News broke earlier this week that Albion Michigan’s own The War and Treaty (Click on group name for link) will appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday night. The War and Treaty was created here in Albion Michigan by Michael and Tanya Trotter. Over the last few years as they moved away from their adopted hometown and up the charts, things have gone well for them.
With the release of their most recent album on March 10, Lover’s Game, (Click on album name for link) the Trotters appeared on the Today Show while in the middle of their hectic concert schedule. Jimmy Kimmel Live! (Click on show name for link) is another opportunity for those who have not heard of the dynamic power couple from Albion, and trust us Albionites, you are in for a pleasant surprise.
City Watch reached out to Michael and Tanya, and this is what they said.
Michael:
“To represent Albion, MI on this national stage or every national stage for that matter is truly a HUGE honor. Our time in Albion will always and forever be sketched in our hearts. Albion Strong, Albion Home, Albion Always!”
Tanya:
“Michael and I are so amped for this moment. We love watching Jimmel Kimmel show and can’t wait to sing our song “Ain’t No Harmin Me”. A song Michael wrote in Albion at the Bohm Theater. Dreams do come true.”
They are excited for this opportunity and so is their hometown. Remember, Monday night March 27 at 11:35 P.M. Eastern time on Jimmy Kimmel Live! seen on your local ABC affiliate channel.
The Calhoun County Clerk – Elections Office received Recall Petition Language from Marshall Township registered voter Glenn Kowalske desiring to recall Marshall Township Trustee Robert Lyng.
Michigan Election Law requires the County Election Commission to review the language of recall petitions before they can be circulated. The Calhoun County Clerk, Calhoun County Treasurer, and Calhoun County Prosecutor will hold a Clarity/Factual Review Hearing on Thursday, March 30, 2023, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Calhoun County Building located at 315 W Green St, Marshall, Mich. The meeting will convene in Boardroom 3-C08 (The Board of Commissioners Chambers on the third floor).
The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether each reason for the recall stated in the petitions is factual and of sufficient clarity to enable the officer whose recall is sought, and the electors, to identify the course of conduct that is the basis for the recall. The hearing is NOT for the purpose of debating the merit of the allegations. The Commission does not have the authority to rule on the reasons for recall as only the clarity and factual nature of the recall language is subject to the Commission’s review.
Several references to Recall Law and procedures are posted on our Calhoun County Clerk Elections Website, calhouncountymi.gov/elections, under FOIA, Recalls, and Recounts. Details such as the recall language submitted, sponsor, officeholder, signature requirements, and procedures are included in the Summary of Details document.
For information, contactMarshall OfficeClerk and Register of Deeds/Election Services315 W Green St., Marshall, MI 49068Telephone: 269-781-0707Fax: 269-781-0721Email: Clerk-ROD@calhouncountymi.gov
Battle Creek OfficeCircuit Court Clerk’s Office161 E Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49014Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Telephone: 269-969-6518Email: 37thcircuitcourt@calhouncountymi.gov
Starting March 20, 2023, the Calhoun County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in the Battle Creek Justice Center will be closed from Noon-1 p.m. This is to accommodate staffing levels during the lunch hour. Regular hours of 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.
For information, contactMarshall OfficeClerk and Register of Deeds/Election Services315 W Green St., Marshall, MI 49068Telephone: 269-781-0707Fax: 269-781-0721Email: Clerk-ROD@calhouncountymi.govBattle Creek OfficeCircuit Court Clerk’s Office161 E Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49014Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Telephone: 269-969-6518Email: 37thcircuitcourt@calhouncountymi.gov
Local Albion area organizations continue work towards AARP Age-Friendly Community status for the city.
Representatives of over 20 local organizations met in early March to work on identifying strategies to help the community gain the prestigious nationwide AARP designation. The impetus for the collaboration is through a grant to the Albion Community Foundation from the Calhoun County Senior Millage Allocations Committee to work to obtain the prestigious community recognition.
This grant effort provides a catalyst to educate the community about what changes can be implemented to make Albion more livable for all ages, especially seniors. Marcia Starkey and Linda Kolmodin are community coordinators for this Foundation grant. In order to achieve AARP Age-Friendly Community designation organizations must commit to a collaborative effort to assess community seniors and work on solutions to improve those identified needs. To help solve some of the most pressing needs these organizations and groups will work with other organizations to identify what programs are already in place and what programs could be cooperatively developed. The organizations first met in December to begin the process of being AARP designated in addition to meeting via Zoom in small domain groups.
