Press Rel

Gov. Whitmer Awards Funding to 41 Small Businesses in 28 Communities to Support 228 Jobs and Grow Michigan’s Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 16, 2021 

Contact: press@michigan.gov  

Gov. Whitmer Awards Funding to 41 Small Businesses in 28 Communities to Support 228 Jobs and Grow Michigan’s Economy 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced that 28 communities across Michigan have been awarded a total of $1,011,057 in grants aimed at supporting small local businesses to create resiliency and strengthen downtowns through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Match on Main grant program, ensuring that the state continues its strong job growth after adding 67,000 jobs in the last three months.  

“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,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “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.” 

“Thriving small businesses are what make Michigan’s downtowns unique and authentic while helping to create economic opportunity across the state,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “These Match on Main grants will help local businesses find new paths to growth and create and retain jobs, while further developing vibrant, unique, and attractive places where people want to live, work, and play.” 

MEDC’s Match on Main program provides funding to communities that participate as a select and master level community in the Michigan Main Street program or are a Certified Redevelopment Ready community. The communities, who receive the grant funding from the MEDC, in turn award grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses seeking support. 

The grants are expected to create or retain 75 full-time and 153 part-time jobs, and the projects are expected to generate a total private investment of more than $1.7 million. 

The Match on Main grants may be used by the business for eligible expenses that support technical assistance, interior building renovations, permanent or semi-permanent activation of an outdoor space, permanent or semi-permanent business infrastructure related to COVID-19 recovery efforts, and other working capital needs such as marketing needs and inventory expenses. Additional needs identified by the business and supported by the local community are also considered. 

The Albion Economic Development Corporation will use its $25,000 to assist with the expansion of Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop, a purveyor of artisanal chocolates in downtown Albion. With the help of the funds, Yellow Bird will expand its manufacturing capacity by scaling up machinery and commercial kitchen appliances, as well as further developing online sales capabilities and consumer education through its popular tasting experiences. 

“We are truly honored to receive Michigan’s Match on Main reimbursement grant opportunity for expanding Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop in downtown Albion. This reimbursement grant means two things to us: first, it will help us meet the local and regional demand for more craft chocolate and artisanal confections; and second, it is an indicator that the State of Michigan is supportive of the efforts and creative development happening in downtown Albion,” said Jenny Risner-Wade, owner of Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop. “We are so grateful for the encouragement and guidance of our local economic development corporation, the city of Albion, the Albion Downtown Development Authority and the Dream.Build.Rise.Albion program. Thank you!” 

The city of Alpena was awarded $25,000 to support Fresh Palate, an eatery in downtown Alpena focused on providing healthy, organic, fresh meals in an energetic, earth-conscious, friendly, comfortable environment. The restaurant will use the funds to completely renovate an underutilized property in downtown Alpena into a trendy retail space with a bar. It will help to expand the downtown’s newly established social district. 

“I can’t thank the MEDC enough for the Match on Main grant award! This gives me hope that the future economy of our downtown community is staying strong and in fact thriving in this uncertain time in history,” said Eric Peterson, owner of Fresh Palate. “A grant of this size makes me feel comfortable that I can complete my expansion project without stressing the whole time over money. A thriving downtown community brings vibrancy and sustainability to a thriving local economy. Business owners really have to put themselves out there and help from someone like the MEDC goes a long way.” 

“We are thrilled to have two projects in Downtown Alpena selected for support through the Match on Main grant program. Both projects will allow our small businesses to grow and expand– and help our downtown thrive as a year-round destination as well,” said Alpena Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Anne Gentry. “The addition of igloos at Hopside Brewery will allow visitors to dine outside year-round, even throughout the winter months. The new bar and food truck court by the Fresh Palate will activate a vacant building and parking lot into a vibrant new food experience downtown. We appreciate the MEDC’s support to move these projects forward and help Downtown Alpena grow.” 

