Mike’s Musings: Why America Needs Controlled Borders, Not Open Ones
The debate over America’s border policies often gets tangled in national politics, angry cable-news segments, and social-media shouting. But beneath all that noise, the issue comes down to something our readers in Allegan, Clare, Van Buren, St. Joseph, Calhoun, Jackson…
Historical Notebook: RAILROAD BUFFER
By Frank Passic This year there was some serious trimming of foliage and small trees on the west side of N. Eaton St. across from Albion’s Michigan Central Railroad depot in the vicinity of an old-style fire hydrant. That…
Albion households are facing a rising need
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Recent discussions about the region’s economic outlook have renewed attention to the needs of many area residents. At last month’s Economic Club luncheon at Albion College, the Upjohn Institute presented a countywide economic forecast showing…
Albion Arts Center gives area artists a home and opens doors just in time for the holidays
By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer A historic brick building behind downtown Albion’s iconic Coca Cola sign finds new life as the home of the Albion Arts Center and area artists finally have a permanent place to show their work, sell…
Mike Levine Trail extension in Jackson County
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer If you have noticed the unusual road work being done on Lansing Avenue in Jackson across the freeway, going north to Parnall Rd. – you are not alone. The curved concrete barriers and other hardscaping…
Crowds turn out for Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer Thousands of people crowded Michigan Avenue in Downtown Jackson on Friday Nov. 21 for the annual Christmas Parade. The temperatures remained mild at around 45 degrees; no rain, snow, or winds impacted the festive event.…
Mike’s Musings: Congress works parttime, but receives fulltime pay
Every year, the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate release their official calendars, and every year the same disbelief follows: this is how many days our elected lawmakers plan to work?I saw the House of Representatives schedule for next…
Marshall’s Eastend Studio & Gallery’s holiday market attracts artists and buyers.
by Sylvia Benavidez Despite online shopping, Eastend Studio & Gallery Holiday Market continues to have success. Having a holiday market that introduces more than traditional art at Marshall’s Eastend Studio & Gallery may seem counter-intuitive to some, but for Executive…
Taylor Wilcher receives bond modification in Lusch murder case
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer Taylor Wilcher, who allegedly was involved in the death of John Lusch on April 20, appeared Nov. 18 before Judge John McBain in the 4th Circuit Court, Jackson to ask for a bond modification. Her…
O’Rourke claims self defense; gang involvement in Flowers murder case
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer Joseph O’Rourke was in 4th Circuit Court on Nov. 18 for a Motion Hearing for Other Acts Evidence with his attorney, Lucas X. Dillon, Assistant Prosecutor Nathan Hull, and Hon. John McBain, presiding. Dillon is…
Three wars, seven heroes to be honored along M-60
By Ken Wyatt Under legislation approved by the Michigan House of Representatives, portions of M-60 in western Jackson County would honor area men killed in three wars. Rep. Sarah Lightner, R-Springport, introduced House Bill 5089, which would rename three stretches…
City council honoring yesterday, building tomorrow
By Maggie LaNoue Contributing Writer Albion City Council met on Monday, Nov. 17, at the Marshall Opportunity High School Library, working through a mix of long-delayed administrative actions, new budget discussions, and recognitions that connected the city’s past to its…
Mike’s Musings: Thanksgiving us your time to express thanks
Thanksgiving has a way of arriving right when we need it most. After another year filled with the usual mix of noise—politics, inflation, crises abroad, and the ever-present rush of everyday life—this holiday stands as a rare invitation to stop,…
HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK: PAUL KOROLUK CONFECTONARY STORE
By Frank Passic There has been realtor activity at several abandoned old businesses along Austin Avenue recently, in what used to be known as “Hunkytown” in the early 20th century. There were various merchants from Europe who operated businesses…
Poleski reports on mental health, body scanners
By KEN WYATT Contributing Writer Most of the news from the Concord Township Board meeting came in reports from County Commissioner Earl Poleski, Deputy Larry Jacobson and the approval of a 3.4 percent cost-of-living raise for Concord Fire Department’s firefighters.…
Trinity Episcopal Church rings a bell to honor veterans’ legacy
By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer Trinity Episcopal Church, Marshall, joined many other churches and organizations across the U.S. ringing the Bells of Peace at 11 a.m. on the 11th day on the 11th month. The ringing and service honor when…
Brooks Fountain accident investigation continues
By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer Marshall Police are continuing to investigate last Thursday’s crash into Marshall’s Brooks Memorial Fountain basin by a 38-year-old male driver from Albion Township. Dave Gilbert of the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office said Thursday morning, “We…
Calhoun County Dodged a Bullet — But Albion’s Story May Be Different
By Maggie LaNoue Contributing Writer ALBION — At a moment when national indicators seemed poised to turn negative, economist Michael Horrigan, president of the W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, told attendees at Albion’s October Economic Club luncheon that…
Mike’s Musings: The True Spirit of Christmas Lives in Helping Others
As the Christmas season approaches, the lights, music, and festive cheer remind us of joy, family, and tradition. But amid the celebration, it’s also a time to remember what this season truly represents — compassion, generosity, and community. For many…
Jackson City Council election results
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer The City of Jackson held midterm elections on Tuesday Nov. 4. At stake were three city council seats: Ward 1, Incumbent Arlene Robinson against challenger Dena K. Morgan. Ward 3, Incumbent Angelita V. Gunn vs.…
