Albion State Rep Frisbee Votes to Cut Support for Moms and Babies
Matt Hall Talks “Lower Costs” as His Own GOP Budget Would Have Cut Healthcare and Food Assistance for Working Families
LANSING, Mich. — Today, House Speaker Matt Hall claimed Republicans are “lowering costs” for Michigan families — even as House Republicans voted for a budget that cuts affordable health care access, slashes food assistance, and raises everyday costs.
Despite Hall’s claims, House Republicans backed and voted for a budget that:
The following House Republicans voted for Matt Hall’s budget:
Rylee Linting, District 27
Jamie Thompson, District 28
James DeSana, District 29
Steve Frisbie, District 44
Kathy Schmaltz, District 46
Ron Robinson, District 48
Ann Bollin, District 49
Mark Tisdel, District 55
Alicia St. Germaine, District 62
David Martin, District 68
Nancy DeBoer, District 86
Karl Bohnak, District 109
“This is what Republican leadership looks like — big talk about lowering costs, paired with a budget that drives up everyday costs,” said Amber Gantt, Communications Director for the Michigan House Democrats. “That’s not lowering costs — it’s pushing them onto the backs of working families.”
The following letter has been submitted for publication here at City Watch after I read it and received permission to do so. Scott Henry is an Albionite who graduated with me from Albion High School here in Michigan. He would go on to attend and graduate from West Point, serve our country for decades, and achieve the rank of Colonel before retiring from the United States Army.
He agreed and sent some photos for me to use with his letter, which are included at the end of his letter. Copies of his letter have been sent to leaders and members of Congress from Virginia and Michigan. As you read this, please appreciate his words. I am sure he would not like me to say this, but I feel it is very brave of him to do so, given the current state of politics.
The Letter:
The Honorable [Name] [Title] [Office Address] [City, State ZIP]
Subject: Accountability, Economic Stability, and the Rule of Law
Dear [Title] [Last Name],
I am writing as a deeply concerned constituent to urge you to do the right thing for the American people by addressing several critical issues that threaten our nation’s stability, safety, and constitutional order.
COL (Ret) Scott Henry
First, I am outraged by the administration’s handling of immigration enforcement and ICE operations, particularly the recent “Operation Metro Surge” deployment in Minnesota. The fatal shootings of American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis have revealed a staggering lack of accountability. I urge you to investigate the reported use of so‑called “Kavanaugh stops” and instances of agents entering homes without judicial warrants, as these actions appear to be clear violations of the Fourth Amendment.
Second, the rising cost of living is becoming unbearable. Healthcare costs are projected to surge by up to 10% in 2026, and ACA Marketplace premiums are expected to see their largest increase since 2018, with some states facing hikes exceeding 20%. Coupled with persistent inflation driven by new tariffs and market instability, many Americans are being forced to choose between essential medical care and basic living necessities.
COL (Ret) Scott Henry
Furthermore, I am alarmed by the current administration’s “Western Hemisphere” defense strategy, which seems to prioritize regional isolationism over our vital, decades‑long alliances. Threatening our partners in NATO, the Five Eyes, Japan, and South Korea, while engaging in military strikes across multiple nations, endangers global stability. We must maintain these alliances and ensure that the President adheres to long‑standing diplomatic norms.
Regarding the rule of law and transparency, I specifically request the following actions:
Release of the Epstein files: It is unacceptable that the Department of Justice remains out of compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Only a fraction of these documents have been released, despite the December 2025 deadline. No one—regardless of wealth or status—is above the law when it comes to heinous crimes such as human trafficking and the exploitation of children.
COL (Ret) Scott Henry
Televised testimony from Jack Smith: Following his recent public appearance before the House Judiciary Committee, it is vital that the American people hear more from the former Special Counsel in a televised format regarding the January 6th attack and the classified documents case. Accountability for whomever sought to overturn a free and fair election and / or not properly safeguard national SAP/STO & TS/SCI secrets is nonnegotiable.
Our three branches of government must serve as checks on one another. I ask you to show the courage necessary to uphold the U.S. Constitution and to protect the proper roles of each branch from executive overreach. I look forward to hearing your specific plan of action on these matters.
Thank you for your time and for your service to our state and country.
For ten years, Cascades Cycling Club in Jackson hosted the Pedal and Whine bike tour at Sandhill Crane Vineyards. In 2024, Pedal and Whine moved to eastern Calhoun County, hosted by Albion Malleable Brewing Company in Albion.
