Albion Art Council Home Launch Huge Success

By John Face

November 21, 2025

Grand Opening Evening in Pictures

Location: 107 East Cass. Heading East on Cass, (Toward the college) from Cass and Superior Streets. You go half a block, cross the river, literally at the end of the bridge, make a hard left into the drive along the river, go forward, and you will run into the big red building.

Hours for the Holiday Gallery are:
Thursdays: 2 – 6 PM Dec. 4, & 11
Fridays: 3 – 6 PM Nov. 21, 28; Dec. 5, & 12
Saturdays: 11 AM – 3 PM Nov. 22, & 29; Dec. 6, & 13

November 21, 2025 0

Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Meeting

Press Release

November 21, 2025

Highlights from the Thursday, November 20, 2025, Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Meeting

The meeting opened with a series of recognitions and presentations honoring those who serve Calhoun County in meaningful and impactful ways.

The Board first presented a proclamation honoring the Calhoun County Substance Abuse Coalition, the Albion-Homer Substance Abuse Coalition, and community advocates Dr. Harry Bonner and Art Kale. The proclamation acknowledged their ongoing leadership in prevention, education, and community partnership efforts that strengthen residents’ health and safety across the county.

Commissioners then received the 2024 Annual Report from the Office of the Medical Examiner, presented by Dr. Patrick Hansma of the WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. The report outlined key data trends, caseload information, and operational updates from the past year, providing insight into the county’s mortality data and public health indicators.

Next, Assistant County Administrator Megan Banning delivered the 2026 Administrator/Controller’s Budget Recommendation, followed by the annual public hearing on the proposed budget. The recommendation highlighted the County’s financial position heading into FY26, key operational priorities, and proposed investments that support essential services, public safety, infrastructure, and long-term fiscal stability.

On the Consent Agenda, Commissioners approved the following items:

Reappointment to the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility/DHHS Board
Fiscal Year 2026 Emergency Management Work Agreement

During New Business, the Board approved two MDNR Grant Agreements, one for the North Branch Park Boat Launch Renovation and the other for Historic Bridge Park Improvements. The Board also accepted a state-directed funding allocation to support the replacement of Tasers for the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring that deputies have updated, reliable equipment for public safety operations. Finally, the Board approved a Resolution supporting the Calhoun County Land Bank’s planned short-term financing for projects ultimately to be reimbursed by grants.

November 21, 2025 0

Wayne Webster Facing Albion College Challenges Head On

By John Face

November 20, 2025

As I sat down with Albion College President Dr. Wayne Webster on November 14, I was prepared for a thorough interview. This interview included several questions, covering everything from student enrollment to Albion College’s current financial situation. I also addressed a lingering issue from the tenure of former Albion College president, Mathew Johnson. Johnson’s time at Albion nearly destabilized the college and raised widespread concern, especially due to his reckless spending when the school needed to be cautious.

It would be the response to a question specifically about the Attorney General’s office’s ongoing monitoring of the schools’ finances, which is a result of an investigation tied to Johnson’s tenure that now delays the rest of this story. My question was about monitoring and whether a new investigation was underway. This is a routine question given past events, and I was not satisfied with the answer. Now read this carefully, Dr. Webster did not deceive me or lie in this interview, so please do not assume that is where the issue is.

Now, understand: Albion College faced some major issues unrelated to Dr. Webster, all of which happened before he arrived. Once this story is written, you’ll see that the school has made positive progress. But unfortunately, I need to do more research before I can tell the full story.

You may be asking, why, John, are you writing this? Well, many people have been made aware of my interview with him, and I have said all along that the story would most likely be written and released mid-December. With that date now unlikely due to my ongoing work, I felt you had the right to know about my delay. Until that day, have a great Thanksgiving. A friendly reminder, we here at City Watch always encourage tips and whistleblower leads, and we protect our sources. Feel free to email us at citywatchnews1@gmail.com

November 20, 2025 0

More Albion Aglow Fun

Join This Event on Thursday, November 13

November 8, 2025 0

Albion Aglow – Times Two

By John Face

November 7, 2025

Thursday, November 13

This year, the Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce has split its annual event into two separate days. The first will be Thursday night, November 13, 2025. The following is from the Chamber press Release from their social media:

Join us for a very MAGICAL evening of holiday lights, carriage rides (FREE), and shopping on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 4 – 7 p.m. in downtown Albion, Michigan. The official Albion Aglow Lighting Ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at Bournelis Park (intersection of Cass & Superior Street). Albion Aglow’s 2025 theme is The North Pole!

