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Dowagiac

Downtown Cassopolis redevelopment project nearing completion, adding seven housing units

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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.

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Latest in Dowagiac
Michigan senator introduces statewide data center moratorium package
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Bakeman hears from Hyperscale, but key questions remain as Paquette hosts Dowagiac data center town hall
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Dowagiac
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May 19, 2026

About 30 people, most of them Dowagiac residents, attended State Rep. Brad Paquette’s virtual town hall Thursday to discuss Hyperscale Data's proposed expansion plans. The town hall opened with a presentation from Anderson Economic Group COO and Director of Public Policy and Economic Analysis Sarah Thiele, who outlined what she described as the economic benefits data centers can bring to local communities. Her presentation was met with sharp criticism from attendees, who questioned the assumptions behind the report and raised concerns about transparency, environmental impacts, and what they described as misleading public statements from Hyperscale Data.

Hyperscale Data reports customer interest in expanding Dowagiac data center, residents still in the dark
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Dowagiac
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May 13, 2026

The latest announcement indicates that Hyperscale Data is continuing to pursue expansion in Dowagiac and has spent money to prepare for possible growth. But the company has not announced signed contracts, identified its potential customers, or publicly disclosed new permit applications. For residents concerned about electricity use, noise, land development and environmental impacts, the company’s announcement did not address those issues.

Cass County prosecutor resigns as board tensions continue over pay dispute
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Dowagiac
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May 12, 2026

The resignation comes less than a week after a contentious May 7 Cass County Board of Commissioners meeting, where prosecutors warned commissioners that more attorneys could leave if the county did not provide additional support to retain staff.  Watershed Voice has previously reported on the growing dispute between the prosecutor’s office and county commissioners over attorney retention, compensation, and the county’s recently implemented classification and compensation study.

Construction begins on South Front Street streetscape project in Dowagiac
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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
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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.

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