Category: News

Two Sons of the American Revolution in Albion

Add fireworks in night sky above park

By John Face

June 22, 2026

Flowers for Freedom Celebrates their Lives

Nathan Wood, 12, and Isaac Grant, 16, fought for our independence from Great Britain in 1776. They joined the rebel army, fought in the war, and lived long lives that ended here in Albion, MI. They are both buried here in Albion, Michigan, at Riverside Cemetery. Both were just young boys when they decided to serve the colonial government. Boys who were willing to give their lives so that we may be free. Boys who learned at a young age that right is right and that sometimes it means making sacrifices.

I plan to ask you to help me honor these two war veterans. I have mulled over several ideas and came up with one I think is simple and elegant. Both of their graves have been honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution with proper headstones and flag holders. I want to do something special for July 4th, and I think covering their graves with flowers, wreaths, and other appropriate July 4th-themed grave decorations would be a great way to do so.

I would like to ask you to purchase flowers and/or flower arrangements, whether living or artificial, and I will place them on their graves. I have spoken to Anna of Anna’s House of Flowers, located at 310 South Superior, 517-629-5583. Anna will take your orders, and you can pay her directly. So what I am asking is if you want to donate to honor our Sons of the Revolution, go to her flower shop and purchase an arrangement. When you make your order, tell the staff you want flowers for the revolution graves and use my name, John Face.

Anna said she will work with everyone who comes in to get something nice together for your price point. I have been asked whether someone can donate other flowers they purchased elsewhere. Yes, if you want to do that, reach out to me, John Face, here on Facebook, and I will arrange for pickup.

I will place the flowers on Friday, July 3, so that we can all appreciate them. I need you to place your order with Anna no later than noon on July 2nd. Remember, I want to cover two graves with a bunch of flowers and ornaments. Consider pooling your money.

Let’s do this, people. They are in our care now, these Sons of the Revolution, belong to us here in Albion for eternity. I will let everyone know when I plan on placing the flowers for those who may be interested.

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Lieutenant Chris Young Receives 2026 Harley Simmons Award

Sheriff Department Employee wins Award

June 9, 2026

Press Release

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that Lieutenant Chris Young has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Harley Simmons Award, presented annually by the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce’s Silent Observer Committee.

The Harley Simmons Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the safety and security of residents in the Battle Creek area through crime-reduction efforts, public-safety initiatives, and support for crime-prevention programs. The award was established in 1993 in memory of Harley Simmons, a longtime community leader, Silent Observer Committee member, and advocate for public safety.

Lt. Young was honored for his leadership of a transformative school safety initiative that has strengthened emergency response capabilities and enhanced security for students, staff, and first responders throughout Calhoun County.

Photo: Silent Observer Chairperson Dennis Wilkins presents award to Lt. Young.

Over the past four years, Lt. Young has led a $1.7 million effort to improve school safety across the county. Through his vision and coordination, 48 school buildings are now connected to an advanced safety system that integrates hundreds of newly installed cameras with thousands of existing ones into a unified network. The system provides law enforcement and emergency responders with rapid, real-time access to critical information during emergencies.

The project required extensive collaboration with 12 school districts and multiple technology partners. Lt. Young worked closely with school leaders to build trusted partnerships, develop agreements, and ensure seamless implementation of the system across the county.

“Chris has dedicated countless hours to making our schools safer and strengthening partnerships between education and public safety,” said Sheriff Steve Hinkley. “His work has created lasting improvements that will benefit students, educators, families, and first responders for years to come. This recognition is well deserved.”

According to the Silent Observer Committee, Lt. Young’s efforts embody the mission of Silent Observer by advancing proactive crime prevention, increasing situational awareness, and fostering meaningful collaboration between community partners and law enforcement.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office congratulates Lt. Young on this prestigious honor and thanks him for his continued dedication to serving and protecting the residents of Calhoun County.