The Greater Albion Chamber is excited to invite you to a much brighter Albion Aglow as we kick-off this year’s Albion Aglow Schedule of Events next week! The official Lighting Ceremony consisting of Albion’s cherished snowflakes, garland and Christmas Tree will be joined by even more lights and garland along with two NEW Holiday Light Displays. This year’s new Light Displays consist of a 7ft. Holiday Wreath in which we encourage families to capture memories with this season (located at 403 S. Superior Street) and a 5 ft. Lighted Ornament at Mulder Park. Plus, there will be additional holiday lights added prior to the Albion Aglow parade scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025 (see separate event page for details).

Friday, December 5

The Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau invites the community and visitors to “The North Pole” during this year’s Albion Aglow Parade presented by Ford BlueOval Battery Park MI on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

The Greater Albion Chamber encourages attendees to support and shop local during this year’s Albion Aglow Schedule of Events by dining at one of our local restaurants, checking off items from your holiday shopping list by shopping (or purchasing gift cards) with one of our local retailers, enjoying live music, and meeting with Santa Claus at Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum following the parade.

NEW for 2025! As part of the X-mas in July fundraising campaign from generous community donors, there will be two NEW Holiday Wreath Skylines shining brought during this year’s Albion Aglow parade. Thank you to the Albion Community Foundation, Caster Cares, City of Albion, Albion Downtown Development Authority, Greater Albion Chamber, and Albion Electric along with fundraising donors helping Albion to shine even brighter this holiday season:

Ace Investment Properties
Albion College
Albion Malleable Brewing Co.
Caster Concepts
Decker Manufacturing
Duck Lake General Store
Flat Top Studios
Foundry Bakehouse & Deli
Stirling Books & Brew
Pure Albion
Yesterday’s News
Albion Area Philanthropic Women
Albion Community Foundation
Albion Health Care Alliance
Citizens to Beautify Albion
Forks Senior Center Board
Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
Superior Street Mercantile
The Reimann Family
Vivian & Arthur Davis
Karen D. Yankie
Mayor Victoria Snyder
The Starkeys
Dave & Nancy Roush
Andrew & Stephanie Dobbins
Linda Kolmodin
Mike & Peg Turner
Sam & Denise Porter
Yvonne & Terry Cole
Dr. Paul & Jennifer Watson
Afton & Branden MaKsimchuk
James & Helen Fraley Family
In Memory/Honor of Bill & Ruth Gilbert
The Williamsons
Cliff Harris & Karen Erlandson
Andy & Lisa French

Now is the time to start detangling those lights to decorate your floats, trucks, golf carts, etc. to be a part of this year’s parade. See the Discussion section for the 2025 Albion Aglow Parade Application.

Contact the Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce by calling 517.629.5533 with any questions.

This year’s Lighting Ceremony would not have been possible without the generous support from the Albion Community Foundation, Caster Cares, City of Albion, Albion Downtown Development Authority, Greater Albion Chamber, and Albion Electric. Thank you, along with this year’s X-mas in July Fundraiser Campaign donors, for helping Albion to shine even brighter this holiday season:

Interested in learning more about this year’s Schedule of Events? See the Discussion section to sign-up for carriage rides (sign-ups will begin on Monday, November 10, 2025), learn more about Holiday Alley, prepare your shopping list with shout outs to open businesses during Open House hours, and so much MORE!

Also, mark your calendars for Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6 p.m. for the 2025 Albion Aglow Parade presented by Ford BlueOval Battery Park MI. See separate event page for details.

November 7, 2025 0

Holiday Alley Fun in Albion

While Albion turns on its Holiday Lights, come visit Holiday Alley, located between Anna’s House of Flowers and the Secretary of State, on November 13 from 5 – 8 PM. You will find good things to eat, a walking story, a Gingerbread House, and hot dogs by our own Hot Dog Man.

The participants this year are Anna’s House of Flowers and Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop, which will have an Open House with lots of chocolate for stocking stuffers and will take preorders for their truffle collection. Sister City will award prizes from France for identifying the parks in the mural. At Salem Church’s Gingerbread House, you can enjoy a gingerbread man and buy a kit to make your own gingerbread house with recipes for frosting and decorations. Jolly Green Junction will have produce and festive items, and the Albion Arts Commission will have previews of the Holiday Arts Market opening up soon.