Several of the AARP identified eight domains have been combined to allow better collaboration to address identified concerns in the community. The areas to be addressed include Outdoor Spaces and Buildings; Housing, Social Participation/Respect/Social Inclusion and Communication; Work/Economic Development and Civic Engagement; and Community and Health Services. All of the subcommittee groups will work together on transportation because this logistical issue overlaps all the domains. According to the grant coordinators, “Well-designed, age-friendly communities foster economic growth and make for happier, healthier senior residents. It also benefits the entire community through the adoption of policies and programs as a result of networking and cooperation between elected officials, partner organizations and local leaders.” Input from seniors is important to the success of this grant. A senior-focused survey will be available this spring both online and in paper version. In addition the coordinators will conduct both virtual and in-person Community Conversations of area seniors. According to the grant, AARP designation as an Age-Friendly Community gives credence to the value Albion places on its senior residents. This well-respected organization provides shared expertise, technical assistance and materials to help create a network of communities to develop hands-on and locally determined and directed programs to assist seniors. AARP states that communities around the world are seeking to grow in an age-friendly manner. Launched in 2012 the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities is an affiliate of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. This WHO affiliate was established in 2006 to help prepare for the world’s growing population of older adults.
State Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have approved and submitted Michigan’s Age-Friendly Action Plan to AARP. This plan was the culmination of more than a year of collaboration with AARP and MDHHS’s Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration to craft a comprehensive strategy to help Michigan’s older residents live well and safely in their communities.
The plan follows Michigan’s designation in October 2019 as an AARP Age-Friendly State, the first step in a multi-year process to make Michigan more livable for people of every age. Michigan was the first state in the Midwest to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. So far, eight municipalities in Michigan – Auburn Hills, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Lansing, Novi, Royal Oak and Southfield – have joined the Age- Friendly community network. Albion is among the latest to be approved by AARP to implement a plan to achieve this status.
PHOTO CAPTION: Representatives of local organizations gathered this month to continue collaboration towards earning AARP Age-Friendly Community designation for Albion.
Calhoun County Senior Services is looking for nominees for the 2023 Joanne Konkle Leadership Award.This award recognizes sustained community service to Calhoun County older adults, age 60 and over, by professionals and volunteers.
The award was established in 2017 to honor the lifetime work of Joanne Konkle (1934-2018) who retired as the Administrator of the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility after 19 years in 2003. She then gave many years of exceptional volunteer service to the Calhoun County Senior Millage Allocation Committee, the Forks Senior Center in Albion, and the Marian Burch Adult Day Care Center in Battle Creek. When Joanne started her career in Social Work, she helped establish the Marian E. Burch Adult Day Care by writing a grant to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. In the 1970s, Joanne was a Calhoun County Board Commissioner. This award recognizes professionals and volunteers who have provided service to the aged that have followed Joanne Konkle’s example of providing public service with compassion, commitment, and generosity.
The awardees will receive recognitions at a reception on June 15, 2023, at the County Building in Marshall and will be recognized with a resolution at the Board of Commission meeting immediately following the reception. The deadline for nominations is April 21, 2023.Click here for the nomination formTo receive a nomination form or submit one, please contact Calhoun County Senior Services at 269-781-0846, seniormillage@calhouncountymi.gov, or in the Senior Services office at the Marshall County Building, 315 W. Green, Marshall, Mich.
The photo above features the 2022 Joanne Konkle Lifetime Leadership Award winners. The 2022 Joanne Konkle Lifetime Leadership Award was given to Chuck Asher, retiring chief operations officer for Community Action, and Cathie Davids, a long-time Meals on Wheels volunteer for Milestone Senior Services.
Albion Area Philanthropic Women will meet at 1:30 pm March 14 at the Albion First United Methodist Church 600 W. Michigan Ave. Members of the giving circle will gather in Tennant Hall to hear short presentations from area non-profits asking to be selected as the first quarter donation recipient. AAPW will also hear Executive Director Katie Gigliotti report about last quarter’s donation to Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum.
