During the organizational meeting, the newly sworn-in Three Rivers City Commission will elect a mayor pro tem, who serves in the mayor’s absence. The commission will also review parliamentary procedure, approve commission and administrative guidelines, set the 2026 meeting schedule, and approve the 2026 holiday schedule for full-time, non-union staff.
After nearly five hours of public comment and discussion, commissioners cited the lack of clarity from the applicant and potential environmental and traffic impacts as reasons for their decision.
Organizers emphasized that both the demonstration and food drive are open to all, regardless of political affiliation, and are intended to foster connection and mutual support.
Shrek the Musical runs from November 14-16 at the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts in Sturgis. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 14 and 15 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for both children and adults.
In St. Joseph County, Angel Johnston defeated 13-term incumbent Tom Lowry for Three Rivers mayor. Johnston received 63.48% of the vote (784 total), while Lowry took 34.57% (427). Write-in candidate Nathan Walden received 0.49% (six votes).
The Community Commercial zoning being sought is a broad, high-intensity commercial category designed for corridors like Stadium Drive. While many business types are allowed by right, a car wash would require a Special Use Permit, according to Assistant City Planner Bobby Durkee. The permit process involves a separate public hearing and Planning Commission approval – one reason opponents see the rezoning as paving the way for the same Drive & Shine project rejected in prior years. According to the city’s staff report, planning staff are recommending the rezoning be approved, finding it consistent with the city’s master plan and future land use map. The Planning Commission will consider that recommendation Thursday before voting on its own recommendation to the City Commission.
The ongoing 2025 United States federal government shutdown began October 1 and has caused the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to warn states that “there may be insufficient funds to pay for November SNAP benefits” unless the impasse ends. In Michigan alone, approximately 1.4 million people — about 13 percent of households — rely on SNAP. Watershed Voice has compiled the following list of resources in St. Joseph, Cass, and Kalamazoo counties.
For those who have not yet turned in absentee ballots — you have until Monday to register for one at your clerk's office — or are planning to vote in-person on Election Day, Watershed Voice has compiled the following guide to races appearing on local ballots to provide readers with information about who is running.
Bowersox Floor Center said the ad was “misinterpreted” and not meant as racist after readers condemned it on social media.
Angel Johnston, Three Rivers Mayor candidate filled out our questionnaire, below are her answers.
A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR
Become a monthly donor today
A monthly donation of $5 or more can make a difference.