Flat Top will have free popcorn and a crackling fire over which to warm your hands. Albion Library staff will present a “Walking Story,” and you might even see a Dancing Elf or two in the crowd. Come out and enjoy a fun evening to start your Holiday season.

November 6, 2025 0

8 Years and Going Strong, Again

October 31, 2025

By John Face

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Born of the corruption of City of Albion politicians, eight years ago on this day, the idea of City Watch was put into action. They were painful days, as the Albion City Manager at that time, Sheryl Theriot (Mitchell), was under fire and being forced to resign by four allegedly corrupt council members. Citizens took a stand, urging her not to resign, during a meeting where over 100 citizens stood up and asked her to stay. She would rescind her resignation—for the time being—but eventually the evil on our council won out.

That was followed by a City Manager who literally stole thousands from Albion and was eventually charged and convicted. Hired by the same allegedly corrupt council that ran Theriot out of town, City Watch reported on her spending habits, prompting the council, led by then-Mayor Dave Atchison, to eventually oust her. This reporting preceded death threats against this writer that included damage to my vehicle. (Investigative journalism is not easy)

We were there reporting on a new Albion College President who was demanding students and staff alike to be kind and respectful, but was creating chaos by figuratively standing on the throats of opposition at the school, forcing some of the top talent at Albion College out for daring to stand up to the king. We reported his working relationship with the above four allegedly corrupt council members and the favors he showered on them to secure their votes in his favor. We were the first to report the assault of a dear beloved elder in our community, which forced his resignation.

Sheryl Theriot & John Face City Watch NEWS

From that start, we have been around, even though the last one has been somewhat quiet, mainly because this reporter has been dealing with significant health issues that are finally under control. So here we go again. Back to reporting on issues that concern our readers.

We will start with interviews of Albion’s movers and shakers, beginning with a comprehensive interview with the new Albion College President, Wayne Webster. Many may recall that we interviewed Dr. Webster shortly after he arrived in Albion in July of 2023. This new interview will address the many challenges he has faced, including enrollment, financial issues, the federal government’s ever-changing rules, and more. His interview should go to press by mid-December.

We will be opening up our forum to guest writers, letters to the editor, and guest photographers. We ask the public to help lead us to potential stories. This writer can’t tell you the number of times I have heard, “Why did you miss this event today?” My reply is almost always, “This is the first I have heard about it.” Remember, WE respect the confidentiality of whistleblowers and sources.

So, celebrate with City Watch today—we have a lot to look forward to.

Please subscribe to City Watch NEWS on the link below. That way, all our new articles are emailed directly to you. Oh, Happy Halloween.

October 31, 2025 1

Albion Arts Center Gets Home

Press Release

October 29, 2025

The Albion Arts Commission is very pleased to announce our new “home”, the Albion Arts Center, at 107 E. Cass Street. This ample space serves as a gathering place for artists of all media to display and sell their works, and provides classes and workshops for the community. This location offers individual studio space as well, and is an attractive addition to downtown Albion businesses.

We plan to have a GRAND OPENING on Thursday evening, November 20, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, with a ribbon-cutting at 5:30. There will be music, light refreshments, and a special silent auction for a piece of work from each artist. This date will also be the opening of our traditional Holiday Gallery, which will continue through December 13. This years show will feature both returning artists as well as several who are new to our venue.

Hours for the Holiday Gallery are:
Thursdays: 2 – 6 PM Dec. 4, & 11
Fridays: 3 – 6 PM Nov. 21, 28; Dec. 5, & 12
Saturdays: 11 AM – 3 PM Nov. 22, & 29; Dec. 6, & 13

October 29, 2025 0

Jim Haadsma Raises More than $55,000 in Bid to Retake House District 44

The Q3 sum is more than double incumbent Steve Frisbie’s cycle-to-date total and more than triple his cash-on-hand.

Press Release

October 27, 2025

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Former State Representative Jim Haadsma announced today that his campaign raised more than $55,000 in the third quarter of 2025, his first quarter as an official candidate for House District 44 in 2026.

“These numbers make it clear, Calhoun County is ready for new leadership,” said Jim Haadsma, former state representative and candidate for the Michigan House. “People are fed up with the gridlock and want someone who will put working families first and focus on results, not politics.”

Haadsma’s third-quarter haul reflects support from local community members, labor partners, and individual donors across the region, showing broad confidence in his campaign’s message of fighting for public education and lowering costs in Calhoun County.

October 27, 2025 0

Help our Veterans

Veterans chili cook-off here in Albion.

October 21, 2025 0