The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) will host a Hunter Education Field Day on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST at the Marshall Regional Law Enforcement Center, located at 714 Old 27 N., Marshall, MI 49068.
The Field Day is the required in-person portion of the Michigan Hunter Education online certification course. Participants must present their online Hunter Education certification at check-in in order to complete this segment of the class. The course can be accessed through the Michigan Hunter Safety Course website using Event ID 10805. A written test is also required as part of the Field Day.
This training does not include live fire exercises. Students will demonstrate safe handling and competency using inert (non-functional) firearms to meet state field day requirements. A working lunch will be held during the program, featuring a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) presentation on applicable laws and regulations.
There is no minimum age requirement for attendance. However, students under 10 years old must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a parent-approved adult throughout the training. Participants are encouraged to bring snacks and a lunch, as lunch will be a working session.
This Field Day is offered free of charge, with instruction coordinated by CCSO and MI DNR representatives.
A Community Earth Day Celebration at the Albion Arts Center
ALBION, Mich. — The Albion Arts Commission invites the community to celebrate Earth Day with a special event: Creation Justice — Albion’s Part, a free, family-friendly gathering that brings together local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to showcase Albion’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable living, and the natural beauty of our region. The event will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Albion Arts Center, 107 E. Cass Street in downtown Albion.
Sponsored by Salem United Church of Christ, Creation Justice is a growing movement that recognizes the sacred responsibility we share to care for the earth and to ensure that the benefits of a healthy environment are equitably available to all. This event celebrates that spirit through an Albion lens — highlighting the people, places, and businesses in our own community that are doing the meaningful, everyday work of living in better relationship with the natural world.
Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from the following participating organizations, each sharing how their work connects to environmental care and community well-being:
PRESENTATIONS:
10 AM – Lorraine Grinnell, Pastor, Salem United Church of Christ, Albion with Debra Singer – Bee Kind; Don’t Bug the Environment- the Importance of Bees
11 AM – Bradley Chase, Professor of Anthropology, Albion College Updates from the Nature Center; Potawatomi Projects and more
12 PM – Jenny Risner-Wade, Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop, Albion Bean to Bar Chocolate, a Deep Commitment to Sustainability
1 PM – Juanita Solis Kidder, Citizens to Beautify Albion Nature’s Beauty in Albion
2 PM – Wesley Dick, History Professor, Albion College; retired Significance and History of Earth Day
3 PM – Thomas Wilch, Faculty Director for the Center for Sustainability, Albion College Environmental Justice in Albion
“Earth Day is a reminder that caring for creation is not just a responsibility — it is an act of community and an act of love. With Creation Justice — Albion’s Part, we want to celebrate the remarkable people and organizations right here in Albion who are doing that work every day. The Albion Arts Center is the perfect place to gather, learn, and be inspired by what our community is already doing — and to imagine what more we can do together.” — Mary Slater, Chair, Albion Arts Commission
Admission to Creation Justice — Albion’s Part is free and open to all. The event is family-friendly and welcomes residents of all ages. The Albion Arts Center is located at 107 E. Cass Street in downtown Albion. For more information, contact the Albion Arts Commission at the number or email listed above.
Albion Nature Center A champion of natural education and outdoor exploration in the Albion area, the Albion Nature Center will share information on local ecosystems, native habitats, and ways residents can connect with and protect the natural landscapes of Calhoun County.
Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop Albion’s beloved small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolatier and coffee roaster, Yellow Bird Chocolate Shop crafts its products with a deep commitment to quality, sourcing, and sustainability. Yellow Bird will be on hand to share how conscious sourcing and slow-crafted production connect to the spirit of Creation Justice.
Jolly Green Junction A 50-year Albion institution, Jolly Green Junction is the region’s go-to destination for gardening, plants, seeds, local produce, honey, and Michigan’s seasonal harvests. They will be bringing their passion for growing things and their deep roots in the Albion community to celebrate the joy and importance of tending the earth.
Beautify Albion Beautify Albion is a community-driven initiative focused on enhancing the cleanliness, greenery, and visual appeal of Albion’s neighborhoods and public spaces. They will highlight volunteer opportunities and ongoing beautification projects that residents can join to make a direct, visible difference in the community.
Salem United Church of Christ Statement (Albion, Michigan): Salem United Church of Christ in Albion is an Open and Affirming congregation committed to welcoming all people and advancing justice, compassion, and environmental stewardship as expressions of faith. Rooted in the values of the United Church of Christ, Salem actively supports initiatives that care for creation and strengthen community for present and future generations.
