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Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz also objected to comments made during a February 5 meeting suggesting raises should not be granted for superficial reasons. “The meeting was ended with a humiliating commentary that we can’t give a raise to somebody just because ‘I like your pretty face’ or because they ‘look good,’” Prosecutor Victor Fitz said. “(Office Manager) Amanda Smego was absolutely humiliated by that, her family was humiliated, my office felt humiliated, and other persons who saw this unfold felt the same way.” Fitz distributed a written list to commissioners outlining reasons he believes Smego deserves the proposed step increase.

The commission will revisit electric vehicle charging stations initially removed from the city’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP 1.0) grant project due to placement and budget concerns. The city received a $942,500 RAP grant in 2024 and completed downtown improvements under budget, leaving $151,207.62 in remaining funds.  According to staff, electric vehicle charging infrastructure is the only remaining eligible use for the leftover funds. The proposal would install up to two dual-port Level 2 ChargePoint stations in Parking Lot 11 across from City Hall and the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. The project must be completed by June 30, 2026 and would require final compliance confirmation from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

Barnes, who has previously performed at the Watershed Voice Artist Showcase in Three Rivers and had several works published by the news and culture magazine, was recently awarded a writing residency at Chateau Orquevaux in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. He described the experience as life-changing. “The artists — writers, painters and other creatives — would gather. We walked together, explored the grounds, shared our art, cried, laughed and built deep bonds quickly. It was transformative.”

WMUK’s Gordon Evans stopped by Keep Your Voice Down this week to discuss his career in public radio, the state of journalism, how it’s changed, where it’s headed, and what gives him hope about the industry he’s dedicated his life to. Other topics include the quotability of Almost Famous, news anchors of yesteryear and the glaring absence of such figures in 2026, U.S. women’s hockey, and whether Doug Sears Jr.’s dad actually skipped class to watch the Miracle on Ice in 1980.

“My life was saved because of the Affordable Care Act,” Kalamazoo City Commissioner and Vice Mayor Drew Duncan said. “Without it, I would not have received care.” Now 36, Duncan sees that period — when he was diagnosed in late 2009 and underwent treatment through 2011 — as foundational. It was the moment policy stopped being abstract. “I have a story that is like many people — but maybe not a story people would expect,” he said. “I try to enter the room with a listening posture. I see urgency around the issues that are plaguing my constituents.”

Commissioners unanimously approved all agenda items, including an amendment to the county early voting site agreement, a box hangar lease transfer, and the demolition of 318 S. Main St.