Calhoun County Senior Services Launches Interactive Food Resources Map

Press Release

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Calhoun County Senior Services, in partnership with Calhoun County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has launched a new interactive Food Resources Map designed to make it easier for residents to find food assistance resources throughout Calhoun County.

The online map brings information about local food resources together in one easy-to-use location, helping residents, caregivers, service providers and community organizations identify available assistance in communities across the county. The map is fully functional on mobile devices, allowing residents to access resource information from a phone or tablet, although viewing the map in a web browser on a computer provides the optimal experience.
The project is part of Senior Services’ ongoing work through the Thome Aging Well Innovation Grant, which Calhoun County received in 2024 to address food insecurity among older adults. The grant supports efforts to strengthen collaboration and coordination among food providers, improve access to food for older adults and better understand where resources and unmet needs exist throughout Calhoun County.

“Knowing where to turn for help is an important part of making sure people can actually access the resources available to them,” said Rod Auton, Manager of Calhoun County Senior Services. “This map gives residents and the organizations serving them a clearer picture of the food resources available throughout Calhoun County. It is also an important tool in our larger effort to identify gaps, strengthen partnerships and make food assistance easier to navigate.”

The Food Resources Map was developed in collaboration with Calhoun County GIS, using mapping technology to organize resource information geographically and provide a convenient way for users to explore options available throughout the county.

The map also supports a larger goal of the Thome grant initiative: improving communication and coordination among organizations working to address food insecurity. By developing a clearer picture of the county’s food assistance network, Senior Services and its community partners can better identify areas where additional resources, outreach or collaboration may be needed.

The Thome Aging Well Innovation Grant is part of Enterprise Community Partners’ Aging Well program, funded by the Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, Bank of America Trustee. Calhoun County Senior Services was selected as one of eight Michigan organizations in the 2024 grant cohort. The initiative focuses on helping older adults, particularly those living in affordable housing communities, age safely and securely in their communities.

Residents, caregivers and community organizations are encouraged to explore the new Calhoun County Food Resources Map at:https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/28d5276d5ebb4a80a91cf51120aa69d6/page/Page
Senior Services will continue working with community partners to keep the map as accurate and useful as possible.

If a resource listed on the map has changed or is no longer available, if information appears to be incorrect, or if residents have questions about food resources in Calhoun County, please contact:
Chelsi SheererCalhoun County Senior Services(269) 781-0846 Csheerer@calhouncountymi.gov

The Food Resources Map is one component of Calhoun County Senior Services’ broader work through the Thome grant to improve food access for older adults. Additional efforts include strengthening partnerships with local food providers and affordable housing communities, improving coordination of food resources, and exploring solutions for older adults who experience both food insecurity and transportation barriers.

October 7, 2026 0

Political Endorsements of City Watch NEWS 2026

Voter inserting a ballot into a City of Atlanta poll box

September 29, 2026

By John Face

As the election cycle begins here in Michigan, City Watch NEWS can’t stress enough how important it is to vote. When you see political leaders desperately trying to restrict your voting, it tells you this year matters. In Michigan, our non-presidential year means we elect our Governor, at least one Senator, and several U.S. House representatives.

Here at City Watch, we will only endorse offices that affect the Albion and Marshall area directly. We will also endorse very important ballot initiatives. We will offer little or no dialogue with these endorsements. It’s important that you vote. We have seen an increased number of threats and violence in this country, especially now with the federal government planning to send armed troops to voting locations.

City Watch suggests you vote now by filling out your ballot, taking it to your local clerk’s office, and dropping it off. You can also vote live in person now at the Calhoun County Clerk’s office in Marshall. VOTE!

Early voting:

Calhoun County Clerk’s Office – County Building

Phone: 269-781-0998
Location: 315 W Green St., Marshall, MI 49068

Hours

Mon-Thurs 8 am-5 pm
FRI 8 am-12 pm

Endorsements

Michigan Supreme Court

Megan Cavanaugh and Noah Hood

Governor and LT. Governor

Jocelyn Benson & Winnie Brinks

U.S. Senate

Abdul El Sayed

Secretary of State

Garlin Gilchrist

Attorney General

Eli Savit

MI State Senator 18th District

Anthony Pennock

MI State Representative 44th District

Jim Haadsma –

Haadsma returns to take on the current rep Steve Frisbee who defeated him in 2024. Frisbee has been AWOL in the Albion area. To be fare, he does show up for photo ops in Albion that get him in the papers and his name on walls. Haadsma has continued his long history of monthly meetings to talk with voters, even now when he has been out of office. Haadsma lost by around 100 votes in 2024. Frisbee is a die hard conservative Trump supporter. His voting record so far has included defunding our public schools, cutting food to all our school age students, and strongly opposes same sex marriage, and he is pro death, meaning he is against a woman’s choice. He wants to control their bodies. Jim cares about all in his district.

MI State Representative 45 th District

City Watch will not endorse any candidate for this office. We feel neither candidate offers citizens what they need: open and honest leadership. The two candidates are:

Republican Sarah Lightner of Springport; Democrat Randy Davis. You can write in a candidate if you wish.