About the Albion Arts Commission
The Albion Arts Commission is a City of Albion advisory body dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts as a driver of community well-being and economic development. The Commission oversees the Albion Arts Center at 107 E. Cass Street, which serves as a hub for exhibitions, workshops, classes, and community events for residents of all ages.
Community Open House Celebrating Dr. Sheryl Theriot’s Return as Albion’s City Manager – All Welcome
Date: WED, MARCH 25, 2026
Time: 5-7 PM
Location: Albion Arts Center, 107 E. Cass Street, Albion, MI ALBION, Mich
Free and open to the Public
The City of Albion and the Albion Arts Commission are pleased to host a community Open House welcoming Dr. Sheryl L. Theriot back to Albion as the city’s newly appointed City Manager. The event is open to all residents and will be held at the Albion Arts Center, 107 E. Cass Street in downtown Albion. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served.
Dr. Theriot is a familiar and beloved figure in Albion, having previously served as the city’s City Manager from 2014 to 2018, at the time under her professional name Sheryl Mitchell. During that tenure, she earned a reputation as a hands-on, community- centered leader — one who could be found in the streets alongside work crews and in the community alongside residents. Her return is a homecoming in the truest sense: Dr. Theriot has expressed her intention to make Albion her home once again.
Dr. Theriot returns to Albion at a pivotal moment, as the city moves forward with major infrastructure improvements, housing and industrial redevelopment, and continued efforts to build community pride and regional reputation. The Albion City Council recognized her experience, commitment, and proven leadership as the right fit for the challenges and opportunities ahead. All Albion residents, community members, and friends of the city are warmly invited to attend, meet Dr. Theriot, and share in this moment of community celebration. The Albion Arts Commission is excited to host this event at our new Albion Arts Center.
About the Albion Arts Commission: The Albion Arts Commission is a City of Albion advisory body dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts as a driver of community well-being and economic development. The Commission oversees the Albion Arts Center at 107 E. Cass Street, which serves as a hub for exhibitions, workshops, classes, and community events for residents of all ages. Quick Thanks to Council Member Donivan Williams for helping us coordinate with Sheryl’s schedule.
Don’t be these Michiganders – Head for your shelter
Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (CCDA) will participate for the first time in Michigan’s annual voluntary statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 18, at 1:00 p.m., as part of Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 15–21).
CCDA encourages residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations across Calhoun County to take part in the drill and use it as an opportunity to review emergency preparedness plans and severe weather safety procedures.
The tornado drill is a reminder to ask important preparedness questions:
Do you have a plan?
Where will you go?
What will you do?
Do you know the alerts, warnings, and notification systems in your area?
How will you communicate with family members and coworkers?
Agencies across Calhoun County will participate in the following ways:
Live Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) test on Wednesday, March 18 at 12:59 p.m. across Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties
Testing of the countywide opt-in alert system (text, phone, and email) on Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Public safety messaging shared on social media throughout Severe Weather Awareness Week
Coordination among emergency response partners to practice procedures as if responding to an actual tornado warning
“Participating in this statewide tornado drill gives our dispatchers and emergency partners an opportunity to practice real-world procedures while helping residents prepare themselves and their families,” said Michael Armitage, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority. “When severe weather happens, seconds matter. Practicing now ensures we’re ready to respond quickly and effectively.”
Residents are encouraged to sign up for Calhoun County emergency alerts and confirm their contact information is current. Alert systems provide timely notifications about severe weather and other emergencies that may impact the community.
About Severe Weather Awareness Week
Statewide Severe Weather Preparedness and Awareness Weeks are held each spring to increase public awareness and readiness for severe weather hazards. The observance is scheduled ahead of Michigan’s typical severe weather season and includes a coordinated tornado drill when test warnings are issued at a predetermined time.
Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and participate in the drill as a way to test emergency plans and communication methods in a safe, controlled setting.
For more information about tornado safety and preparedness before, during, and after severe weather, visit Michigan.gov/MIReady.
In accordance with Public Act 300 of 1949, the Michigan Vehicle Code, the Calhoun County Road Department is lifting Seasonal Weight Restrictions effective at 6:00 a.m., Monday, March 16, 2026.
Weight restrictions are commonly put in place each year by counties across Michigan and are intended to help preserve and protect our local roads when they are most vulnerable from freeze thaw cycles that cause road damage.
