A rally planned for Monday at 5:30 P.M. in front of the Bohm Theatre in support of Hazel Lias is trending. Organizers of the event have purchased add space on the Bohm marquee (pictured in story) and are telling City Watch there appears to be interest in the event.
The rally comes in the wake of an M live article on Friday in which former Albion College President Mat Johnson says that the situation with Hazel Lias which ultimately caused him to resign is not true and he stated he “simply remembers the conversation that night differently”. The altercation occurred in mid-December. Johnson was aggressive with Lias according to witnesses, advancing toward her in a threatening manner while pointing his finger inches from her nose talking loud and down to her.
Here is a link to the Facebook event in which supporters of Lias are asked to attend:
When my phone rang this morning, it was Hazel Lias returning my call. I had reached out to her regarding a story that was written and released by M Live/Jackson Citizen Patriot (link at bottom of page) on Thursday January 14, former Albion College President Mat Johnson spoke out about the altercation between Hazel Lias and himself. Johnson as stated in the story speaks out for the first time since his resignation. Lias said she would prefer not to speak of the story but did remind me of her press conference (which is in her own words at the bottom of this story).
In that press conference she stated that she did in fact meet with Johnson who apologized to her for the incident, and that she forgave him. Johnson now essentially denies most of Lias’ version in his comments in the story and stated he “simply remembers the conversation that night differently”.
City Watch has reported extensively on this story. According to witnesses “Johnson was in Lias’ face with his finger pointing at her nose and yelling” said one person who witnessed it.
Johnson Leads His Sycophants
The fact is the only people believing Johnson is this small but very vocal group in Albion, who all treat Johnson like he is the 2nd coming. Johnson made nothing but empty promises of “millions” that would go to this small group pet projects or handing out jobs.
The problem is after a year and a half all Johnson did was spend money, lots of it, with very little going to projects that he promised this group. He promised an African American museum inside Washington Gardner school that would take up at least an entire classroom. That was later changed, according to sources to a few glassed-in wall units.
Come Support Hazel
On Monday January 17, Martin Luther King Jr Day, there is an open to the public rally of support for Hazel Lias. It is being held at the Bohm Theatre at 5:30 P.M. Organizers ask you to come, make signs and let Hazel know she is loved and believed. Here is a link to the Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/1CtcKmP4n
From Hazel Lias Press Conference
City watch wrote a story on December 17, 2021, covering Hazels press conference. Below is the story I wrote to refresh your memory what Hazel said.
It has been a strange couple of days — EVEN FOR ALBION!! I never expected to be in this position, but as you all know, I have never been afraid to speak my mind. I want to share with you my version of events from the other night.:
I was at the game at the College on Tuesday. I saw the t-shirts designed for the event and jokingly said I wanted one. I was walked over to Dr. Johnson to get one. Johnson pointed his finger in my face and told me to control my friend Mo. He said if he came on campus again he would be banned. I had no idea what he was talking about. At that point, he threw the t-shirt at my chest. I was startled and deeply concerned by his tone and his intimidating body language.
To be clear, Johnson did not physically hit me. But I did feel threatened by his behavior and anger that he was directing towards me as he was pointing his finger in my face.:
While I understand that a statement issued by Albion College says that Johnson “held up the t-shirt and handed it over” – that also is not true! The t-shirt was thrown at me andnot in a friendly way by Johnson. In fact, there was nothing friendly or respectful in how he was addressing me at all.
At the game, Johnson was indicating that Big Mo was instigating the student protest on campus and had assaulted Leroy.
Johnson said that he would give me the t-shirt, but that he wanted me to tell Mo that he was no longer allowed on the college campus and threatened to have Mo jailed if he setfoot on the campus again.
I was upset. I quickly left and immediately called Mo and asked what had happened andhad he talked to the people that Johnson had mentioned. Mo told me he had not.
I checked also with others who also confirmed that Mo had not addressed them at the protest.
