Watershed Voice: Year in Review
Before our three-week publishing pause, Watershed Voice invites our readers to take a look back at the past year in local news. For Watershed Voice, it was a year marked by change, as we transitioned from one staff writer — Najifa Farhat for the first half of the year — to another, Maxwell Knauer, for the second half of the year.
No matter the author of our stories, we aimed to bring prompt, fact-based, independent reporting to Southwest Michigan. Here’s a look at some of our favorite, most impactful, and most-read stories of 2025.
As we near the end of the year, Watershed Voice invites our readers to take a look back at the past year in local news. For Watershed Voice, it was a year marked by change, as we transitioned from one staff writer — Najifa Farhat for the first half of the year — to another, Maxwell Knauer, for the second half of the year.
No matter the author of our stories, we aimed to bring prompt, fact-based, independent reporting to Southwest Michigan. Here’s a look at some of our favorite, most impactful, and most-read stories of 2025.
In total, Watershed Voice published 322 stories, for an average of 27 articles per month. We garnered 137,762 total page views, including 79,435 total visitors.
Most impactful
White Pigeon residents still grappling with years-long water quality issues tied to pipeline project
Water quality has been a recurring issue in Southwest Michigan, which is why Watershed Voice spoke to residents in White Pigeon about their experiences. Watershed Voice reporter Najifa Farhat investigated the issue and brought to light the realities residents described regarding water quality concerns in White Pigeon.
‘Everybody needs help sometime’: Rural eviction drives cycles of housing instability
Watershed Voice examined why so many residents in St. Joseph County are experiencing housing instability. Former staff writer Julie Riddle spoke with residents, analyzed available data, and shared information about resources for those seeking assistance. Rent stability remains a key issue for St. Joseph County residents.
State likely to move mental health services from community-based systems to private insurance companies and Michigan Court of Claims allows PIHP procurement to proceed
Current staff writer Maxwell Knauer investigated the ongoing PIHP procurement process, which could shift how mental health care is administered in Michigan, including a potential move away from locally managed systems. The process is still ongoing, and Watershed Voice will provide updates in 2026.
Editor in chief Alek Haak-Frost and former staff writer Frank Stanko took a deep dive into what affordable housing means in St. Joseph County. Haak-Frost and Stanko spoke with developers, residents, local experts, and others to explore the issue.
Reader favorites
Sturgis officials move to cut curbside recycling amid rising costs and Sturgis City Commission finalizes recycling contract, approves fire truck purchase amid heated public comment on homelessness
Current staff writer Maxwell Knauer documented the Sturgis City Commission’s decision to initially end its curbside recycling program and, months later, decide to renew the program and sign a contract to do so following public response. Knauer’s coverage included more than 10 stories over the course of five months.
Keep Your Voice Down: Abdul El-Sayed
In July, Keep Your Voice Down hosts Alek Haak-Frost and Doug Sears Jr. were joined by Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. The trio discussed civil liberties, affordable housing, Medicare for All, and automation’s impact on the economy.
Remembering the life of a Three Rivers titan: Bruce Monroe
Watershed Voice remembered the life and work of Bruce Monroe, a longtime Three Rivers resident known for his role in maintaining the downtown and for his impact on the community. Monroe’s son and brother-in-law spoke with Watershed Voice about who Bruce was to them and what he meant to others in the area.
Writer favorites
Joel Potrykus on Michigan, music, and truly independent filmmaking
Staff writer Maxwell Knauer spoke with independent filmmaker Joel Potrykus about his commitment to Michigan filmmaking and small crews despite studio offers for millions of dollars. Potrykus shared his journey from growing up in Ossineke to teaching film at Grand Valley State University and winning awards at film festivals around the world.
David Munoz: A Latino story of persistence and generational stability
David Munoz, a lifelong Sturgis resident, father of two, and son of first-generation Mexican immigrants, shared his journey with Watershed Voice. Munoz discussed his parents’ journey to the United States, how he instills the values they learned along that journey in his own children, and what it means to build generational stability.
Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
Author
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Watershed Voice on publishing pause until January 26
We are officially taking our annual three-week publishing pause to give our staff some much needed rest, and an opportunity to reset before hitting the ground running in 2026. We will return on Monday, January 26.
Watershed Voice 2025: By the Numbers
As the year comes to an end, Watershed Voice takes a look back at a year of keeping readers across Southwest Michigan informed.
In 2025, Watershed Voice published 322 stories, averaging 27 articles per month. Over the course of the year, our reporting reached 137,762 total page views from 79,435 visitors.
Remembering the life of a Three Rivers titan: Bruce Monroe
While Bruce Monroe’s restoration work reshaped parts of downtown Three Rivers, those closest to him say it was the care he showed people that mattered most.
“Bruce was my father. It isn’t an exaggeration to say that he was as good of a father as anyone could ever hope to have. My brothers and I grew up with endless love and support from our dad. Our family is all still very close, which I think is a testament to my father and the environment he created and fostered for us,” Bruce’s youngest son, Evan Monroe wrote.
