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

What drove turnout in St. Joseph County’s August primary?

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Elections

●

August 6, 2026

County records show 12,200 ballots were cast in Tuesday’s primary election. By comparison, 13,544 ballots were cast during the August 2024 primary, when turnout reached about 27%, and 13,472 ballots were cast during the August 2020 primary, which saw roughly 29% turnout. This year’s election saw 1,344 fewer ballots cast than in 2024 — a decrease of about 9.9%. As of August 5, St. Joseph County had 49,226 registered voters, putting overall turnout for Tuesday’s primary at approximately 25%.

Huss Project’s Back to School Celebration returns Saturday with free backpacks, community resources

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Three Rivers

●

August 6, 2026

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Huss Project, 1008 Eighth St. in Three Rivers, alongside the Huss Project Farmers Market and Second Saturday Market Art Market. School-aged children accompanied by an adult caregiver can receive a free backpack filled with school supplies while supplies last. Throughout the day, local organizations will offer information about community services and host kid-friendly activities as part of the event’s annual Community Carnival.

2026 Primary Election results part 2: El-Sayed wins Democratic Senate nomination, incumbent Steve Carra advances

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Elections

●

August 5, 2026

El-Sayed narrowly won the Democratic nomination, receiving 48.48% of the vote (740,950 votes), while Stevens received 47.51% (726,057 votes). Former candidate Mallory McMorrow, who withdrew from the race in early July, still received more than 50,000 votes. While some votes are still being counted across the state, the Associated Press has called the race for El-Sayed.

2026 Primary Election results: Haigh, Hoeppner advance in Three Rivers second district commissioner race

By Maxwell Knauer

●

News

●

August 5, 2026

In the Three Rivers City Commission Second District primary, Josh Hoeppner received the most votes, receiving 43.29% of the vote (410 votes). Incumbent Steven Haigh finished second, with 33.79% of the vote (320 votes). The two advance to November's general election, where they will face-off head-to-head.

Three Rivers Commission begins Habitat for Humanity project, receives update on ‘Biggby lot’

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Three Rivers

●

August 4, 2026

City Attorney TJ Reed provided commissioners with an update on the long-running enforcement case involving the parking lot at 209 U.S. 131, commonly known as "the Biggby lot." Reed said the process could take at least six months because the city’s enforcement options must proceed through the courts.

Polls open for Michigan’s primary election, a final reminder

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Elections

●

August 4, 2026

Primary Election Day has arrived in Michigan with voters across St. Joseph, Cass, and Kalamazoo counties heading to the polls Tuesday to choose party nominees for statewide office, narrow down local races ahead of the November general election, and for some, decide on millages. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any voter in line by 8 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot.

Everything you need to know before Tuesday’s primary election

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Elections

●

July 31, 2026

For those planning to vote early this weekend or head to the polls Tuesday, Watershed Voice has assembled this final election guide. Below you’ll find links to every candidate questionnaire we published, summaries of the local races we covered, an overview of the major statewide contests, information on local ballot proposals, and everything you need to know before casting your ballot.

Staff writer reporting live from Philadelphia

By Maxwell Knauer

●

News

●

July 30, 2026

Watershed Voice staff writer Maxwell Knauer writes how journalism brought him to Southwest Michigan, love now has him living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his commitment to both will mean working remotely for Watershed Voice going forward. "The reality is that much of modern reporting already happens from wherever your laptop is. Interviews happen over the phone or Zoom, government meetings are — sometimes — streamed online, and public records are requested electronically. "When a story requires someone on the ground, Watershed Voice will still be there. We’re still based in Three Rivers. Founder and editor-in-chief, Alek Haak-Frost, and our office manager, Steph Hightree, remain there, and our board members are spread throughout southwest Michigan. We’ll continue showing up where it matters and telling the stories when they happen."

Sturgis to end Flock contract due to budget constraints

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Sturgis

●

July 29, 2026

The city decided not to renew its Flock contract because of budget constraints for the 2027 fiscal year. During the program’s first three years, community partnerships with local businesses funded the cameras. The cameras were initially installed in phases in 2023. The cameras will be removed by a contractor as their schedule permits, Sturgis Department of Public Safety Director Ryan Banaszak said in an email.

Watershed Voice’s sixth annual Artist Showcase cultivated community through art

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Culture

●

July 28, 2026

Many gathered in the Huss Imaginarium on Saturday evening for a celebration of community and a reminder of the importance of supporting one another in a small town. This year's Watershed Voice Artist Showcase was the longest in the event's history, stretching nearly four hours and highlighting a wide range of musicians, poets, and performers.