Dowagiac Archives

Dowagiac residents hear update on class-action lawsuit against Hyperscale Data Inc.

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July 1, 2026

As of now, the case has been filed as a class-action lawsuit against Hyperscale Data Inc. in the Kalamazoo U.S. District Court. The case alleges that because of the constant noise being emitted from the Hyperscale Data Inc. data center, property values for residents living within a mile of the facility are declining. Attorneys Laura Sheets and Steven Liddle acknowledged there are other impacts associated with the data center — such as environmental concerns and a lack of transparency — however, the case in its current state is only alleging property damage and seeking compensation for those claims. The defendant — Hyperscale Data Inc. — has reviewed those claims and asked for an extension to give an answer, which was granted and is due July 24.

July 4th weekend celebration guide

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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July 1, 2026

With Fourth of July weekend approaching, communities across southwest Michigan are preparing for parades, fireworks shows, live performances and annual hometown celebrations marking the country’s 250th year of independence. Watershed Voice compiled a guide to events happening across St. Joseph, Cass and Kalamazoo counties, along with a few nearby celebrations worth the drive.

Hyperscale Data Inc. finalizes data center campus expansion in Dowagiac

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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June 30, 2026

Soon after that expansion was initially announced, Dowagiac Mayor Patrick Bakeman and City Manager Kevin Anderson said the city had no more information than the public about the property. This prompted Mayor Bakeman to write the company an open letter on April 1, giving Hyperscale 45 days to provide the city with more information. On the final day, Bakeman said the company agreed to schedule a meeting “with the expectation that we will meet within the week.” Bakeman has provided no further updates on that meeting. Watershed Voice reached out to Mayor Bakeman seeking an update on the status and content of that meeting but did not receive a response before publication.

Fibrosan announces $16.8 million Cass County investment, 32 jobs planned

By Watershed Voice

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Dowagiac

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June 30, 2026

The investment is expected to generate at least $16,850,000 in capital investment while creating 32 new jobs in the region. To support the project, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

Cooling centers and places to beat the heat in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Cass counties

By Maxwell Knauer

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Local

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June 24, 2026

As temperatures climb across Southwest Michigan, residents looking to escape the heat have several options throughout Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Cass counties. With excessive heat expected next week ahead of the holiday weekend, here's where and how to beat the heat.

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.

Michigan senator introduces statewide data center moratorium package

By Maxwell Knauer

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State

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June 9, 2026

Republican State Senator Jim Runestad has introduced a package of three bills that would temporarily halt new data center development across Michigan until April 1, 2027. The trio of bills—Senate Bills 1018, 1019, and 1020—each target a different aspect of data center development, an issue that has become increasingly contentious in communities across the state.

New Cass County interim prosecutor addresses commissioners for first time

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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June 9, 2026

Speaking during the June 4 Cass County Board of Commissioners meeting, attorney Sarah Scoggin thanked county employees, court officials, law enforcement agencies, prosecutor's office staff and community members for helping her transition into the role. “It is a little overwhelming to be one person that is taking over what six people usually do. That is a lot, but the first week is going pretty well,” Scoggin said. “I do want to say that I really appreciate everybody in the county who has been just so supportive. I’ve had so many people offer just whatever they can.” Scoggin was appointed interim prosecuting attorney May 28 by Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark A. Herman following the resignation of former Prosecutor Victor Fitz, and the departure of the office's assistant prosecutors.

Entire Cass County prosecutor staff exits amid county compensation dispute

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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May 28, 2026

Former Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz announced Wednesday he is joining the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office after resigning from his elected position earlier this month. Fitz’s departure comes alongside the resignations of the office’s remaining assistant prosecutors, leaving all six attorney positions in the office vacant or in transition. Thursday morning, Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark A. Herman appointed attorney Sarah E. Scoggin as interim prosecuting attorney.

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.

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