Wednesday evening, I received a call from a gentleman who wanted to meet me and explain something regarding the incident. He came to my home and introduced himself as “Mo” — Morris Arvoy! :He said that I am the Mo that Johnson is upset about being at the college campus protest!
You can imagine my surprise, as this small white man does look anything like Big Mo over here. So, I couldn’t see how anyone could get them confused!! He further said that Big Mo was only there to be supportive of the students and was not involved in any other way that would be considered a problem.
I received a text message from Johnson. He at first offered to meet and have Dr. AshleyWoodson be there also. We agreed to meet one on one in the hotel lobby
Although he did apologize at the about the incident and I accepted his apology…I also made it very clear that this was the 2nd strike! This was the 2nd time that he had disrespected me publicly for no good reason. And, that was something that I was not going to get over.
There was a lot of information and rumors going around and stories in the social media. Not all of the details were completely accurate.
Yesterday, I called Johnson to just let him know that I was not saying to anyone that he physically hit me.
Two college officials came over yesterday to help me draft a statement, but I had them tear it up, because what they wanted to say did not acknowledge that it was totally inappropriate for Johnson to treat ANY WOMAN in such a disrespectful and threatening way. There was no intention of holding Johnson accountable for his bullying behavior.
I did offer to help set the record straight, which is why I am here today.
He is NOT the VICTIM! And, I will not stand by quietly as his supporters attempt to shame me for speaking the truth!
Press Release from Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office
ERIC KRAUSE RETIRES AFTER 43 YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT Since 1978, Eric Krause has devoted his life to protecting our community. After retiring from the Albion Department of Public Safety, he joined the Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy in the Village of Homer. He was the model of community policing as shown by his caring, compassionate actions. His kind heart continued and on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office, he asked to award department unit commendations to Transcriptionists Lori Warner and Dawn White, Support Staff Jeniffer Fisher, and Deputy Cleon Brown for assisting him in solving several burglaries in the village before his retirement. He even brought them flowers, a true gentleman. Congratulations Deputy Eric Krause – 43 Years in Law Enforcement
City Watch has been given a copy of the recall language that has been submitted to the County.
Mr. Lindsey presided over school board discussions, deliberations and actions associated with Albion College while simultaneously serving as Albion College’s paid attorney. His conduct violated MPS policy prohibiting Board members from engaging in activities which raises a reasonable question of conflict with their duties and responsibilities in the school system. His conduct also violated the Michigan Code of Educational Ethics which require avoiding the appearance of impropriety. Mr. Lindsey violated the Open Meetings Act and School District policy on 11 October 2021 by presiding over a closed session meeting of the Board of Education without the purpose of the meeting being disclosed to the public. He subsequently created a false official record by approving inaccurate official minutes of the meeting which hid the OMA violation. Mr. Lindsey disregarded the voters’ 2 November 2021 rejection of a school bond, and despite public opposition to an alliance between Marshall Public Schools and Albion College, voted on 13 December 2021 to proceed in establishing a partnership between MPS and Albion College to construct a new school.
Mr. Davis violated the Michigan Code of Educational Ethics by failing to confront and take reasonable steps to resolve ethical conflicts involving Board President Lindsey while Lindsey simultaneously served as Albion College attorney and presided over School Board deliberations involving his client. Davis failed to communicate with parents in a respectful manner during the 27 September 2021 School Board meeting by telling the public voting no due to no trust in the board is the height of shooting themselves in the foot. Davis disregarded the voters’ 2 November 2021 rejection of a school bond, and despite public opposition to an alliance between Marshall Public Schools and Albion College, voted on 13 December 2021 to proceed in establishing a partnership between MPS and Albion College to construct a new school. Mr. Davis violated the Open Meetings Act and School District policy on 11 October 2021 by participating in a closed session meeting of the Board without the purpose of the meeting being disclosed to the public. He subsequently created a false official record by approving inaccurate official minutes of the meeting which hid the OMA violation.
