Albion debates future of Washington Gardner: Attainable housing or tax revenue priority?
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Taxes were on the minds of some property owners at Albion’s City Council study session about Washington Gardner School on Monday, Aug. 11. For others, housing concerns took priority. Mayor Victoria Garcia-Snyder called the meeting…
HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK
By Frank Passic SHELDON BLOCK IS DOWNTOWN ALBION LANDMARK Recently you may have observed the building that presently houses Parks Pharmacy in downtown Albion at 318 S. Superior St. is being repainted along with some necessary repairs. This is…
Mike’s Musings: Michigan’s SNAP Fraud Crisis- fraud running rampant
Michigan’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — a lifeline for roughly 1.4 million residents — is being chipped away, quite literally, by inadequate technology and sluggish enforcement.In fiscal year 2024, fraud in Michigan’s SNAP program surged by nearly 400%, reaching…
Albion faces a choice: Restore Washington Gardner School building or risk losing it
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Albion residents have an opportunity to help decide the future of one of the city’s most iconic buildings. A public study session is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 11, from 6-8 p.m. at Tennant Hall on…
Jackson County Fair continues through Saturday
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer The annual Jackson County Fair rolled into town Sunday, Aug. 3 and continues through Saturday, Aug. 9 at the fairgrounds located downtown. Each year the fair boasts a combination of 4-H and other agricultural and…
Albion City Council faces costly sewer repairs
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Communication and engagement were recurring themes at Albion City Council’s meeting Monday night, where members faced urgent infrastructure issues, updates on recreation and community projects, and calls to keep residents informed. The most pressing news…
Mike’s Musings: Why You Matter More Than You Think
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, where headlines are filled with division, disaster, and doubt, it’s easy to wonder: What difference can one person really make?The truth? More than you could ever imagine.We are taught to look…
Man who shot himself while being tased is sentenced to at least 9 years in prison
Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wilson sentenced James Mitchell Kerr III on the charges of Assault with Intent to Murder, Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing a Police Officer, and Felony Firearms on July 31. According to a press release from, Jackson-Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey Guernsey Kerr…
Swingin’ at the Shell opens its 21st season Aug. 3 with Allentown
By KARA DECHALK Contributing Writer The Victory Park bandshell in Albion will once again be alive with music on Sunday evenings for the 21st season of Swingin’ at the Shell. The series promises a diverse lineup featuring rock classics, Gaelic…
Mia Sims, age 18, fatally shot on Sunday after church
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer Mia Sims, age 18, joins John Lusch, age 35; Emarion Flowers, age 22; and Anthony Owens, Jr. age 41 – as yet another victim of fatal gun violence this year in Jackson. Sims was shot…
Dam Removal Open House draws questions and curiosity
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Even though the invitation featured a photo of the Victory Park waterfall, the July 24 open house at Victory Park wasn’t about that landmark, at least not for now. About 50 people gathered at the…
City Council meeting covers two development projects
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Albion residents packed the library at Marshall Opportunity School on July 28 for a City Council meeting. About 50 people attended the midsummer session held offsite while City Hall’s 65-year-old elevator awaits replacement. Rod Auton…
HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK
By Frank Passic ALBION 100 YEARS AGO—AUGUST 1925 We continue with our theme of “Albion—100 Years Ago.” August 5, 1925. Mrs. O.S. Rives of Morgantown, KY, owner of the Green River Republican, the only newspaper in Butler County, Kentucky,…
Mike’s Musings: Traverse City violence too close to home- action needed
Here we go again. This time it is too close to home. Another alleged nut-job gone crazy injuring a dozen people, some critical at a Wal Mart, not with a gun, but with an ordinary pocketknife. If it weren’t for…
HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK
By Frank Passic LIME LAKE HISTORY, Part 2 We continue our article about Lime Lake in Spring Arbor, as printed in the Albion Evening Recorder, July 9, 1919 pg. 2 in an article entitled “Albion Man Discovered Valuable Marl…
Albion Council to Vote on Washington Gardner Redevelopment July 28
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Albion City Council will vote on a redevelopment proposal for Washington Gardner School at their next meeting on Monday, July 28, at 7 p.m. Meetings are being held at Marshall Opportunity High School, located at…
Rock the Block in Marshall powers on through the rain
By KARA DECHALK Contributing Writer Saturday’s rain showers didn’t dampen the spirit of those who came out to enjoy Marshall’s annual Market on Main block party. The event, hosted by Choose Marshall and Copper Athletic Club kicked off at 11…
Teen admits to setting fire to contaminated building
By KATHRYN PALON Contributing Writer A 15-year-old male has been detained after admitting to setting a fire at the former Michner Plating facility in Jackson. According to a press release from Jackson Fire Chief Tim Gonzales, the Jackson Fire Department…
Suspects arraigned in Easter Sunday murder of John Lusch
By Elizabeth Ferszt Contributing Writer Three persons are being held in the April 20 murder of John Lusch, 45, of Marshall, who was killed by gunshot in a house on the 900 block of Orchard Place in Jackson. Defendants Bryan…
Mike’s Musings: “Pay It Forward” Is a Powerful Idea Worth Embracing
In a world often overshadowed by cynicism, economic struggle, and divisive headlines, the simple idea of “paying it forward” offers a powerful counterbalance. It’s a concept built on selflessness—doing something kind for someone else without expecting anything in return, trusting…
