Albion Aglow – Times Two

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:

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.

November 7, 2025 0

Holiday Alley Fun in Albion

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.

November 6, 2025 0

8 Years and Going Strong, Again

October 31, 2025

By John Face

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Born of the corruption of City of Albion politicians, eight years ago on this day, the idea of City Watch was put into action. They were painful days, as the Albion City Manager at that time, Sheryl Theriot (Mitchell), was under fire and being forced to resign by four allegedly corrupt council members. Citizens took a stand, urging her not to resign, during a meeting where over 100 citizens stood up and asked her to stay. She would rescind her resignation—for the time being—but eventually the evil on our council won out.

That was followed by a City Manager who literally stole thousands from Albion and was eventually charged and convicted. Hired by the same allegedly corrupt council that ran Theriot out of town, City Watch reported on her spending habits, prompting the council, led by then-Mayor Dave Atchison, to eventually oust her. This reporting preceded death threats against this writer that included damage to my vehicle. (Investigative journalism is not easy)

We were there reporting on a new Albion College President who was demanding students and staff alike to be kind and respectful, but was creating chaos by figuratively standing on the throats of opposition at the school, forcing some of the top talent at Albion College out for daring to stand up to the king. We reported his working relationship with the above four allegedly corrupt council members and the favors he showered on them to secure their votes in his favor. We were the first to report the assault of a dear beloved elder in our community, which forced his resignation.

Sheryl Theriot & John Face City Watch NEWS

From that start, we have been around, even though the last one has been somewhat quiet, mainly because this reporter has been dealing with significant health issues that are finally under control. So here we go again. Back to reporting on issues that concern our readers.

We will start with interviews of Albion’s movers and shakers, beginning with a comprehensive interview with the new Albion College President, Wayne Webster. Many may recall that we interviewed Dr. Webster shortly after he arrived in Albion in July of 2023. This new interview will address the many challenges he has faced, including enrollment, financial issues, the federal government’s ever-changing rules, and more. His interview should go to press by mid-December.

We will be opening up our forum to guest writers, letters to the editor, and guest photographers. We ask the public to help lead us to potential stories. This writer can’t tell you the number of times I have heard, “Why did you miss this event today?” My reply is almost always, “This is the first I have heard about it.” Remember, WE respect the confidentiality of whistleblowers and sources.

So, celebrate with City Watch today—we have a lot to look forward to.

Please subscribe to City Watch NEWS on the link below. That way, all our new articles are emailed directly to you. Oh, Happy Halloween.

October 31, 2025 1

Albion Arts Center Gets Home

Press Release

October 29, 2025

The Albion Arts Commission is very pleased to announce our new “home”, the Albion Arts Center, at 107 E. Cass Street. This ample space serves as a gathering place for artists of all media to display and sell their works, and provides classes and workshops for the community. This location offers individual studio space as well, and is an attractive addition to downtown Albion businesses.

We plan to have a GRAND OPENING on Thursday evening, November 20, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, with a ribbon-cutting at 5:30. There will be music, light refreshments, and a special silent auction for a piece of work from each artist. This date will also be the opening of our traditional Holiday Gallery, which will continue through December 13. This years show will feature both returning artists as well as several who are new to our venue.

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

October 29, 2025 0

Jim Haadsma Raises More than $55,000 in Bid to Retake House District 44

The Q3 sum is more than double incumbent Steve Frisbie’s cycle-to-date total and more than triple his cash-on-hand.

Press Release

October 27, 2025

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Former State Representative Jim Haadsma announced today that his campaign raised more than $55,000 in the third quarter of 2025, his first quarter as an official candidate for House District 44 in 2026.

“These numbers make it clear, Calhoun County is ready for new leadership,” said Jim Haadsma, former state representative and candidate for the Michigan House. “People are fed up with the gridlock and want someone who will put working families first and focus on results, not politics.”

Haadsma’s third-quarter haul reflects support from local community members, labor partners, and individual donors across the region, showing broad confidence in his campaign’s message of fighting for public education and lowering costs in Calhoun County.

October 27, 2025 0

Help our Veterans

Veterans chili cook-off here in Albion.

October 21, 2025 0

Crash on I-94

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Early Morning Injury Crash on I-94

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle personal injury crash on eastbound I-94 near Partello Road in Marengo Township.

Upon arrival, deputies located two vehicles that had rolled several times. A 63-year-old woman from Jackson was trapped in her vehicle and required extrication by emergency personnel. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.”

The driver of the second vehicle, a 26-year-old man from Albion, was uninjured. Preliminary investigation indicates the man was traveling at a high rate of speed and driving recklessly prior to the crash.