Reservations are not needed since no lunch is served. Members are also asked to bring items for the Community Table of Albion. According to CTA Coordinator Ginny Garrison the food distribution needs gently used, clean paper grocery bags. Garrison stated, “ At this time we don’t need plastic grocery bags or egg cartons. We also no longer collect Family Fare receipts as the program is being discontinued.” She continued that the CTA needs shelf safe foods that are outdated three months or less and said that no donation is too small.
New members are always welcome. The only requirement is that women have a heart for giving and a desire to make the Albion area a better place for all. Members need not live in the area. Many current AAPW supporters live out of town but regularly send checks to support the philanthropic group’s efforts.
AAPW was founded in 2007 by Cathy Campbell and the late Maggie Konkle. To date AAPW members have given $639,000 to the Albion area nonprofit organizations. The quarterly $100 member donation is tax deductible. There are no administrative costs because AAPW is a volunteer organization. All donations go directly to the quarterly non-profit recipient.
The format for the meeting is simple with non-profit organizations making short presentations prior to voting. Each woman has one paper ballot and the organization with the most votes receives the donations. Presentations may be made only by AAPW members or their guests. Organizations may be a recipient only once a year and may combine for a joint presentation if they would like to split the funds. This should be decided ahead of time and only one presentation will be heard.
For more information contact AAPW volunteer leaders Nancy Roush at nancyroush@gmail.com; Gwen Tabb at gtabb5858@yahoo.com or Marcia Starkey at mstarkey74@gmail.com
The FBI narrowly defeated its hockey rivals, the U.S. Secret Service, in a 2-1 win on March 4.
The sold-out charity game was expected to raise at least $20,000 to benefit the families of fallen law enforcement officers. It also paid special tribute to fallen FBI Miami Special Agent Daniel Alfin.
Following a fierce effort by both teams that saw them neck-and-neck at the start of the third period, the FBI clinched the game-winning goal in the matchup’s final minutes.
“Typically, these games are always close,” said Kyle Miller, an FBI auditor and analyst who plays defense for the Bureau’s hockey team. “It always comes down to who can make the plays in the end, and, fortunately, we were able to do that again this year.”
Top: Team FBI scores a goal. Bottom left: FBI and Secret Service players mid-game. Bottom right: FBI Director Wray fist bumps a player.
Before the game kicked off, Elliot Segal—event host, Secret Service team coach, and radio personality—paid homage to the life and legacy of Alfin. Alfin and his colleague Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger were killed in February 2021 while executing a search warrant as part of a crimes against children investigation.
FBI Director Christopher Wray, Secret Service Director Kimberly A. Cheatle, and Segal then escorted Alfin’s son Eli to the end of a red carpet on the ice so that Eli could perform the ceremonial puck drop. Alfin’s wife Jessie also attended the game.
“It’s great that we were able to take a minute and certainly pay respects to a fallen agent and have his son here and be able to experience this in the remembrance of his father,” Miller said.
Left: Ceremonial puck drop with Eli Alfin, Director Wray, Director Cheatle, and Elliot Segal. Right: The FBI team, Director Wray, and Eli Alfin pose with the trophy after the Bureau’s win.
This year’s event was held on the Capitals Rink at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia.
The annual game, which took a break in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a tradition that began in the early 2000s. This year’s win was the Bureau’s fifth-consecutive victory against the Secret Service. And while the team doesn’t maintain an official schedule, it has historically faced off against crews from the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. military, and the Canadian embassy.
Yesterday’s storm did exactly what the weather forecasters said it would, it dumped heavy wet snow and in the Albion area and brought everything to a halt. It’s rare, but not abnormal, to see snow events in March. The snow has caused some power outages in the state but fortunately the Albion area appearers to have been saved that, we saw enough with the ice storm.