For details on Calhoun County’s seasonal weight restrictions, please visit our website at www.calhouncountyroads.com. County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) also offers convenient information on all county seasonal weight restrictions at http://www.micountyroads.org/weight.php.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce a $50,000 grant from Walbridge to purchase 22 Stryker Lifepak CR2 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for patrol cars and prisoner transport vehicles. The new devices will significantly expand access to early defibrillation throughout Calhoun County, particularly in outlying and rural areas where response times can be longer.
According to WMed Medical Control, Calhoun County averages approximately 250 cardiac arrest calls annually, with some outlying areas historically underserved. Dispatch now automatically sends law enforcement, along with fire and EMS, to cardiac arrest calls, recognizing that early defibrillation and immediate, hands-on CPR dramatically increase survival rates.
The Stryker Lifepak CR2 devices offer advanced features that enhance patient care and coordination, including:
Integration with local ambulance and fire systems
Real-time status monitoring
The ability to transmit patient data directly to emergency responders and hospitals
A built-in pediatric “child mode” for use on younger patients
“This generous donation will absolutely save lives,” said Steve Hinkley. “Our deputies are often the first to arrive on scene, especially in rural parts of the county. Having these AEDs in our patrol cars and transport vehicles ensures we can immediately begin lifesaving measures while EMS is en route. We are incredibly grateful to Walbridge for their commitment to public safety and to the health of our community.”
The Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to Walbridge for its generosity and to WMed Medical Control and Stryker for their partnership and support in implementing this program.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office will participate in the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) grant-funded “Move Over or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign throughout March 2026.
During the campaign, deputies will conduct proactive enforcement on freeways and roadways across Calhoun County to promote compliance with Michigan’s Move Over Law and improve safety for law enforcement officers, first responders, tow operators, and road service personnel working along roadways.
Emergency vehicles being struck by motorists remains a serious and ongoing safety concern. Crashes involving emergency vehicles are frequently caused by distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving. In just one month during 2025, seven Michigan State Police patrol vehicles were struck by motorists. Nationwide, crashes involving emergency vehicles resulted in 36 fatalities in 2022, according to traffic crash data compiled by the Michigan State Police.
Michigan law requires motorists approaching a stationary authorized vehicle with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights activated to:
Move over to an open lane when it is safe to do so, and
Slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit.
If changing lanes is not possible, drivers must still reduce their speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit and proceed with caution, giving as much space as possible. The law applies to police, fire, rescue, ambulance, tow trucks, and other authorized emergency or service vehicles.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers that slowing down and moving over helps protect those who work on Michigan’s roadways every day.
Residents can learn more about Michigan’s Move Over Law by watching this informational video provided by the Office of Highway Safety Planning:
At their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Albion City Council discussed the potential contract of Dr. Theriot at length and then approved it by a 6-1 vote. Theriot will return, starting in mid-March, after giving 30 days’ notice to her current employers, after having left Albion several years ago. After the meeting, this reporter asked her if she was sure she wanted to come back to Albion. She said she loves it here, and yes. The meeting was well attended for a city council meeting; approximately 20 people attended.
During the council discussion, which at times was contentious, most of the discussion focused on the salary range. 1st precinct council member Donivan Williams, the lone dissenter, led the charge in the discussion. Williams felt the starting amount for Theriot was too high. He kept quoting “facts” that showed that Albion was spending too much. He also stated that everyone he has spoken to has felt that this whole process, along with the money, is wrong. One major concern he had was the lack of apparent transparency with the current administration and other council members.
Sheryl Theriot, pictured here with her husband Louis Theriot.
Interim city manager Doug Terry, who presented to the council a report and a recommendation to approve the contract, was meticulous in outlining how Theriot’s expertise will benefit Albion. That, and the fact that she knows the city well, makes her a perfect fit in his opinion. Theriot herself spoke to the council, sharing her vision for what she wants to do for Albion, her second time around. Her heartfelt words were welcomed by most attending, though some present felt like Williams: why so quick?
This writer didn’t find out about this topic being placed on the agenda until late Monday evening. Williams stated that he knows many would have attended to oppose this hiring. Of course, that is an opinion only. Other members stated that many of those they spoke to felt bringing her back for the stated contract was fine. Williams claimed that one council member didn’t even know it was to be discussed and voted on, though he didn’t name that member, who appears not to know how to check emails.