Pedal and Whine 2026 comes back to Albion Malleable and Calhoun County on August 1st, 2026. This ride features scenic views, very good pavement, and two gravel options. Pedal and Whine also coincides with Homer’s Hogstravaganza Festival in downtown Homer.
Riders can expect:
Carefully planned paved routes of 17, 29, 39, 47, and 66 miles through tranquil countryside
Gravel routes of 42 and 59 miles through Homer and Amish country with the longer gravel route offering a second rest stop in Litchfield
A fully supported ride with SAG/rest stops offering healthy snacks and refreshments for all routes
Post-ride meal prepared by the expert staff at Albion Malleable Brewing Company
Albion Malleable is now offering wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beer in addition to their fine selection of craft beers
Pedal and Whine is a DALMAC training ride
Spaces are limited to 400 riders. For more details and registration, visit Pedal and Whine Bike Tour🚴
It’s happening on the trail!
The Calhoun County Trailway Alliance is a Community Project Fund of Encourage BC!, a supporting organization of the Battle Creek Community Foundation. Over 92% of our budget goes directly to trail projects.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the arrest of a Sheridan Township man following a multi-state investigation involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
On January 21, 2026, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Atkinson Police Department in Nebraska regarding a report that a 21-year-old male from Sheridan Township, Michigan, was discovered to be engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female from Holt County, Nebraska.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives learned that the suspect had traveled to Nebraska, where he engaged in sexual conduct with the minor. As part of the investigation, detectives with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on January 21, 2026, in the 13000 block of 29 Mile Road in Sheridan Township. During the search, several computers and cellular phones were seized as evidence.
The suspect was arrested and lodged at the Calhoun County Jail on the following charges:
Soliciting a minor for immoral purposes
Using a computer to commit a crime
Disseminating sexually explicit matter to a minor
This investigation was conducted with the assistance of the Atkinson Police Department and the Holt County District Attorney’s Office.
This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Pignataro at 269-781-0880 or provide an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.
“When a leader celebrates taking help away from families in crisis, that tells you everything about his priorities,” said Amber Gantt, spokesperson for the Michigan House Democratic Fund. “Michigan families are worried about paying for groceries, health care, and housing — not cutting political deals. Families don’t feel ‘wins’ at the grocery store or the gas pump. They feel higher bills — and they deserve leaders who take that seriously.”
Just some of the critical programs impacted by Michigan Republicans’ budget cuts and funding freeze:
$18.5 million from prenatal and infant support programs
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) will host a Hunter Education Field Day on Saturday, February 28, 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 10336. 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.
“Today’s ruling confirms a basic principle of responsible government: once funding is passed and signed into law, politicians don’t get to play games with it. House Republicans disregarded that principle by attempting to claw back funding that communities across Michigan were already relying on.
In District 44, that kind of instability has real consequences. Local governments, first responders, health care providers, and community organizations depend on predictable funding to do their jobs. When Republicans cut that funding, it created uncertainty for the people who rely on those services every day.
Michiganders deserve serious leadership that respects the law, values stability, and focuses on getting results for communities — and that’s the type of leadership I’ll bring to Lansing.”
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) was dispatched to the 24000 block of L Drive North in Clarence Township for a reported domestic assault.
During the initial investigation, deputies learned the suspect had fled the scene and was considered outstanding. Information further indicated the suspect may be in possession of a firearm, and that illegal drugs, stolen property, and other evidence of criminal activity could be located at the residence. The victim was safely transported to a secure location for their protection.
A search warrant was subsequently authorized for the residence. Given the potential danger posed by the outstanding suspect, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) was activated to execute the warrant. Upon arrival, multiple individuals at the home were detained without incident.
Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office detectives, Michigan State Police detectives, the Calhoun Area Multi-Jurisdictional Evidence Technicians (CAMJET), Calhoun Aerial Support Team (CAST), and CCSO K-9 units responded to assist in evidence collection and investigative operations. Additional supporting agencies included the Marshall Police Department, Albion Department of Public Safety, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Police Department, Michigan State Police SWET and SCAR teams, LifeCare Emergency Medical Services, and the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority.
As a result of the search, two stolen vehicles and one stolen trailer were located on the property and recovered. Detectives also seized a firearm and suspected methamphetamine. The stolen vehicles and trailer were processed and returned to their lawful owners. The firearm and suspected narcotics have been submitted for laboratory testing and further analysis.
The suspect and individual wanted for additional questioning has been identified as Michael Gale of Clarence Township. Detectives are actively working to locate Gale. This case remains under investigation.
Anyone with information regarding Michael Gale’s location or activity is asked to contact the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 269-781-0880, or provide an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.
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