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

Cass commissioners reverse course, approve Lawless Park funding

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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April 14, 2026

In March, commissioners were asked to approve use of $249,192 from the Bombardie bequest to help close a funding gap in the park improvement project, which was initially denied in a 4-4 vote. In a 5-3 vote on April 9, commissioners reversed course and approved the request. The Bombardie bequest stems from a donation made more than two decades ago by Charles Bombardie, who left 10% of his estate to Cass County Parks. County documents say $249,192 remained in the fund before Thursday’s vote, with the money restricted for park purposes. During Thursday’s discussion, Commissioner Samuel Barrera read from the last will and testament of Charles Bombardie, dated 2001, and argued the county should honor the donor’s intent by using the money for park improvements.

Sturgis commission approves routine items, splits on mowing contracts

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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April 9, 2026

Commissioner Richard Bir, who said he worked as a city landscaper for 20 years, questioned why the city needs to contract out any of the work — something he said was not done during his tenure. Bir said he was one of two full-time employees at the time and had no trouble maintaining city properties. He questioned why the current staff — two full-time employees and a third primarily administrative position — requires outside help. Director of Public Services Thomas Sikorski said the city has added properties over time, increasing workload and the need for additional manpower. He also said the department has struggled to attract seasonal workers, particularly college-age applicants who have typically filled those roles.

After halting park project, Cass commissioners to reconsider key funding vote

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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April 9, 2026

During their March 19 meeting, commissioners split 4-4 on two funding requests tied to the project, effectively halting it despite more than $100,000 already spent on design and preparation by the county. Commissioners are now scheduled to vote again on a proposal to allocate $249,192 from the Bombardie bequest to help close the project’s funding gap.

Three Rivers Commission approves nearly $3 million in road and infrastructure projects

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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April 8, 2026

The most contentious agenda item Tuesday was the Department of Public Services parking lot replacement project, where Commissioner Lucas Allen sharply questioned the city’s decision not to select the lowest bidder. The exchange underscored broader tensions over cost, contractor selection, and the quality of infrastructure work across the city. During discussion, Director of Public Services Amy Roth said the city plans to present a six-year road repair plan as part of the FY 2027 budget process, with initial discussion scheduled for May 12.

Kalamazoo commission removes $1.25 million federal police grant from agenda, residents cheer

By Maxwell Knauer

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Kalamazoo

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April 7, 2026

“I’d ask that item H3 be removed from tonight’s agenda, given the timing and the need for additional review to ensure the commission has a full understanding of the longer-term implications,” City Manager Malcolm Hankins said. “Removing the item, I believe, is appropriate. It also effectively means non-acceptance of the grant at this time.” Hankins’ comments were met with immediate applause from a packed commission chamber, where many residents had gathered to urge officials to reject the funding. This is the second time the item has been pulled from a commission agenda in recent weeks.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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April 7, 2026

The Sturgis City Commission will meet Wednesday, April 8 for its regular business meeting, with a largely routine agenda that includes contract approvals, infrastructure work, and an update on staffing.

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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April 7, 2026

The Three Rivers City Commission will meet Tuesday, April 7, at 6 p.m. at City Hall for its regular business meeting. Commissioners will consider several new business items, including scheduling meeting dates for FY 2027 budget discussions and a public hearing, approving tornado response invoices to local contractors, and considering nearly $3 million in infrastructure projects throughout the city. The meeting will be livestreamed on Watershed Voice’s Facebook page and uploaded to YouTube afterward.

Three Rivers Pride pauses festival, identifies key organizational needs

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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April 2, 2026

The board, which is made up of four members — President Riley Mains, Secretary Alexis Jacobs, Treasurer Ziggy Standish, and member Desireé Horrocks — said the organization is using this year to strengthen its structure and improve long-term sustainability. “At this point, we really have to focus on strengthening the organization so that we can provide you all with the festival that the town deserves,” Standish said. The Pride festival is the group’s largest event of the year and has cost about $20,000 to $35,000 to host in past years, the board told Watershed Voice.

Hyperscale Data announces planned land acquisition; Dowagiac officials say they were not informed

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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April 2, 2026

The announcement prompted questions locally, particularly in Dowagiac, where the company already operates a data center. City officials first responded Tuesday morning, saying they were not informed of the planned purchase and have not received any development proposals tied to it. On Wednesday, April 1, Watershed Voice spoke with Dowagiac City Manager Kevin Anderson, who said the city has no additional information about the property. “We don’t have any documentation identifying what property this is,” Anderson said. “We’re in the same position as the public.”

TRPD confirms continued use of Flock surveillance technology, says city added seventh camera in 2025

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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April 1, 2026

In an exclusive interview with Watershed Voice, Three Rivers Chief of Police Scott Boling and Detective Sgt. Steven Dibble said the cameras provide an additional investigative tool to help identify vehicles connected to crimes. Flock Safety’s license plate reader system has drawn national criticism from civil liberties groups, particularly the American Civil Liberties Union, which argues the technology enables a form of mass surveillance that extends beyond its original purpose. Boling said there is no “backdoor access” to the system, including for federal agencies such as ICE, and that any data sharing must be approved by the department.