Shawna Gamble violated the Michigan Code of Educational Ethics by failing to confront and take reasonable steps to resolve ethical conflicts involving Board President Lindsey while Lindsey simultaneously served as Albion College attorney and presided over School Board deliberations involving his client. Shawna Gamble disregarded the voters’ 2 November 2021 rejection of a school bond, and despite public opposition to an alliance between Marshall Public Schools and Albion College, voted on 13 December 2021 to proceed in establishing a partnership between MPS and Albion College to construct a new school. Shawna Gamble violated the Open Meetings Act and School District policy on 11 October 2021 by participating in a closed session meeting of the MPS Board of Education without the purpose of the meeting being disclosed to the public. She subsequently created a false official record by approving inaccurate minutes of the 11 Oct 2021 BOE meeting which hid the OMA violation.
Dr. Carrie Nicholson and Larry Williams members of the Marshall Public School board resigned yesterday. Williams posted on his Facebook account Tuesday morning of his resignation and Dr. Nicholson last night made her announcement public. The two members live in the Albion area and have what many board observers say was a strained relationship with Board President Richard Lindsey and Board member Matt Davis. Lindsey and Davis have been on their social media platforms praising the work of the two former board members today.
Below is information if you are interested in becoming a member of the board. City Watch has reached out to the former members and will update this story at that time.
As the Albion College Board of Trustees decided to accept the resignation of former President Mat Johnson it appears one thing wasn’t going to happen, and that was an apology given to Hazel Lias for the assault she endured at the hands of the former President on their property. One can’t help but look at what happened in the days prior to and following the resignation. Board President Mike Harrington explaining what a great job Johnson did all while talking about the new role Johnson would be undertaking. This was basically the Board, flipping the bird to Hazel and Albion. They may as well come out and say screw you Albion, screw you Hazel we don’t care about you.
City Watch NEWS will be looking into why we are where we are with our relationship with Albion College over the next few weeks. Stay tuned.
City Watch NEWS has been advised that a local group of concerned parents have taken out petitions to recall local school board members President Richard Lindsey, Matt Davis and Shawna Gamble. City Watch will be speaking to organizers of the recalls soon.
Most of the complaints expressed by supporters of the recall are attached to the failed bond issue last November and several other concerns including issues with former Albion College President Mat Johnson and his apparent attempt to sway votes on the school board.
The recall election, assuming it’s approved, and gets enough signatures will be open to those voters in the Marshall Public School District. That area is the “old” Marshall and Albion School districts.
City Watch has been hearing “follow the money” since early on in former President of Albion College Mat Johnsons’ brief tenure. Professors claim that money set aside for them to use for their classes and students was cut from the department budgets. Of course, that made more money available and created a false narrative that the college had more than it did.
Much the same as donations made to the college. Johnson took credit for fundraising success with money that was raised under the Maurie Ditzler administration, Ditzler was President before Johnson came in. The Ditzler administration raised millions and some of that is due over the process of many years, a common practice. So, for example, a one million dollar “payment” last year on a pledge made in 2017 really had nothing to do with Johnson and his administration yet he would brag to the board and employees said one source who asked for anonymity for fear of reprisal.
There are concerns being expressed by insiders about money spent on W. G. Construction. City Watch is working hard to bring you answers. Time will tell if the interim president will really look into things or just continue to bully employees and appear to cover up.
As it stands now most of Johnson’s department heads or cabinet as he called them are still working at the college. That is causing real fear with employees said another employee. “Retribution is still on the table” they said.
Mat Johnsons new job as he steps away from the presidency at Albion College is eerily similar to one he had when he suddenly stepped down at Brown University. The Brown Daily Herald, a daily campus newspaper (follow link below to article) reported on March 11, 2020, that Johnson, associate dean of the College for engaged scholarship and director of the Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Classification, stepped down from his position as executive director of the Swearer Center March 1. Apparently, he took a newly created position with the Carnegie Foundation. “He would assume a new position as a senior fellow to focus on the expansion of the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification,” said the Herald.
