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

Three Rivers Commissioners approve amphitheater expansion to Downtown Social District

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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June 17, 2026

After a lengthy discussion about whether to place restrictions on when residents could utilize the expanded district, commissioners approved an amended motion limiting the expansion to only when events are being held at the amphitheater. More than an hour into the meeting, worsening weather prompted Mayor Angel Johnston to temporarily adjourn proceedings and direct attendees to shelter in the City Hall basement as a precaution. During the adjournment, Johnston briefly returned home to retrieve her dog before rejoining attendees in the basement. After the storm passed, commissioners returned upstairs and resumed the meeting.

Sturgis Hospital announces closure, ending local healthcare services this week

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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June 17, 2026

Sturgis Hospital announced Tuesday it will cease operations later this week, closing after years of financial challenges that officials say left the organization unable to continue operating. According to a statement released June 16, the hospital will stop seeing patients at noon on Friday, June 19. The closure will affect all hospital departments and services, including the emergency department, surgery services, laboratory services, medical imaging, outpatient clinics, physical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation.

Sturgis power outages drop to 175 as crews continue storm recovery efforts

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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June 16, 2026

As of Tuesday morning, City Manager Andrew Kuk said approximately 175 electric customers remain without power as crews continue restoration work across the city. The storm initially left at least 3,000 customers without electricity after powerful winds brought down trees, power lines, and utility infrastructure throughout Sturgis. Unlike many neighboring communities served by utility companies such as Consumers Energy or Indiana Michigan Power, Sturgis operates its own municipal electric department, meaning restoration efforts have been coordinated directly by city crews alongside outside mutual aid partners.

Union members return to work after Local 2093 votes to approve new contract

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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June 16, 2026

On Sunday evening, Local 2093 members in Three Rivers voted 80% in favor of their new contract that runs through 2030 with American Axle, known locally as Dauch Corporation. Members approved the contract, granting them a finalized deal and sending them back to work. As previously reported by Watershed Voice, the contract includes their “30 by 30” goal, meaning $30 per hour in wages by 2030. That will result in a 36% increase in top wages over the life of the contract. Bargaining Chair Josh Jager included a number of other provisions in the contract when announcing the tentative agreement.

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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June 16, 2026

The Three Rivers City Commission will meet Tuesday, June 16, for a regular business meeting at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 333 W. Michigan Ave. Commissioners will work through a lengthy agenda that includes approval of more than $105,000 in drinking water chemicals, nearly $42,000 for citywide tree and stump removal, and roughly $310,000 in wastewater treatment chemicals, Commissioners will also consider adopting a media access policy allowing approved organizations to connect directly to the city’s sound system. Watershed Voice plans to use the connection to improve livestream audio quality during city commission meetings. The audio is a direct feed from commissioners’ and city staff microphones. If adopted, the policy will take effect immediately.

UAW Local 2093 reaches tentative agreement with American Axle, awaiting member approval

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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June 11, 2026

"After 18 years of sacrifice these workers are finally winning back a big chunk of what was taken from them," UAW President Shawn Fain said during a Facebook livestream Wednesday. "Ten days of sacrifice and solidarity to win back nearly 20 years of struggle. That's because our labor is our power. Never let them tell us we're not worth a fair wage and a dignified life. [..]" Fain praised Local 2093 for what he called a "masterclass" in running a contract campaign. He said workers were prepared to remain on strike for weeks or even months, but a tentative agreement was reached after 10 days.

Sturgis City Commission restores decorum after several contentious meetings

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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June 11, 2026

After several meetings dominated by talk of investigations, censure attempts, and disputes surrounding Mayor Frank Perez and outgoing City Manager Andrew Kuk, the commission spent most of Wednesday's meeting focused on routine city business. Vice Mayor Jeff Mullins requested an update during commissioner comments on allegations of embezzlement raised by a former Doyle Community Center employee at a recent meeting. City Attorney T.J. Reed said the investigation remains ongoing and is being handled by local law enforcement. Once the investigation is complete, Reed said the findings will be forwarded to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office for review. No additional details about the investigation were provided.

Pride celebration continues in Three Rivers with June drag show

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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June 11, 2026

"Although we didn't have the board capacity to put on a festival this year, we wanted to give Three Rivers some sort of celebration," Three Rivers Pride Secretary Alexis Jacobs wrote in a statement to Watershed Voice. "So we organized this event to honor queer folks and love, show everyone that we are still here, and raise some money towards the cause." According to Jacobs, all tips collected during the event will be donated to Three Rivers Pride to support future initiatives. She added that the Kittens will close the evening with a “big group number” to cap off the night of celebration.

Local theater celebrating Pride Month with anniversary screening of Moonlight

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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June 10, 2026

On the film's 10th anniversary, organizers hope audiences recognize its significance. Monoform member Gabe Ybarra described the film not only as an important work of queer cinema, but as a film that belongs within the broader canon of American cinema. “Now more than ever it’s important that theaters of all kinds continue to screen films like Moonlight because representation does matter. It matters on the surface level that queer and non-white people deserve a space in the industry, but on a deeper level we need these kinds of movies because they build empathy. In the same way that watching international cinema can broaden your understanding of the world and introduce you to a culture or entirely different way that people exist, movies like Moonlight can open your eyes to how different existence can be even for the people standing right next to you.”

It’s movie night at the Three Rivers Amphitheater

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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June 10, 2026

The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority will kick off this year's series on Thursday, June 18, with a screening of the 1988 comedy Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The movie is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. at the Three Rivers Amphitheater on Joshua Drive.