Author

Maxwell Knauer

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Maxwell Knauer attended Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in philosophy and political science.

He previously worked for Ohio State’s student newspaper, The Lantern, and interned with the Columbus lifestyle magazine CityScene before relocating to Kalamazoo.

Knauer, 23, enjoys watching movies, reading books, and playing basketball. Some of his favorites include RoboCop, My Dinner with Andre, and Ludwig Wittgenstein.

Maxwell's Latest Articles

Dowagiac residents hear update on class-action lawsuit against Hyperscale Data Inc.

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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July 1, 2026

As of now, the case has been filed as a class-action lawsuit against Hyperscale Data Inc. in the Kalamazoo U.S. District Court. The case alleges that because of the constant noise being emitted from the Hyperscale Data Inc. data center, property values for residents living within a mile of the facility are declining. Attorneys Laura Sheets and Steven Liddle acknowledged there are other impacts associated with the data center — such as environmental concerns and a lack of transparency — however, the case in its current state is only alleging property damage and seeking compensation for those claims. The defendant — Hyperscale Data Inc. — has reviewed those claims and asked for an extension to give an answer, which was granted and is due July 24.

July 4th weekend celebration guide

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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July 1, 2026

With Fourth of July weekend approaching, communities across southwest Michigan are preparing for parades, fireworks shows, live performances and annual hometown celebrations marking the country’s 250th year of independence. Watershed Voice compiled a guide to events happening across St. Joseph, Cass and Kalamazoo counties, along with a few nearby celebrations worth the drive.

Hyperscale Data Inc. finalizes data center campus expansion in Dowagiac

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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June 30, 2026

Soon after that expansion was initially announced, Dowagiac Mayor Patrick Bakeman and City Manager Kevin Anderson said the city had no more information than the public about the property. This prompted Mayor Bakeman to write the company an open letter on April 1, giving Hyperscale 45 days to provide the city with more information. On the final day, Bakeman said the company agreed to schedule a meeting “with the expectation that we will meet within the week.” Bakeman has provided no further updates on that meeting. Watershed Voice reached out to Mayor Bakeman seeking an update on the status and content of that meeting but did not receive a response before publication.

A family and farm blossom together in Three Rivers

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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June 25, 2026

Just off U.S. 131 sits a quiet patch of land bursting with flowers, vegetables, and the kind of family life many people spend years searching for. Take the right onto Flowerfield Road, keep going a little ways, follow the signs for fresh flowers, and eventually you’ll find it: Flowerfield Farmstead. Home to Nick, Cassie, Juniper, Rio — the dog — and seemingly endless flowers. Balancing both family life and farm life in Flowerfield Township has become one of the unique challenges — and joys — of building the life the Shimps envision.

Early guide to Michigan’s August 4 primary election

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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June 24, 2026

While many voters focus on November, the primary narrows the field in races that will shape state and local government for years to come. Watershed Voice has assembled this early guide to help readers prepare well in advance. Additional candidate profiles, questionnaires, and proposal explainers will be published closer to Election Day.

Cooling centers and places to beat the heat in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Cass counties

By Maxwell Knauer

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Local

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June 24, 2026

As temperatures climb across Southwest Michigan, residents looking to escape the heat have several options throughout Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Cass counties. With excessive heat expected next week ahead of the holiday weekend, here's where and how to beat the heat.

How to be an ally during Pride Month and beyond

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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June 23, 2026

While Pride Month is primarily about celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and love in its many forms, it can also be an opportunity for allies to look inward and reflect on how to be better. Not just as individuals, but collectively, what does it take to make someone feel truly welcome — and not simply accepted? To explore that question, Watershed Voice spoke with Heather Sanford of OutFront Kalamazoo about what meaningful allyship can look like during Pride Month and long after June ends.

What expanded federal immigration enforcement funding could mean for residents in southwest Michigan

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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June 23, 2026

Earlier this month, the federal government approved more than $70 billion in new funding for immigration enforcement agencies, marking one of the largest expansions of federal immigration enforcement spending in recent years. For residents in southwest Michigan, questions remain about whether expanded federal funding could lead to increased cooperation between local police agencies and federal immigration authorities.

Here’s where to celebrate Juneteenth in Kalamazoo and Three Rivers this week

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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June 18, 2026

Communities across Southwest Michigan will mark Juneteenth this week with celebrations centered on history, culture, music and community gatherings honoring one of the nation’s most significant milestones in the fight for freedom. In Three Rivers, a community Juneteenth celebration is scheduled for Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m. at the new downtown amphitheater. Longtime Watershed Voice collaborator and supporter Debbie Allen will perform and serve as MC for the event.

Three Rivers Water Festival returns Thursday with parade kicking off three days of events

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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June 18, 2026

The festival begins later Thursday evening with the annual Water Festival Parade at 7 p.m., marking the official start of the long-running community tradition. Carnival rides and food vendors will be available throughout the weekend as festival activities continue through Saturday. Residents can expect a packed schedule of events over the three-day celebration, with attractions ranging from arts and crafts vendors to races, live entertainment, and a fireworks finale.