State Board of Education

Judith Pritchett and Tiffany Tilly

U of M Regents

Paul Brown and Amir Makled

MSU Trustees

Brianna Scott and Kelly Tebay Zemke

Wayne State University Governors

Shereef Akeel and Richard Mack

State Proposals

Proposition 1 Constitutional Convention

Vote NO.

Republican leaders are pushing hard to pass this. The intention is to hold the convention and change the state constitution that would turn our state into a theocracy. Their top priorities are to repeal our marijuana laws, make abortion illegal again, and get rid of same sex marriage.

Proposition 2 Money out of politics

Vote Yes

This is simple. Keep corporate money from influencing your vote. As a general rule, Republicans support what is commonly called dark money and have been in full force trying to tell you this is not a problem; it is. In fairness, many democratic candidates support dark money as well.

Election day is November 3. If you see any election intimidation, email us here at City Watch and let us know.

September 29, 2026 0

Welcome Home, Dr. Sheryl Theriot (Mitchell) – Open House Planned

March 18, 2026

Press Release

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.

March 18, 2026 1

Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 15–21

Press Release

March 13, 2026

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.

March 13, 2026 0

CCSO Dispatches Special Response Team, Seizes Firearm, Recovers Stolen Vehicles in Domestic Assault Investigation

Press Release

January 7, 2026

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.

January 7, 2026 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

BREAKING – THE WAR AND TREATY ARE COMING HOME FOR A CONCERT

Free Outdoor Concert in Albion MI

By John Face

July 21, 2025

On August 23, 2025, The War and Treaty will be back home in Albion MI to perform a free outdoor concert. The concert is part of the Walk The Beat event that is scheduled the same day in downtown Albion, the Walk the Beat event is free as well. Michael and Tanya Trotter make up the core of The War and Treaty. They got their start right here in Albion when they moved here several years ago and made Albion their home.

This concert will be held on the 400 block of South Superior Street, downtown Albion, beside the Albion Malleable Brewing and Homestead Bank. It is strongly suggested you bring your own chair, blanket, as there will be very limited seating available. There is NO CHARGE to attend the show. Showtime is 6:00 P.M. in downtown Albion MI. Read the press release below:

Walk The Beat Albion Returns August 23 with Star Power and Local Flavor

National headliners The War and Treaty cap off an afternoon of
community-powered music and arts.

Albion, MI — July 2025 — Walk The Beat Albion, the city’s beloved community street music festival, returns to downtown Albion on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with an exciting addition to this year’s lineup: The War and Treaty, Grammy-nominated Americana duo, will headline the After Party at 6:00 PM in front of Albion Malleable Brewery.

The free, family-friendly event transforms Albion’s downtown into a bustling hub of music, art, and community celebration. More than 20 performances at 10 locations will feature local and regional musicians, while artists, food vendors, and activity booths line Superior Street and surrounding blocks. Festival goers are encouraged to explore, listen, and vote for their favorite acts, with prizes awarded to both attendees and musicians.

“Walk The Beat Albion is more than just a festival – it’s a living, breathing showcase of our city’s heart and soul,” said Cliff Harris, Board President and longtime organizer. “We are thrilled to welcome Michael and Tanya of The War and Treaty back to Albion to help us close out the event in the most
unforgettable way.”

The War and Treaty, whose powerful vocals and heartfelt performances have earned international acclaim, return to the same streets where their musical journeys began. Walk The Beat Albion’s After Party performance will serve as both a homecoming and a community celebration, free and open to all.

Walk The Beat Albion is one of three Walk The Beat cities in Michigan, a nonprofit initiative promoting community enrichment through music and the arts. Walk The Beat Albion is grateful for the support of all of our sponsors and partners: Albion Community Foundation, City of Albion, Albion Arts Commission, Albion College, Albion-Homer United Way, Albion Malleable Brewing Co., Ford Blue Oval Battery Park, CasterCares, CreateMyTee, Decker Manufacturing, Dickerson Music Co., Galazio
Restaurant, Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce, Knauf Insulation.

July 18, 2025 0

Watch Your Council – Former Council Member Attempts to Become Interim City Manager – Has No Experience and Questionable Ethics

By John Face

October 21, 2024

Linda LaNoue, former City of Albion Council member, has submitted a resume and letter to the council. Tonight, the Albion City Council will take up appointing an interim City Manager. Her letter is the only one that this writer is aware of that is being considered. Allow me to quickly remind the reader.

Linda LaNoue was involved in the Albion College mess involving former fired college President Matthew Johnson. She along with other members of council were awarded jobs, contracts, special project gifts. None of the members, including LaNoue, have explained what was behind all this. On top of all that, LaNoue was serving on the council at the time and was not living in her precinct, which is required by the charter. She resigned from the council as word was about to go public that she, in fact, was not legal.

City Watch suggests the City Council maintain its history and appoint a current employee Department head as interim manager, as those employees pass the eye test of honesty. Bringing in an outsider, and yes, this particular former council member is an outsider, is terrible for Albion. Especially someone who has absolutely no experience in a corporation this size.

October 21, 2024 0