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 election turnout and voter method analysis

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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November 14, 2025

Citywide, 6,292 registered voters reside in Three Rivers, and 1,231 cast ballots, for an overall turnout of 19.56%. Turnout was slightly higher in Precinct 1 (24.17%) than in Precinct 2 (15.97%). Across both precincts, voters 60 and older had the highest participation rate at 37.19%, continuing a trend of strong turnout among older residents. In contrast, representing the lower end, voters ages 22–30 had a participation rate of 7.32%, while voters ages 18–21 participated at a similarly low rate of 6.74%.

Farrand Hall to open new Three Rivers location in early 2026

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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November 13, 2025

Farrand Hall’s original location in Colon opened in 2019 and quickly built a following for its farm-to-table approach, inventive menus, and focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. In 2023, the owners added a bakery and production kitchen in Colon, expanding their capacity and supporting both retail and restaurant operations.

Sturgis Commission backs three-year recycling contract with Borden, approves curbside recycling ordinance second reading

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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November 13, 2025

The ordinance converts curbside recycling from an add-on service to a full city utility, billed as a mandatory fee on utility bills for eligible residential properties. The commission’s approval of the second reading triggers a 20-day waiting period before the ordinance can go into effect. The measure is designed as an alternative to letting the city’s existing recycling contract with Borden expire at year’s end. Previously, the commission had moved toward ending curbside service at the end of the current contract because of rising costs and a roughly $150,000 funding shortfall, even at the maximum allowed fee under state law.

Final opportunity for Sturgis residents to provide recycling feedback before ordinance moves forward

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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November 12, 2025

Wednesday’s meeting will feature the second reading of the ordinance. If approved, the city would enter a 20-day waiting period before the measure becomes law. The commission will also need to decide the length of its next contract with Borden — likely between one year, which allows flexibility if prices change or the commission later discontinues recycling, and three years, which would reduce per-household costs through volume pricing.

Meeting primer: Three Rivers Commission to be sworn-in before double meeting

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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November 12, 2025

During the organizational meeting, the newly sworn-in Three Rivers City Commission will elect a mayor pro tem, who serves in the mayor’s absence. The commission will also review parliamentary procedure, approve commission and administrative guidelines, set the 2026 meeting schedule, and approve the 2026 holiday schedule for full-time, non-union staff.

Kalamazoo Planning Commission votes 7–0 against rezoning near Asylum Lake Preserve

By Maxwell Knauer

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Kalamazoo

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November 7, 2025

After nearly five hours of public comment and discussion, commissioners cited the lack of clarity from the applicant and potential environmental and traffic impacts as reasons for their decision.

Sturgis pro-democracy demonstration, food drive aim to fill gaps left by government shutdown

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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November 6, 2025

Organizers emphasized that both the demonstration and food drive are open to all, regardless of political affiliation, and are intended to foster connection and mutual support.

Sturgis Civic Players to bring the swamp to life with Shrek the Musical

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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November 6, 2025

Shrek the Musical runs from November 14-16 at the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts in Sturgis. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 14 and 15 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for both children and adults.

Voters choose new and returning leaders across St. Joseph County and Kalamazoo

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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November 5, 2025

In St. Joseph County, Angel Johnston defeated 13-term incumbent Tom Lowry for Three Rivers mayor. Johnston received 63.48% of the vote (784 total), while Lowry took 34.57% (427). Write-in candidate Nathan Walden received 0.49% (six votes).

Kalamazoo Planning Commission to hear rezoning request near Asylum Lake Preserve

By Maxwell Knauer

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Kalamazoo

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November 5, 2025

The Community Commercial zoning being sought is a broad, high-intensity commercial category designed for corridors like Stadium Drive. While many business types are allowed by right, a car wash would require a Special Use Permit, according to Assistant City Planner Bobby Durkee. The permit process involves a separate public hearing and Planning Commission approval – one reason opponents see the rezoning as paving the way for the same Drive & Shine project rejected in prior years. According to the city’s staff report, planning staff are recommending the rezoning be approved, finding it consistent with the city’s master plan and future land use map. The Planning Commission will consider that recommendation Thursday before voting on its own recommendation to the City Commission.