albion Department of Public Safety (ADPS) Chief Scott Kipp has released the name of the suspect in last night’s officer involved shooting here in Albion. Jason Elliotte Dodds, 42, of Albion is alleged to have raised his hand with a gun in it and an officer shot him. This information comes from the press release Chief Kipp sent out last night that is shown below. Dodds was transported to the hospital and succumbed to his injuries a short time later. The location of the shooting is the 700 block of North Eaton Street.

All this writer asks from the public now is calm as we go on this fact-finding process. There are several people this morning that are hurting, from the suspects family and one of our own ADPS police officers who must deal with this shooting. Let us not make assumptions by using second hand and often false information from the public, some of which is well intentioned while others are trying to sow discord and create trouble in town.

City Watch can confirm from ADPS that body cam video of the situation does exist and is being reviewed by the Michigan State Police investigators.

As always City Watch will do its best to keep you updated.

PRESS RELEASE:

Earlier today, ADPS received information from family members that a relative was having psychological issues and was taking psychological medication and drinking, which caused him to be irrational. The family was concerned because this subject had told them he wanted to kill another relative with whom he had been in a fight a few weeks earlier. At 5:20 PM, ADPS put out information to all its officers, the Marshall Police Department, and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department, hoping we could locate the individual and get him help. Unfortunately, we only had information that he may be in the Marshall area.

At approximately 6:30 PM, 3 ADPS officers, two of whom are Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certified officers, responded to a report of an unwanted subject on the porch of the relative who had been threatened in the 700 block of N Eaton St., attempting to break in. The relative the individual was looking for, fled out the residence’s back door as the subject broke into the front door. Upon arrival, officers entered the porch to find the entrance to the house open. The officers confronted the individual, who quickly turned toward the officers and started to raise the gun. The officers ordered the subject to drop the gun multiple times as he raised it toward them. An officer fired, striking the individual, who then fell to the floor. ADPS Officers immediately began first aid and CPR until ambulance crews arrived and transported the individual to the hospital. The individual’s gun was recovered and turned over to the Michigan State Police. ADPS has requested the Michigan State Police investigate the shooting.  The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Chief Scott Kipp

Albion Public Safety