This storm did supply rare “thundersnow”. I personally have heard it in my lifetime on two different occasions, but it is so rare that when weather forecasters on the Weather Channel see and hear it they act like a kid on Christmas morning. Here is an official description of Thundersnow:
“Thundersnow, also known as a winter thunderstorm or a thundersnowstorm, is a kind of thunderstorm with snow falling as the primary precipitation instead of rain. It is considered a rare phenomenon.[1] It typically falls in regions of strong upward motion within the cold sector of an extratropical cyclone. Thermodynamically, it is not different from any other type of thunderstorm, but the top of the cumulonimbus cloud is usually quite low. In addition to snow, graupel or hail may fall as well. The heavy snowfall tends to muffle the sound of the thunder so that it sounds more like a low rumble than the loud, sharp bang that is heard during regular thunderstorms.[2]
There are three main causes of thundersnow such as a normal snowstorm that sustains strong vertical mixing which allows for favorable conditions for lightning and thunder to occur. It can also occur from the lake effect or ocean effect thunderstorm which is produced by cold air passing over relatively warm water; this effect commonly produces snow squalls over the Great Lakes“.
Multiple people throughout the Albion area said they saw it. I personally heard/saw it twice last night. So yeah, last night’s storm was a strong one.
So, as you dig out from the storm here are a few tips:
Have the right type of shovel. The ones with bent shafts are good because they’re designed to reduce the amount of work you do by 16%, according to Gallizzi.
Spray the shovel with Pam or some other oil-based spray to prevent the snow from sticking. It makes for easier snow tossing.
Shovel frequently as the snow flies rather than wait until the end. A few inches at a time is far easier on the body.
Bend those knees. Always use your leg muscles to lift rather than bending at the waist. Keep the back straight as you stand and tighten the tummy core muscles each time.
Hold the shovel close to the body with one hand close to the snow load as a fulcrum, lightening what you lift. Make short tosses of snow rather than long ones, which can wrench the back or shoulder.
Faced with snow depths of a foot or more, pick up the snow in slices of 3-inch to 4-inch segments until reaching the ground.
Move smoothly and evenly without rushing, taking frequent breaks.
Have water nearby to drink. Keep your hat on to maintain body warmth.
Head indoors immediately if your chest starts hurting or you feel lightheaded or short of breath.
Be wary of classic signs of a heart attack: squeezing pain in the chest, pain that radiates up to your left shoulder and down the left arm, or cold sweat.
Walk carefully as you shovel, “like a penguin,” emergency physician Dr. Eric Lavonas at Denver Health Medical Center said. Keep the stride short and feet close together.
Clear snow from in front of downspouts which can freeze and back up. Clear street gutters for melt-off to flow more easily. Pick sunny spots for the snow piles so they melt faster.
ACT II Community Theatre along with Galazio of Albion are proud to announce their production of “For Heaven’s Sake” as a special dinner theatre performance. Galazio’s is one of Albions newest restaurants and has agreed to help produce this show. The performance will be a fundraiser for ACT II and will offer a wonderful dinner offered by the Galazio staff. Chef Sean and wife Maggie Hare, Galazio owners, are excited to host this show at the restaurant. The dinner theatre production will be held on Sunday March 26 at the restaurant.
Galazio is located at 301 N Clinton Street in Albion at the railroad tracks across from the train station. Reservations may be made by calling Galazio during regular business hours at (517) 343-2060. Ticket prices are $30.00 each.
Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford announces a $3.5 billion investment plan
MARSHALL, Mich., Feb. 13, 2023 – Building on Ford’s commitment to American manufacturing, Ford announced today it is investing $3.5 billion to build the country’s first automaker-backed LFP battery plant, offering customers a second battery technology within Ford’s EV lineup.
This plant – called BlueOval Battery Park Michigan – initially will employ 2,500 people when production of LFP batteries begins in 2026. Ford will have the option to further grow its battery capacity at its Marshall, Michigan, plant, which will be part of a wholly owned Ford subsidiary.
With this $3.5 billion investment, Ford and its battery tech collaborators have announced $17.6 billion in investments in electric vehicle and battery production in the United States since 2019, as part of the company’s commitment to invest over $50 billion in electric vehicles globally through 2026. In the next three years, these investments will lead to more than 18,000 direct jobs in Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Missouri and more than 100,000 indirect jobs, according to the methodology from a 2020 independent study.
“We are committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution in America, and that means investing in the technology and jobs that will keep us on the cutting edge of this global transformation in our industry,” said Bill Ford, Ford executive chair. “I am also proud that we chose our home state of Michigan for this critical battery production hub.”