December 2021 Match on Main grant winners: 

RECIPIENT	BUSINESS NAME	GRANT
City of Houghton	Bruce Rundman/dba Good Times Music	$25,000
City of Marquette Downtown Development Authority	Ore Dock Brewing Company, LLC	$25,000
Sault Sainte Marie Downtown Development Authority	Shilts Enterprises, Inc./dba Co-Ed Flowers and Gifts	$25,000
City of Marquette Downtown Development Authority	Superior Culture	$25,000
Charlevoix DDA	Smoke on the Water	$25,000
City of Petoskey	Old Town Emmet LLC/dba Tom and Dick’s Party Store	$25,000
City of Cadillac	Owl Eye Coffee Roasters LLC	$25,000
City of Manistee	Blue Fish Kitchen, LLC	$25,000
Charlevoix DDA	CAFE MERIA, LLC	$25,000
Downtown Development Authority/Grayling Main Street	Rolling Oak Brewing Company LLC/dba Rolling Oak Brewing	$18,807
Downtown Development Authority/Grayling Main Street	Three Fires Company, LLC/dba White Pine and Petals	$25,000
City of Alpena Downtown Development Authority	Hopside Brewery	$21,250
City of Alpena Downtown Development Authority	The Fresh Palate LLC/dba Backyard’s	$25,000
City of Cheboygan Downtown Development Authority	Kryska Designs, LLC/dba Hair Design/Shine Boutique & Tanning	$25,000
City of Cheboygan Downtown Development Authority	Cottage & Main, LLC/dba Cheboygan Coffee Roasters	$25,000
Grand Haven Main Street – Downtown Development Authority	SJW Corporation/dba JW’s Food and Spirits	$25,000
Uptown Grand Rapids, Inc.	601 Browned Butter LLC/dba Brown Butter Creperie and Café	$25,000
Wayland Main Street/DDA	Ottomatic, Inc./dba Wayland Hotel Bar and Grill	$25,000
Uptown Grand Rapids, Inc.	LORDE Beauty and Cosmetics LLC	$25,000
City of Allegan	Tantrick Brewing Co, LLC	$25,000
City of Gladwin	Pale Blue Smoking Co., LLC/dba Pale Blue at the Stone House	$25,000
City of Gladwin	The Homestead, LLC	$25,000
Middle Michigan Development Corporation	Richli, Inc./dba Blue Gator Sports Pub and Grill	$25,000
Middle Michigan Development Corporation	Olive Grove Properties/dba Ginkgo Tree Inn	$25,000
Saginaw Downtown Development Authority	Gee’Ques LLC	$25,000
Middle Michigan Development Corporation	Not So Shabby Gifts and Primitives, L.L.C./dba Up North Coffee	$25,000
City of Swartz Creek	AVH Lockhart LLC/dba Burrito Bro’s/Back Alley Subs	$25,000
Lapeer Downtown Development Authority	Center for the Arts of Greater Lapeer, Inc	$25,000
Lapeer Downtown Development Authority	Wood Chips LLC/dba Woodchips BBQ	$25,000
City of St Johns	HBH Consulting, LLC/dba Fab Five Design, LLC	$25,000
City of Lansing	Strange Matter Coffee/dba Strange Matter Coffee LLC	$25,000
City of Lansing	Lansing Art Gallery, Inc./dba Lansing Art Gallery & Educational Center	$25,000
Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance	Marshall Hardware LLC	$25,000
City of Niles dba Niles Downtown Development Authority	Apothica Teas, LLC	$21,000
Downtown Development Authority of the City of South Haven	Rocket Time Amusements Inc./dba Rocket Arcade	$25,000
Village of Cassopolis	144 Broadway LLC/dba The 144 Market	$25,000
Downtown Development Authority of the City of South Haven	Rock “N” Road Cycle	$25,000
Albion Economic Development Corporation	Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop	$25,000
Jackson Downtown Development Authority	Jackson Candle Company	$25,000
Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority	Earthen Jar Inc	$25,000
Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority	Pearl Street Ventures, LLC/dba Bellflower Restaurant	$25,000
	TOTAL	$1,011,057

In March 2021, MEDC announced that 17 communities around Michigan were awarded a total of $500,743 in grants aimed at supporting small local businesses to create resiliency and strengthen downtowns around Michigan. A total of 21 small businesses around Michigan received assistance through the program. 