Mat Johnson
City Watch has spoken to four Academics from around the country with no link to Albion College or Brown University and all said this was essentially a demotion. All these Academics spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal at their current Universities.
As he leaves Albion Johnson will now serve as president of the Commission for Public Purpose in Higher Education in partnership with the Carnegie Foundation. The Commission is responsible for the stewardship and continuous development of the basic and elective classification systems of higher education institutions.
The change of jobs at Brown begs a question that Albion College Board of Trustee President Mike Harrington needs to address. One being why did Albion College hire a man who appeared to be recently demoted? City Watch has learned that this information was available to Harrington and others doing the national search that brought Johnson to Albion.
As Jenny Risner-Wade sat sipping her morning coffee I made a quick look around her shop. It was homey with the smell of chocolate filling my senses with joy. I was here today to talk to her about a recent grant she qualified for through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). On December 16 she found out that her business Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop, will receive up to $25,000 that is to be used for her business as upgrades for chocolate manufacturing and to the building.
Jenny Risner-Wade
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in the official press release “The Match on Main grants are helping us put small businesses first and build on the 145,000 jobs we added last year by continuing to invest in our communities and main streets across the state.” She went on to say, “I am so grateful to our hardworking, innovative small business owners who form the backbone of our economy, create jobs, and help countless local communities thrive. We will continue investing in them as we usher in a new era of economic prosperity for Michigan.”
Jennys’ shop opened for business in September of 2020, which was in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. She spoke of the challenges, but most she said, “were welcomed ones.” She was happy with her location which is across the street from the Children’s Museum and Auto supply store. She smiled describing how the business owners’ wave and nod at each other when they pass store fronts. Her love of downtown is obvious and that is why the grant is so special as it is helping build and support small businesses like her.
Her location, specifically the building she is in according to local archives has a long history where most of its tenants were women. She said, “a Mrs. Babcock operated a milenery hat shop here in 1890.” The building has hosted many shops operated by women. Her address is 306 South Superior, right beside the Michigan Secretary of State office. Their website is https://www.yellowbirdchocolateshop.com/
I asked about her “art wall” located on the front side of her checkout area. She said that happened quite by accident as a way to keep young visitors busy while parents shopped. The picture below was drawn by a young lady who was here from Tennessee visiting her dad. He is working on the Solar panel projects in the area, and they had just finished at the museum when they came across the street for a visit. She jokingly said the parents stand in the museum staring at that big yellow sign (on the front of the building) and come in here for some “be a kid in a candy store time.”
Her retail area which is small compared to the size of the building is one of the improvements to be made. They will be taking out several walls (below scribbled on wall) to make the retail space what appears to be about double of what it is now. A walk back to the manufacturing area one could see why improvements were needed, it’s very small. She will be putting in larger everything as she says, “I will be able increase my output.” Her goal is to expand on her internet sales, commercial accounts and of course her retail sales.
Another thing that will happen with the expansion is her teaching classes. She hosts several tastings per year for small groups. The participants get information on how chocolate is made trying out combinations of chocolate with different foods and drink. She plans on holding several more by utilizing the small courtyard located just outside her back door. A small area big enough for a few tables and, well, chocolate.
Jenny did say that she appreciated the work of the Albion Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) did to help her filing for this grant money. She also encouraged other main street businesses to contact AEDC as this program gives out grants twice a year. “Main street is important, customers like coming in and knowing their shop keepers.” She reminded this writer how she got started. “I did pop up shops for four years and built a small but devoted clientele. Then I started to plan and here we are today.”
I asked when they would start work on the expansion. She said ordering equipment will take time for delivery, but not soon no matter how fast that is. “Valentine’s Day is only 8 weeks away. We have to start building up our inventory as it is a busy time of year.” Ahhhhhh, so goes the life of a chocolatier.
You can reach out to the Albion Economic Development Corporation for information on this and other economic help available to local businesses at:
City Watch News Blog 
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