Dowagiac Archives

EPA proposal could reduce public input on some data center permits as Dowagiac debate continues

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July 15, 2026

According to reporting by NBC news, the EPA has proposed eliminating a federal requirement that states provide a 30-day public comment period before issuing certain air permits for facilities the agency classifies as “minor sources” of pollution. Instead of it being federal law, states would individually decide whether public comment is offered. The proposal comes as the Trump administration has pushed to accelerate artificial intelligence infrastructure across the country.

Hyperscale CEO breaks silence at contentious Dowagiac city council meeting

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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July 14, 2026

“You are not investors, you are invaders,” resident Garrett Maverick began, addressing Hyperscale. He then turned to the city council, “Your scolding, your distance, and your lack of transparency on this issue is embarrassing and disqualifying.” The final public comment of the night left a clear message from residents as Peter Gibbons shared his thoughts on the Hyperscale buyout offers. “If somebody’s got their boot on your head, when they lift their boot off your head, they’re not a hero,” he said.

Hyperscale to present to Dowagiac residents at Monday meeting

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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July 9, 2026

On Monday, July 13, Hyperscale Data Inc. will present its plants to Dowagiac residents and City Council members during a City Council meeting. Due to an expected large turnout, the venue has been moved to the Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center at 57072 Riverside Drive at 6 p.m. The final regular agenda item reads: “Presentation from Hyperscale Data, Inc. regarding their plans for 415 E. Prairie Ronde & receiving public comment and questions regarding those plans.”

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

By Maxwell Knauer

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Dowagiac

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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.

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