Michigan’s small businesses are a vital part of the state’s economy, employing more than 1.8 million people. Helping businesses to open and grow is a key focus of MEDC, and the Match on Main Street program is one of MEDC’s tools that provides opportunities for new and expanding businesses located in Main Street districts to grow and succeed. For more information on the program, visit here. To learn more about MEDC’s services for Michigan businesses, visit here. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) 

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. 

ease

Brits, Colleagues, Albionites

I condemn Mathew Johnson and his most recent disrespect of Mrs. Hazel Lias. His true character is now revealed in public. He took advantage of the pandemic to grow his power like a cancer in my beloved Albion College and my adopted hometown: the City of Albion. For too long his Office and the power it brings shielded him from the consequences of his actions. He is a manipulative, abusive man, using our highest ideals to divide and control us, while destroying people he claims to defend. He speaks impressively, and writes volumes, but his organizations and their employees struggle to keep up with his daily change in direction. Any objection to the constant chaos is met with legal threats and psychological abuse, or dismissal with a gag order. He cares only for the appearance of progress and has no idea how to actually lead people – only intimidate them. The scene with Mrs. Lias has been repeated many times with many others behind closed doors.

This is no secret. He has systematically destroyed the progress made in town-gown relationships before he arrived. He opposes those who love Albion and are ready to grow our town into the future. He chases millions of dollars away because he won’t get credit for them. His skill at deception and organizational manipulation joined with his ruthless misuse of power have kept the truth from the public eye until now. Dozens know this and dare not speak for fear of his personal and professional retaliation. Many of us worked behind the scenes in this fight, persuaded that we must protect our institutions from his attacks, but now it’s time to declare a public position. Johnson is a disgrace to the office of the President of Albion College. A wave of progress is on hold until he leaves. He must be dismissed immediately.

Clifford E. Harris,

Professor Albion College

Written by John Face

December 18, 2021

City Watch NEWS – Albion

Photo by John Face

Editorial

On Tuesday evening at the Kresge gym on the campus of Albion College, President Mathew Johnson did something that was so unbelievable that many refused to believe it happened. We all have found out what happened as the week progressed.

On Friday December 17 City Watch NEWS along with other NEWS outlets and her supporters attended a Press Conference that was called in order for Mrs. Lias to tell her side of the story and mostly to refute the narrative coming from Johnson and the college.

I believe Hazel Lias

On Thursday City Watch received a copy of an email sent by Johnsons Chief of Staff Kelly Finn (copy of that email is below) to members of the College Board of Trustees and other executives. Take a few minutes to read this email as it appears filled with errors. At the time of the email the only narrative out there was what was coming from President Johnsons supporters who were claiming that NEWS reports were a lie, the situation was not totally true etc.

Johnson supporters are out in mass this week. One has made it a point to change the narrative from Hazel Lias being verbally assaulted in a threatening way to John Face is a liar and racist. I laughed at this person’s comments. Everything this idiot said is a lie, but these are the tactics that Johnson supporters want to use. See changing the narrative from Mrs. Lias in fear of this man’s action to “the whole thing is overblown, or some reporter is a liar and racist gets people forgetting that Mat Johnson went after Hazel and did it very easily. Almost like this may be something he has done before.

So where are we now? Hazel Lias, a matriarch in our town was verbally abused by this man because he was clueless about what he was saying. If you watch the video of the press conference and read her comments below and think we can move on from this, well that is sad. There really is only one ending and that is Mat Johnson must leave Albion College.

I believe Hazel Lias

Hazel Lias is a woman whom I have known most of my life and respected that entire time. She has helped shape the lives of the young men and women she saw every single day. These “kids” today are expressing their loyalty, love and support decades after they left school. Mat Johnson must leave Albion College.

You can’t get in the face of any woman and act threatening in our town, especially Hazel Lias. You crossed the one line that we all will stand up and defend. I sat at the press conference listening yesterday and as Mrs. Lias began to break down my heart ached. She is loved and didn’t deserve to be treated like a second-class citizen by a man that acted as a superior to her. He is certainly not superior to her, and if you want to continue to support Mat Johnson, well that is saying a lot about you and your character, and that’s not a good thing.

Mat Johnson must leave Albion College for good and

I believe Hazel Lias

Kelly Finn Email

Kelly Finn

Dec 16

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

Hazel Lias Remarks

REMARKS BY Hazel Lias

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!

Written by John Face

December 17, 2021

Later today City Watch will be releasing more information regarding the Hazel Lias and Mathew Johnson incident. City Watch would like to share this email sent from Kelly Finn, Johnsons’ Chief of Staff to members of the college’s Board of Trustees on Thursday.

In the document you will note that the college is discussing banning this writer from campus because City Watch has continued to report facts about President Mathew Johnson. They are also discussing banning two other Albion area residents. Stay tuned as later today City Watch will prove why this document is full of misstatements.

