February 7, 2015 • Vol. 136 No. 6 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News:
30th
Albion’s Gamechanger: Albion College President Mauri Ditzler looks to change the college and the city of Albion for the better
Walk For Warmth
Mauri Ditzler, who became Albion College’s 16th president July 1, said growing a community and growing a college go hand-in-hand. “At every college I have worked, one of the most important things we have done is look at community issues,” he said. “We’ve looked at fulfilling the founding mission of our institution. That doesn’t mean we don’t pay attention to what’s going on in the world, because our students are going to go out and live in a world that’s global. They’re going to solving national and international problems. But, we also need to be thinking about our local issues.” See story on page 20
Coming to Albion
Transportation economic development grant will support 254 new jobs in Calhoun County The Michigan Department of Transportation is awarding a state transportation economic development grant that will support 254 new jobs in Calhoun County. Brembo North America, Inc., the world's leading brand in the design and manufacturing of braking systems for high-performance automobiles, motorcycles and commercial vehicles, will construct a new foundry just north of its existing Homer facility in Albion Township. The company will invest $78.4 million for a new building and equipment, resulting in the creation of 254 jobs. See story on page 33
Local officers, deputies awarded for life-saving efforts During the Feb. 2 Marshall City Council meeting, Marshall Police Officer Anthony Philpott and Sgt. Kris Ambrose were given meritorious service awards for saving the life of a gunshot victim in Marshall in December. “It was a phenomenal team effort between Marshall Police Department, the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch and the Sheriff’s Office,” CCSO Sgt. Brent Lincoln said. “To us, we are not heroes; we simply did what any of our men and women wearing the badge would have done given that situation.” See story on page 32
Blues Jam/Chili Cook-Off raises $10,500 for Haven programs The Haven of Rest’s Men’s and Women’s Life Recovery Programs will have help in the new year, thanks to the 23rd Annual Bill Russell Blues Jam and Chili Cook-off. A favorite moment of the night for many was the performance of 14-year-old Jacob Kershaw of Albion. Kershaw, who is an eighth grader at Marshall Middle School, played a four-song set in the Underground Cafe and then was asked by organizers to play on the main stage. “He definitely could play,” said Event Coordinator Dee Russell. “Being a 14-yearold kid, he surprised me. He didn’t care that 500 people were watching him. He was just as comfortable as he could be.” After the three-minute blues song, the young man was met with the only standing ovation of the night. See story on page 22
The Flower Haus holds grand opening in Homer A new location featuring a new building façade, as well as new neighbors and new customers made the Jan. 31 grand opening of The Flower Haus a success. The occasion was held in conjunction with the Homer Downtown Development Authority’s celebration of the completion of its downtown Homer façade project. Located at 138 W. Main Street, The Flower Haus is the second location for the mainstay Marshall floral retailer. See story on page 6
T
he 30th annual Walk for Warmth will take place in Albion when walkers gather at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 600 E. Michigan Avenue. The one-mile walk sponsored by pledges will raise money for eastern Calhoun County residents who need help to pay utility bills. Twenty-one local households were helped with money raised in 2014’s walk when city council member Lenn Reid, pictured left, walked with Albion College Professor Wes Dick. (Photo by Catherine Kerley) See story on page 2