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Three Rivers mayor proposes homelessness prevention and response task force
The task force could include seven to 15 members appointed by the mayor and city commission, including city leadership (mayor or designee, police chief and city manager), a county Department of Health and Human Services representative, a school district liaison, a local housing authority or landlord representative, a mental health provider, a nonprofit or faith-based representative, a foster care transition coordinator, two community members with lived experience, a local business representative and, if possible, a legal aid or court representative.
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Watershed Voice is an independent, nonprofit civic news magazine based in Three Rivers, Michigan. We seek to highlight solutions to your pressing concerns in an effort to make our community a better place.
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Sturgis City Commission finalizes recycling contract, approves fire truck purchase amid heated public comment on homelessness
A local laundromat owner, Alvie Wall, told commissioners he has dealt with repeated vandalism and theft and said he feels the city has failed to address the issue.
“I know you’re sympathetic to the homeless. You feel bad because they’re homeless,” Wall said. “They choose to be homeless. Big deal. That’s their deal. Be homeless all you want, but stop vandalizing my stuff.”
Commission newcomer Anthony Stanfill elected mayor pro-tem on split vote
Commissioner Stanfill and First District Commissioner Pat Dane were both nominated for the role. Dane, who has been on the commission since 2017, was contrasted with Stanfill, who has been on the commission for just over a month. The vote went as follows:
For Stanfill: Commissioners Lucas Allen, Anthony Stanfill, Carolyn McNary, and Mayor Angel Johnston.
For Dane: Commissioners Steven Haigh, Torrey Brown, and Pat Dane.
Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission to finalize recycling contract, consider marijuana ordinance changes, and fire truck purchase
Commissioners are expected to finalize a months-long debate over whether to continue curbside recycling in the city. During the meeting, the commission will consider approval of an exclusive franchise agreement with Borden Waste-Away Service LLC, the city’s current recycling provider.
Kalamazoo City Commission meeting dominated by public anger after unhoused man’s death
Residents also asked city officials for answers about a separate recent death involving a 60-year-old man found deceased near the intersection of Stockbridge Avenue and Mills Street. Chief Boysen said the death was ruled a suicide and that there was no evidence of foul play or involvement by other individuals. He said the man had a history of mental illness and other challenges.
Alek Haak-Frost: The Truth Giving Tree
Executive Editor Alek Haak-Frost shares a poem he wrote titled “The Truth Giving Tree,” in honor of Watershed Voice’s 2025 NewsMatch campaign.
Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission
The Three Rivers City Commission will meet this evening and is expected to again attempt to select a mayor pro tem.
The commission will also consider a funding request tied to a Michigan State Housing Development Authority Neighborhood Community Development Block Grant. The city previously submitted a letter of intent requesting $600,000, but staff are requesting a revision to $700,000 after receiving higher-than-expected cost estimates. The funds would be used to renovate the upper floors of 111 Portage Ave. into three apartments.