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Pop-Up Photo Safari beginning at Albion Arts Center

May 15, 2026

Press Release

Let’s socialize and practice four basic Framing and Composition Techniques

Thursday, May 21 5:30-6:45 p.m. 107 E. Cass Street, Albion, MI

The Albion Arts Commission invites you to help us celebrate our closing week of our
current display of photography, Albion P.O.V. by participating in our FREE Pop-Up
Photo Safari. Join Sylvia Benavidez for an informal walk through downtown Albion for a
photo safari and add your expertise to the conversation. Bring your cell phones or bring
your state-of-the-art camera and let’s practice four basic Framing and Composition
Techniques with what we see downtown. Any skill level welcome. Sharing knowledge
and what you love about photography is encouraged.

Let’s talk Composition!

We’ll start off looking at the photos in the gallery to see which ones use the Rule of
Thirds, Leading Lines, Symmetry, and Framing within a Frame, go on a 30 min walk,
return to review and share an example of our best technique, and end with snacks and
time to socialize and talk about what we love about photography. Be adventurous
whether a beginner or skilled photographer, this time is to have fun sharing what we
love together!

For questions or to let us know you’re joining us email:
AlbionArtsCommission@gmail.com

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Rx Kids Is Working in Michigan

May 11, 2026

Republicans Matt Hall and Ann Bollin Want to Kill It.

LANSING, MI — The Rx Kids is helping new moms buy diapers, keep the lights on, recover after childbirth, and give their babies a stronger start in life.

Republican Reps. Matt Hall and Ann Bollin want to kill it.

New reporting from the Detroit Free Press and Michigan Advance shows the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program is delivering real results for Michigan families. A new study found Rx Kids led to a 32% drop in child welfare investigations among Flint infants in its first year.

The program works because it meets families where they are: $1,500 during pregnancy, followed by $500 monthly payments after birth to help cover the basics during one of the most financially vulnerable moments in a family’s life.

But instead of backing a program that helps parents afford rent, groceries, utilities, diapers, transportation, and baby supplies, Hall and Bollin are trying to strip all $20 million in state funding from the program at a time when Michigan families are already stretched thin due to Trump’s disastrous economic policies.

“Michigan Republicans love to talk about being pro-family until it’s time to actually help families,” said Amber Gantt, MHDF spokesperson. “Rx Kids is helping parents afford diapers, keep the lights on, recover after childbirth, and give their babies a stronger start in life — and Republicans want to rip it away. It’s cruel, out of touch, and exactly why Michigan voters will be rejecting this Republican agenda this November.”

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Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, Detroit Caucus Condemn Redistricting by Tennessee Republicans

Press Release

May 8, 2026

Move eliminates last majority-minorty district in the state

LANSING, Mich., May 8, 2026 — Yesterday, the Republican-led Tennessee legislature passed a new U.S. Congressional map, splitting the last and only Black-majority district into three Republican-leaning districts. This follows a trend led by Republicans to disenfranchise voters, especially voters of color.  

“This new map is about a brazen power grab — it most certainly has absolutely nothing to do with fair representation. By breaking apart communities of color, Republicans are trying to rig the system before a single vote is cast. Every American deserves an equal voice and fair representation in Congress, regardless of their ZIP code or the color of their skin,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.

This move follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais to dismantle staple provisions in the Voting Rights Act that ensured non-discriminatory voting and representation practices across the country. 

“The erosion of key protections in the Voting Rights Act opened the door for states to pursue maps like this with fewer safeguards against discrimination. That makes it even more important that we remain vigilant in defending fair representation and equal access to the ballot box here in Michigan,” said state Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), 1st vice chairperson of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.

Under the previous map, about 60% of voters in the district, which included the whole city of Memphis, were Black. While Republicans claim the redraw was prompted by population and politics, Democrats have been adamant that the move deprives the region’s Black community of representation in Congress.

“When communities that have historically been able to elect representatives of their choice are carved apart and scattered across multiple districts, it raises serious concerns about whether voters are being denied meaningful representation. Representation should reflect communities rather than dilute their voices for political advantage,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit), chair of the Detroit Caucus.

Nationally, the Trump Administration and Republican-led states have repeatedly taken steps toward redistricting. This new map could ensure Tennessee sends no Democrats to Congress next year.

“We are seeing a coordinated effort across the country to redraw districts in ways that entrench political power rather than strengthen democracy. Voters should be choosing their elected officials, not watching politicians manipulate district lines to silence opposition and guarantee outcomes before elections even begin,” said state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit), historian of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and vice chair of the Detroit Caucus.

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