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, 22, 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

Sturgis City Commission finalizes recycling contract, approves fire truck purchase amid heated public comment on homelessness

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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December 18, 2025

A local laundromat owner, Alvie Wall, told commissioners he has dealt with repeated vandalism and theft and said he feels the city has failed to address the issue. “I know you’re sympathetic to the homeless. You feel bad because they’re homeless,” Wall said. “They choose to be homeless. Big deal. That’s their deal. Be homeless all you want, but stop vandalizing my stuff.”

Commission newcomer Anthony Stanfill elected mayor pro-tem on split vote

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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December 17, 2025

Commissioner Stanfill and First District Commissioner Pat Dane were both nominated for the role. Dane, who has been on the commission since 2017, was contrasted with Stanfill, who has been on the commission for just over a month. The vote went as follows: For Stanfill: Commissioners Lucas Allen, Anthony Stanfill, Carolyn McNary, and Mayor Angel Johnston. For Dane: Commissioners Steven Haigh, Torrey Brown, and Pat Dane.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission to finalize recycling contract, consider marijuana ordinance changes, and fire truck purchase

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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December 17, 2025

Commissioners are expected to finalize a months-long debate over whether to continue curbside recycling in the city. During the meeting, the commission will consider approval of an exclusive franchise agreement with Borden Waste-Away Service LLC, the city’s current recycling provider.

Kalamazoo City Commission meeting dominated by public anger after unhoused man’s death

By Maxwell Knauer

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Kalamazoo

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December 16, 2025

Residents also asked city officials for answers about a separate recent death involving a 60-year-old man found deceased near the intersection of Stockbridge Avenue and Mills Street. Chief Boysen said the death was ruled a suicide and that there was no evidence of foul play or involvement by other individuals. He said the man had a history of mental illness and other challenges.

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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December 16, 2025

The Three Rivers City Commission will meet this evening and is expected to again attempt to select a mayor pro tem. The commission will also consider a funding request tied to a Michigan State Housing Development Authority Neighborhood Community Development Block Grant. The city previously submitted a letter of intent requesting $600,000, but staff are requesting a revision to $700,000 after receiving higher-than-expected cost estimates. The funds would be used to renovate the upper floors of 111 Portage Ave. into three apartments.

Klinger Lake photographer Lynne Kasey opens Farrand Hall’s first art show

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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December 11, 2025

Farrand Hall is hosting its first art show on December 18, featuring photo prints from artist Lynne Kasey, a Klinger Lake resident. The show will be held at the Farrand Hall Market & Workshop in downtown Colon at 113 E. State St. Beginning at 6 p.m., attendees can view Kasey’s prints and explore the Farrand Hall Market & Workshop space. Kasey’s subject matter varies, with nature being one of her favorites. From photos of birds and macro images of water drops to interesting textures and vintage items, she finds artistry in a wide range of objects.

Sturgis approves utility upgrades, vehicle fleet changes, and holiday tree pickup fundraiser

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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December 11, 2025

To start off new business, commissioners unanimously approved a fundraiser in partnership with Gest Pro Tree Services and United Way. For a minimum $25 donation to United Way, Gest Pro Tree Services will pick up Christmas trees from a participating resident’s curbside, chip the tree, and compost the chippings. Donations must be made in advance, and the deadline to sign up is January 4.

Mayor profile: Dowagiac Mayor Patrick Bakeman

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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December 10, 2025

Watershed Voice spoke with the new Dowagiac mayor about his first month in office, the goals he hopes to pursue, and his approach to transparency. Bakeman has served as mayor for just over a month, or three City Council meetings. He emphasized that significant policy changes take time.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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December 10, 2025

The Sturgis City Commission will meet tonight in City Hall at 6 p.m. Electric Department Superintendent Chris McArthur will present the commission with the Sturgis Electric Center final design and the proposed purchase of a Hydro Line Three-Phase Transformer. A Christmas Tree pickup fundraiser and the sorting out of leases and sales of the city vehicle fleets will also be discussed.

Q&A: Jonathan Current, Business Manager of IBEW Local 131

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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December 9, 2025

Jonathan Current, business manager of IBEW Local 131, recently shared his perspective on the state and future of blue collar jobs in Southwest Michigan with Watershed Voice. We spoke with Current about unions and their role in today’s economy, the different states of certain trades such as electrical versus construction, and legislative efforts impacting trade and skilled workers in Southwest Michigan.