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

Huss Project offering paid summer internship for WMU students in Three Rivers

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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February 26, 2026

The 10-week internship generally runs through the organization’s Back to School Celebration at the August Second Saturday Farmers Market. Interns are paid $17.50 per hour and are expected to work about 20 hours per week. Every other week, they attend professional development training at Western Michigan University as part of the Broncos LEAD program. For Co-founder Rob Vander-Giessen Reitsma, the internship is about more than seasonal help — it’s about formation. “We hope students learn about small-scale food production, community development in a small town, and how our work is rooted in the core values of our organization,” he said.

EV Chargers, Road Projects Highlight Sturgis Commission Meeting

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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February 26, 2026

Commissioners agreed to direct city staff to move forward with an electric vehicle charging station using leftover funds from a 2024 Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant. The city completed its downtown improvements under budget, leaving approximately $151,207 in remaining funds. According to staff, electric vehicle charging infrastructure was the only remaining eligible use for the excess funds. The proposal includes installation of 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. Commissioners said the location is intended to encourage visitors to charge their vehicles while supporting downtown businesses within walking distance of the lot.

Carra poses with Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes at campaign event, expresses support for group’s “less government” efforts

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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February 25, 2026

In 2022, Stewart Rhodes was convicted in federal court of seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 attack and sentenced to 18 years in prison. He was later granted clemency by President Donald Trump in January 2025.

Watershed Voice to begin livestreaming Three Rivers City Commission meetings

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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February 24, 2026

Starting Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Watershed Voice will begin livestreaming regular business meetings of the Three Rivers City Commission on its Facebook page. Meetings will be available to watch live on Facebook and will be uploaded to Watershed Voice’s YouTube channel as soon as possible afterward, typically within a few hours.

Cass County prosecutor criticizes commissioners over withdrawn pay step request; board approves home repair pilot letter

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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February 24, 2026

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.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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February 24, 2026

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.

From rural midwest poetry to a French residency, how Aubrey Barnes continues to share his uncompromising voice

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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February 19, 2026

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.”

Drew Duncan says policy saved his life — now he’s shaping it

By Maxwell Knauer

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Kalamazoo

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February 18, 2026

“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.”

Three Rivers Commission approves early voting update, demolition contract

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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February 18, 2026

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.

Kalamazoo City Commission tables Safe Routes to School contract amid public pushback

By Maxwell Knauer

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Kalamazoo

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February 17, 2026

Commissioners voted unanimously to table the item and revisit it at a future meeting. City staff said they plan to prepare additional information, including visuals, and hold a meeting to gather resident feedback before returning to the commission. “If we postpone it to one more meeting, it’s not going to have a delay on receiving the funds,” Commissioner Jae Slaby said. “It will not jeopardize these funds. It will not jeopardize the contract. So why not just have the due diligence done and send the message to the community that we are hearing their concerns?”