Watershed Voice

Watershed's Latest Articles

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.

Longtime court administrator Tabitha Wedge to receive Liberty Bell Award

By Watershed Voice

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News

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April 29, 2026

Wedge has served the St. Joseph County courts for nearly 40 years. She began her tenure with the 3B District Court in September 1987 while still a senior at Centreville High School. Over the course of her career, she has served in multiple roles before being appointed Court Administrator/Magistrate in July 2006.

Sturgis Area Community Foundation launches search for next executive director

By Watershed Voice

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Sturgis

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April 22, 2026

According to the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, the incoming executive director will oversee strategic planning, donor and community relationships, and efforts focused on economic opportunity, well-being and inclusive community development. SACF serves Sturgis and surrounding communities in St. Joseph County through grants, scholarships and partnerships supporting nonprofits, students and community initiatives. The organization said it manages more than $50 million in assets.

Three Rivers Police seek public’s help in hit-and-run involving child on scooter

By Watershed Voice

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Three Rivers

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April 14, 2026

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Dibble at sdibble@threeriversmi.org or 269-278-1235. Tips may also be submitted to: St. Joseph County Central Dispatch: 269-467-4195 Three Rivers Police Department: 269-278-1235 Silent Observer: 616-774-2345

Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative to host “Women in Media” event in Kalamazoo

By Watershed Voice

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Kalamazoo

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April 1, 2026

The Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative (SWMJC) will host “Women in Media: Behind the Headlines” on April 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo. The free event, which is open to the public, will feature a panel of local women working in journalism and media. Space is limited, and RSVPs are recommended.