Watershed Voice

Watershed's Latest Articles

Downtown Cassopolis redevelopment project nearing completion, adding seven housing units

By Watershed Voice

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News

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June 10, 2026

The project, led by the Cass County Land Bank Authority, is transforming a building that has sat largely unused for years. The building's upper floors have been vacant since 2020, while the street-level commercial space has remained vacant since 2015. Once completed, the redevelopment will provide five one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments with balconies. The units will be available to households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income, helping address the need for attainable housing in Cass County.

Reservoir upstream of Sturgis dam to be lowered by 3 feet

By Watershed Voice

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Sturgis

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June 3, 2026

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) notified the city May 5 that the drawdown must be completed by July 15. The action follows the agency's latest evaluation of the dam's left embankment, an area that has been monitored for several years through the city's regular dam safety reporting process. City officials said the required drawdown is being implemented as an Interim Risk Reduction Measure while plans continue to move forward for long-term repairs and improvements to the embankment.

New SIA Community Impact Fund powers historic renovation in downtown Sturgis

By Watershed Voice

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Sturgis

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May 27, 2026

The renovation of 104–106 N. Nottawa Street will convert the historic structure into a fully restored, structurally sound building that will serve as the future home of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation’s offices. It will also create shared gathering space for nonprofit organizations, community leaders, businesses, and partners from across St. Joseph County. The project is the first major investment of the newly established SIA Community Impact Fund, a charitable fund held at the foundation dedicated to supporting community and economic development throughout the county.

Fatal hit-and-run under investigation in Cass County

By Watershed Voice

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News

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May 26, 2026

Investigators say 24-year-old Timothy Johnson of Benton Harbor was walking on M-152 in Silver Creek Township when he was struck and killed by an unknown vehicle. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the tip line at 800-462-9328 or visit the county's website.

Three Rivers Commissioners act to improve audio quality for meeting livestreams

By Watershed Voice

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Three Rivers

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May 20, 2026

City staff has been directed to draft a formal policy governing media access to the city's audio-visual system, a policy the Three Rivers City Commission could consider adopting as soon as their next regular meeting on June 2. Watershed Voice asked City Manager Joe Bippus on April 9 for permission to connect directly to the city’s audio system in an effort to improve the sound quality of its livestream. Bippus responded April 14 and denied the request. “I think it would be best if you found another option for improving your sound quality,” Bippus wrote in an email to Watershed Voice. “If I allow you access, I have to allow anyone else access to our system. I don’t think that is a good idea for the city.” Tuesday’s vote reversed that position and formally began the process of establishing a policy that would permit media access.

Glen Oaks celebrates student excellence at annual award ceremony

By Watershed Voice

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Three Rivers

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May 12, 2026

The awards recognize students nominated by faculty, student organizations, and college leaders for their commitment to learning, service to others, and contributions to the Glen Oaks campus community. Honorees represented a wide range of academic pathways, including nursing, allied health, agriculture, computer science and technology, welding, business, communications, art, chemistry, English, criminal justice, and more.

Construction begins on South Front Street streetscape project in Dowagiac

By Watershed Voice

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Dowagiac

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May 7, 2026

The project received support through a $668,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking 2.0 program, along with matching local funds from the city. City officials said Market One assisted with the grant application process. Assistant City Manager Amanda Sleigh said the funding strategy allowed the city to combine infrastructure improvements with downtown-style streetscape work.

Disaster support hotline available for those recovering from March tornadoes

By Watershed Voice

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Dowagiac

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May 6, 2026

Through a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant administered by Cass County, the three-county region including Cass, Branch, and St. Joseph counties, has partnered with After the Storm to provide long-term disaster recovery support. The program will deliver comprehensive, client-centered disaster case management services to individuals and families recovering from the storm.

Glen Oaks Foundation names 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

By Watershed Voice

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Culture

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April 30, 2026

Mick Kolassa, a blues musician, recently retired from a career in the pharmaceutical industry. He attended Glen Oaks on the GI Bill after serving in the U.S. Army. He later earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Washington University, followed by a doctorate in pharmaceutical marketing and economics from the University of Mississippi. In the early 1980s, while working at The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Kolassa also taught classes at Glen Oaks. His career later took him across the country in roles within the pharmaceutical industry, including work in pricing and economic policy and as a vice president at a consulting firm.

Sturgis Area Community Foundation transitions to county-wide foundation

By Watershed Voice

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Sturgis

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April 29, 2026

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) has announced its transition to a county-wide foundation with a Board of Trustees serving all of St. Joseph County, marking a significant step in the organization’s continued growth and expanding role in regional philanthropy and community leadership.  Over the past several years, SACF has grown from $34 million to $54 million in assets through community support and strategic partnerships. A major milestone in that growth was the 2025 merger with the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation, which broadened collaboration and strengthened SACF’s reach across the county.