Highlights from the Thursday, December 4, 2025,

The meeting opened with two special presentations. First, the Calhoun County Conservation District’s Annual Report, presented by Executive Director Ryan Reincke. The report reviewed the Conservation Needs Assessment, an update on the Battle Creek River Watershed Management Plan, the Michigan Hunter’s Access Program, and other agricultural support programs, and community engagement initiatives that strengthen local environmental sustainability.

The Board then issued a proclamation recognizing the 2025 Holiday Season National Enforcement Mobilization Campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” which runs December 12, 2025, through January 1, 2026. The proclamation emphasizes the county’s commitment to roadway safety and supports coordinated enforcement and education efforts during the busiest travel season of the year.

On the Consent Agenda, Commissioners approved the following items:

• Scheduling of the 2026 Board of Commissioners Organizational Session for Jan.15, 2026
• Reappointments to the Calhoun County Board of Public Health
• CCRD Contract: B Drive North Safety Grant Tree Removal
• CCRD Contract: 6 Mile Road Safety Grant Tree Removals
• Notice of Intent to Create a Countywide Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)

In New Business, Commissioners approved several items that advance county services, strengthen community partnerships, and finalize key organizational planning for 2026. The Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Appropriations, establishing the financial framework that will guide county operations in the year ahead. Commissioners also approved the 2026 Agreement for MSU Extension Services, ensuring continued access to programs that support local agriculture, youth development, nutrition education, and community wellbeing.

Additionally, the Board authorized the County’s pledge of Full Faith and Credit for the Goguac Lake Level Special Assessment Notes, supporting the Water Resources Commissioner’s long-term lake level management efforts that benefit residents and property owners.  Commissioners also approved the 2026–2028 collective bargaining agreement with the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM), reinforcing the county’s commitment to its Sheriff’s Office personnel

The Holiday Market at the Albion Arts Center has MANY creative items to fulfill your holiday shopping, or to treat yourself.  We have pottery, knit wear, greeting cards, jewelry, photography, handbags, paintings, digital art, rugs, glass pieces, tree ornaments, books, etched works, 3D sculptured pieces, journals, all hand-crafted, with prices ranging from $1 to 400. 

You are sure to find something beautiful for everyone on your list. 

 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.

If you haven’t visited us yet, stop in to see Albion’s new art space. 

November 26, 2025

Press release

Calhoun County’s 37th Judicial Circuit Court proudly celebrated Michigan Adoption Day on November 25.  Finalizing two adoptions and welcoming children into their forever families. Presided over by Judge John A. Hallacy, the joyful event reflected this year’s theme, “Giving Thanks for Families,”  highlighted the life-changing impact of adoption in our community.

Families, court staff, and supporters gathered to honor the importance of providing stable, loving homes for children in foster care.

November 25, 2025

This Saturday is “Shop Local” in Albion.  Be sure to check out the new Albion Arts Center at 107 E. Cass, behind the Coke sign.  We have arts and crafts of all kinds, including jewelry, painting, photography, paper crafts, fabric crafts, greeting cards, and Christmas tree decorations. Prices range from as low as $1, perfect for stocking stuffers, up to $400 for fine works of art.  In other words, something for every taste and pocketbook. 

Hours are Thursdays and Fridays, 2 – 6 PM (except Thanksgiving); Saturdays 11 AM – 2 PM, until and including December 13. 

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.

Email a news story idea or confidential tip for City Watch:

citywatchnews1@gmail.com

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

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.

Join This Event on Thursday, November 13

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:

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

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.

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.