Following on-scene investigation and field sobriety testing, the male driver was taken into custody for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. He was transported and lodged at the Calhoun County Jail on charges of operating while intoxicated causing injury and other related offenses.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Marengo Fire Department, Marshall Fire Department, Marshall Area Firefighters Ambulance Service, Marshall Police Department, Michigan State Police, and Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority.

October 12, 2025 0

Help Our Local Vets

Support our local vets with this great annual event

October 10, 2025 0

State Budget Passed – Dems Secure Win for Kids

Press Release

Lawmakers delivered a nearly $21 billion budget that makes vital investments into education

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 3, 2025 — The Michigan Legislature finalized a $21 billion School Aid budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year during a marathon session in the House and Senate. This budget achieves key priorities like the continuation of the universal free meals plan and rural transportation support while increasing per-pupil funding. Since Republicans passed their version of a budget for schools in June, House Democrats and school groups had been advocating to restore those priorities and other guaranteed funding for programs demonstrated to benefit students and improve learning outcomes across the state.

**PHOTO:** State Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker) speaking on the 2025-26 fiscal year School Aid budget on the House floor in the Michigan Capitol Building on Oct. 3, 2025.

“As a teacher-turned-legislator with experience at the head of the classroom, I know first hand that educators are dedicated to the success of every child — it is the Legislature’s responsibility to ensure our teachers can meet that goal,” said state Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker).

“House Democrats have been holding the line to guarantee funding streams that make sure every child can succeed, no matter their background, no matter their economic situation and no matter how similar or different they are to their peers. I’m glad we could deliver this budget, but there is more work ahead to ensure an equitable education for all.”

In June, House Dems unveiled their Education Vision in an effort to motivate Republicans to come to the negotiation table in good faith, and just last month introduced a 10-bill legislative package to codify certain school aid categoricals into law. The final spending plan reflects their commitment to protect investments that support educational outcomes and therefore Michigan’s economy.

“Passing this budget is a win for Michigan’s students, but it’s just one step toward the long-term stability our schools need,” said state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth). “That’s why House Democrats introduced a package to lock critical supports into law — so no child’s access to meals, counseling or safe transportation depends on the politics of the moment.

This budget reflects that commitment, and we’ll keep fighting to make those protections permanent. My colleagues and I have long championed strong investments in education, and this plan delivers: students will learn with full bellies, at-risk supports will grow and class-size reduction grants will continue.”

While the delivery of this budget includes a 4.6 percent foundation allowance increase and has eased uncertainty amongst school districts, educational leaders have already spoken out about the damage a delayed budget has done for Michigan schools with some districts having to take out high-interest loans to keep classroom lights on.

“This budget delivers what our kids and teachers need — I’m especially glad that we secured funding for mental health and school safety. But we need to also recognize that the delay in getting this done due to House Republican games was reckless and harmful, and there’s still work to be done.

No school should ever have to take out a loan just to keep the lights on or wonder if they’ll be able to feed their students. Going forward, we need timely, responsible budgeting that puts children first, not partisan gridlock,” said state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe).

Key funding highlights from the budget include:

Expansion of Great Start Readiness Program with removal of income eligibility thresholds.
$10 million for community violence intervention programs.
$200 for universal school meals.
$321 million for mental health and school safety grants.
25 percent increases for at-risk students and English language learners.

October 3, 2025 0

Missing Man Search Continues

Press Release: Calhoun County Sheriff Department

September 26, 2025

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office continues to actively investigate the disappearance of Dale Jacob Higley, age 47, who was last seen on foot near 15 ½ Mile Road and J Drive South in Fredonia Township at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Since Mr. Higley was reported missing, the Sheriff’s Office and partner agencies have devoted significant time and resources to locating him. This includes dozens of hours of drone operations, K9 searches, Blue Water K9 Rescue, Calhoun County CERT team, Marine Patrol, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Oakland County Search and Rescue, and multiple Michigan State Police helicopter flights, and community volunteer search parties.

Investigators have also followed up on every tip received from the public.

Through the course of the investigation, deputies learned that Higley experienced a medical issue prior to going missing. At this time, there are no signs of foul play.

The Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage residents to review home security systems, doorbell cameras, trail cameras, and outbuildings for any possible sightings. Higley is described as a 47-year-old white male, possibly wearing blue jeans and an orange T-shirt.

Anyone who has seen Dale Higley or has information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately. Tips can also be directed to Sgt. Joel Flees at 269-781-0880.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office thanks all of the partner agencies and community members who have assisted in this search and remains committed to finding Mr. Higley.

September 26, 2025 0