Diversifying and localizing Ford’s battery supply chain in the countries where it builds EVs will improve availability and affordability for customers while strengthening consumer demand. Ford is working to deliver an annual run rate of 600,000 electric vehicles globally by the end of this year and 2 million globally by the end of 2026 as part of its Ford+ plan.
As the company rapidly scales EV production, introducing LFP batteries allows Ford to produce more electric vehicles and offer more choices to new EV customers, and helps support the company’s goal of an 8 percent EBIT margin for Model e by 2026.
LFP Battery Chemistry to Benefit Ford Customers
Offering LFP as a second battery chemistry – in addition to nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) – allows Ford customers to choose an electric vehicle with unique battery performance characteristics most aligned with their needs.
LFP batteries are very durable and tolerate more frequent and faster charging while using fewer high-demand, high-cost materials. This lower-cost battery, at scale, will help Ford contain or even further reduce EV prices for customers. These LFP batteries will power a variety of affordable, next-generation Ford EV passenger vehicles and trucks under development, most of which will be assembled in the U.S.
“Ford’s electric vehicle lineup has generated huge demand. To get as many Ford EVs to customers as possible, we’re the first automaker to commit to build both NCM and LFP batteries in the United States,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We’re delivering on our commitments as we scale LFP and NCM batteries and thousands, and soon millions, of customers will begin to reap the benefits of Ford EVs with cutting-edge, durable battery technologies that are growing more affordable over time.”
Even before the new battery plant opens, Ford will introduce LFP batteries on Mustang Mach-E this year and F-150 Lightning in 2024 to increase production capacity, with a goal of reducing wait times for customers.
Commitment to American Manufacturing
This all-new battery production facility in Michigan will add approximately 35 gigawatt hours per year of new battery capacity for Ford in the U.S. initially – capable of powering approximately 400,000 future Ford EVs.
“Ford’s $3.5 billion investment creating 2,500 good-paying jobs in Marshall building electric vehicle batteries will build on Michigan’s economic momentum,”said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Today’s generational investment by an American icon will uplift local families, small businesses, and the entire community and help our state continue leading the future of mobility and electrification. Let’s continue bringing the supply chain of electric vehicles, chips, and batteries home while creating thousands of good-paying jobs and revitalizing every region of our state. Since I took office, we’ve secured over 30,000 auto jobs and landed multiple electric vehicle and chip-making factories. We’re on the move, so let’s keep our foot on the accelerator.”
As part of Ford’s plan to offer a new battery chemistry and source in key regions where it produces EVs, Ford has reached a new agreement with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) – the world’s leading battery manufacturer. Under the arrangement, Ford’s wholly owned subsidiary would manufacture the battery cells using LFP battery cell knowledge and services provided by CATL, which has operated 13 plants in Europe and Asia.
Ford engineers will integrate these LFP battery cells into its vehicles. This new agreement with CATL adds to Ford’s existing battery capacity and available battery technology made possible through a series of key collaborations – including with SK On and LG Energy Solution (LGES).
Sustainable EV Supply Chain
LFP battery technology helps reduce reliance on critical minerals such as nickel and cobalt and is in line with Ford’s work to create an EV supply chain that upholds its commitments to sustainability and human rights.
Ford already has committed to achieving carbon neutrality globally across its vehicles, operations and supply chain by 2050. Ford was among the first American automakers to align with the international community to limit the impacts of global warming as part of the Paris Agreement and joined RouteZero, a global coalition working toward zero-emission cars and vans globally by 2040 and in leading markets like the U.S., Europe and China by 2035. Ford also was the first U.S. automaker to release a human rights report.
Community Support
The company is ensuring that 245 acres at the southern edge of the site are placed into a conservation easement. This land, along the Kalamazoo River, will be preserved for generations to come and protected against future industrial development. Ford will work with government officials and community leaders to preserve natural resources and recreation near the facility, as part of its commitment to being a good neighbor. The Ford Fund also will contribute resources to help the community explore how to best enjoy this beautiful land.
“The City of Marshall welcomes this exciting new partnership with Ford Motor Company,” said Marshall Mayor Jim Schwartz. “This investment in the local community will lead to an influx of new jobs to Marshall and economic development throughout the area. We are especially excited to support Ford’s conservation easement which will preserve Michigan’s natural beauty along the Kalamazoo River.”
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