Moving forward, I would remind the council that how this went down will leave a bad taste in the mouths of some Albionites. This writer has, on multiple occasions in the past, criticized the former Albion Mayor, Garrett Brown, and then-councilperson Sonya Brown for doing exactly the same thing. What I used to call a sneaky move to get around the public. Let’s hope this was nothing more than a simple error, not being added when it was supposed to have been. Ironically, Garrett Brown and Sonya Brown got up to speak, and both spoke against how this made it on the agenda, the contract, bringing Theriot back, and the lack of transparency.
Theriot shared her vision for her first 90 days in Albion, which I have placed at the bottom of this story.
Welcome home, Sheryl. I ask all to step forward and help her and our council to make Albion the best place in America.
Sheryl Theriot vision:
Albion Forward: The First 90 Days
Goal: To re-establish stability, strengthen community partnerships, and accelerate key municipal projects.
Phase 1: Internal Alignment & Fiscal Health (Days 1–30) Budgetary Deep-Dive: Conduct a comprehensive review of the current fiscal year’s performance against projections. Identify any immediate “pain points” in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Departmental Re-engagement: Hold 1-on-1 “Alignment Sessions” with all department heads to identify any resource gaps and morale needs – and opportunities for improvement. Council-Manager Protocol: Meet individually with each Council member to establish preferred communication styles and clarify immediate precinct-specific priorities.
Phase 2: Community & Partnership Activation (Days 31–60) The “All-Albion” Listening Tour and “Albion Voices” Community Survey: Launch a series of “Coffee with the Manager” sessions specifically targeting: o The “Neighborhood Listening Tour”: Instead of requiring residents to come to City Hall, I will meet them in their neighborhood—at local parks, churches, community centers, and front porches—to hear firsthand about neighborhood-level concerns. o Seniors: Roundtable discussions focused on accessibility and safety. o Youth & Young Adults: Engaging with local schools and programs to bring the youth voice to City Hall. o Business & Industry Walk Throughs: Spend dedicated time walking the downtown corridor and visiting industrial partners to identify and remove bureaucratic “red tape” that hinders local growth in the downtown and industrial corridors.
Strategic Stakeholder Summit: Convene a meeting with leadership from Albion College, the EDC, and the DDA to collaborate and ensure synchronized economic development goals for the upcoming year.
Phase 3: Operational Excellence & Transparency (Days 61–90) Infrastructure Audit: Fast-track a status report on all active road, water, and sewer projects. Ensure timelines are communicated clearly to the public via the city website and social media. Service Delivery Review: Evaluate the “resident experience” at City Hall—looking at ways to streamline permitting, licensing, and reporting issues to ensure a high-touch, responsive government. Grant Pipeline Development: Identify state and federal grant opportunities (MDOT, EGLE, MEDC) that align with our long-term infrastructure, along with affordable and senior housing goals.
Lansing, Mich. — Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 36% — a clear warning sign for Michigan Republicans rubber stamping his MAGA agenda and the economic chaos that comes with it.
“Trump’s approval rating isn’t dropping in a vacuum,” said Amber Gantt, spokesperson for the Michigan House Democrats. “Voters are reacting to the Republican Party’s disastrous policies and economic chaos enacted not only in Washington, but right here in Michigan. When voters send a message this November, it won’t just be about Washington — it will be about every Republican who chose Trump over Michigan families.”
Start with Trump’s approval: 36%. That was the president’s rating in the Associated Press/NORC survey taken Feb. 5-8, the latest of the public polls considered most credible.
That level of support, if it persists, would be a seven-decade low for a president at a midterm and a red alarm for the GOP.
[…] a president’s popularity has consistently forecast how his party’s candidates are going to fare. Midterms are not only elections but also referenda on the White House, the prime opportunity for voters to weigh in on how they think the commander in chief is doing.
The benchmark of how consumers are feeling has sunk 20% since Trump took office again a year ago, reflecting continued concern about the economy now and pessimism about what’s ahead.
Lower-income workers have seen slower wage growth, and more households are falling behind on their debts.
Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans now describe economic conditions as only fair or poor. Assessments of Trump’s handling of the economy, once a strength, is now a liability. Disapproval hit a record 59% in an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll taken Jan. 27-30. Most said Trump’s signature tariffs had hurt.
[…]To the president’s annoyance, surprisingly solid economic statistics have failed to persuade many Americans to adopt a rosier outlook.
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