Kelly Finn Email

Kelly Finn

Dec 16

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

December 16, 2021

Albion College President Mathew Johnson apologized to Hazel Lias and in person, that is fact.

It’s also a fact that it’s not enough.

Johnson had no problem embarrassing a woman who is loved by thousands of “her school kids” from Albion and by the community as a whole. Mrs. Lias is a Matriarch for sure and people go to her for advice and comfort. So, what we have is a President of one of the best colleges in the country thinking it is alright to accost this dear lady. Think about that.

I could go on and on about this, but it would be a waste of time. Johnson has led a group of people that includes members of Albion City Council members Marcola Lawler, Nora Jackson and Linda LaNoue. Add to this Local school board members Richard Lindsey and Matt Davis have all stated their complete support for him and have all pushed his private agenda to force change in Albion and in the school district. Change is good, change that benefits yourself is wrong.

So now what?

This writer is requesting the Albion College Board of Trustees to ask for Mathew Johnsons’ resignation, termination or place on leave permanently, and do this immediately. He has no business walking the streets of Albion and certainly not the beautiful campus of Albion College.

Written by John Face

City Watch NEWS

December 16, 2021

Updated 12/16 at 2 PM

While attending a basketball tournament at Albion Colleges Kresge Gymnasium Albion College President Mathew Johnson made a totally unprovoked attack on Albion matriarch Hazel Lias. The tournament was sponsored by Albion College Trustee Jeffrey Weedman who had dedicated this tournament to his father in-law. Weedman along with college Trustees Joseph Calvaruso and Joey Miller were in attendance. Also in attendance were residents from Hanover Horton and Jackson that participated in the tournament.

The attack happened down on the basketball court in front of the crowd present. Johnson leveled accusations against Lias and Albion resident Maurice Big Moe Barry. Barry is a local leader that works with community members on a variety of causes and is well respected. Johnson accused Barry of interfering with a protest at the college campus. This writer was present at this protest standing near him and all he did was observe and support students with quiet words of encouragement.

According to witnesses what was most disturbing was Johnson’s tone and his pointing close to the face of Lias as if to “talk down to her” according to one source. As he stepped forward pointing she leaned back. That is what witnesses thought was a push.

Since this situation occurred on Tuesday night Johnson has canceled the Albion College Community Holiday Party that was scheduled for 7:00 P.M. tonight. Sources said that Johnson fears for his safety as the reason for the cancellation. The party was to happen at his residence on Michigan Avenue.

City Watch has been monitoring social media and calls for his resignation or termination is growing. Many wonder why law enforcement has not been involved.

Follow City Watch for more updates.

Written by John Face

Photos by John Face

City Watch NEWS

December 6, 2021

As most of the community are aware Lopez Taco House has suffered an electrical fire early in the morning of Dec 6th, 2021.

Lopez Taco House has been an institution in Albion since 1975 when founded by Maria and Manuel Lopez. Now run by son Dan along with cousins the restaurant is very proud of their 46 years of service to the greater Albion Area.

When interviewed today Dan stated that they have no insurance and that this fire was devastating to him and his family.  He said “I have been crying today because I can’t wrap my head around this.  We are already as you see, working on cleanup and working on repairs to the building”.

They acknowledged the outpouring of support today has been wonderful.  Dan said it is great but he and the family need help, everything from repairs to money to fund operations.  As his cousin Kayla Ortiz said, “We humbly ask for help”.

Most of the fire was located in the front of the restaurant but there is heavy smoke damage.  It appears the fire happened due to an extension cord connected to decorations in the front window he said.

The family expressed their thanks and asks if anyone wishes to donate to this, the official donation page authorized by Dan and the family.

This is the familys’ official Go Fund Me Page https://gofund.me/ea5ffdc9

Written by John Face

Yesterday City Watch did a story that questioned why Interim-Superintendent Becky Jones failed to advise the community of a potentially dangerous situation at the Opportunity High School in Albion. Though City Watch was happy to report the situation at the high school in Albion there still are questions as to why parents had to find out of this situation from their child or City Watch and not the school district.

It appears the school district did exactly what it was supposed to do, for the most part. But this writer is pretty sure the districts failure to advise parents that there was more of a threat than what was released is going to be a problem. Many questions are now opened, why did Albion Police fail to make this a criminal matter? This question is most certainly one that may open a whole new can of worms.

Here is the letter