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

Written by John Face

City Watch NEWS

December 4, 2021

In a letter from Marshall Public Schools Interim-Superintendent Becky Jones, which is located at the bottom of this article, she explains a situation that occurred at the Marshall Opportunity High School (MOHS) located in Albion Michigan on Thursday December 2. This situation is serious in light of multiple threats from around the state since the November 30 shooting rampage at Oxford High School by a student that killed four other students.

In her letter to parents she stated, “The incident remains under investigation, however, there is no current threat to the building”. According to sources the Superintendent based this comment on what she knew on Thursday, and this was a correct statement.

What Happened

Thursday a student allegedly threatened to kill a teacher and shoot up the school near the end of the day. Staff at MOHS did exactly what they should have and isolated the student and called the Albion Department of Public Safety. (ADPS) At some point the students’ mother was contacted as well.

Upon investigation it was decided that the student needed a mental health evaluation and that in fact threats were made. The student refused any help and was placed in handcuffs and taken to Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall by police according to sources, for an evaluation.

What MOHS Knew

As far as any staff at the MOHS knew the situation was being handled as a criminal and mental health case. Come Friday the school was contacted that in fact the student had been released the evening before from Oaklawn and not to law enforcement officers for potential criminal charges. According to several sources at this point ADPS along with Calhoun County Sheriff’s Deputies were patrolling the school and area.

Friday

Staff at MOHS was in a heightened state of readiness during the day. Normal routines were changed according to students. Sources stated that several parents either did not send their child to school Friday or came and picked them up. What has not happened is the Superintendent did not send a follow-up letter to parents regarding the situation. “An email to me would have been nice, imagine how upset I was when my child got home and told me what happened Friday” said one parent.

We do know on Friday the student involved eventually would arrive at the school on the east end putting the school in lockdown and police were quick to respond and with weapons drawn according to witnesses, the student was taken into custody. According to several sources students were shaken yet school would continue.

Further Information is Being Sought

City Watch is working aggressively talking with parents, students and others to find out all the details. We will be getting copies of police reports to see why the student involved in this was not held by law enforcement on Thursday after evaluation. We will be reaching out to the Superintendents’ office Monday for further answers on why parents were left in the dark.

Any parent or student who wishes to speak with City Watch off the Record may contact us at facej781@gmail.com

Superintendent Letter

Marshall Public Schools
100 E. Green Street
Marshall, Michigan 49068
December 2, 2021

Dear MPS Families,
Today at the Opportunity High School, while speaking to a staff member and his peers, a student threatened violence against the school, members of the school community, and himself. The student was isolated and police were dispatched to the building. After interviewing the student and speaking to his parent, he was turned over to the authorities. The incident remains under investigation, however, there is no current threat to the building. MPS is thankful for the support from local law enforcement as well as the staff and students who acted swiftly, intentionally, and according to established procedures.

We must use this event, as well as recent events from around the state, as a reminder to remain diligent. In the coming days, all building administrators, teachers, and support staff will review our current Emergency Operating Procedures (EOP). As of January 2020, school districts were required by the Michigan Department of Education to have an EOP in place, conduct three school safety drills annually, and report certain crimes to State Police within 24 hours. While preparation does not limit the probability of this type of occurrence, being knowledgeable, aware, and equipped to handle any emergency that may arise is our best hope for mitigation. I know these can be very trying times; a feeling of safety and security is a fundamental necessity for us all. Do not hesitate to reach out should you find yourself in need of support or if you are having concerns about another member of our district family. Staff members, building administrators, and the Central Office team are here for you.

Sincerely,
Becky Jones
Interim-Superintendent
Marshall Public Schools

Written by John Face

November 1, 2021

On this day in 2017 City Watch began.

It started just to report on the topic of the times which was then City Manager Sheryl Mitchell as the city council was trying to oust her. It would dwarf into taking detailed and controversial looks at the City Council and items around town.

We have reported on parades, celebrations and the good things happening in Albion. We have been cheered as fair and factual to being fake NEWS by the same people. My friend who is a journalist in Kalamazoo once said “welcome to the jungle John it never gets better but at least you have your integrity”.

City Watch will continue to bring you the latest NEWS despite the “powers that be” who wish to silence us. Truth and facts always prevail. When you hear them saying we are fake NEWS it’s time to take a closer look at them and read City Watch.