Dowagiac Archives

Cass County rejects funding requests, likely nixing Lawless Park improvement project

●

March 24, 2026

Commissioner Samuel Barrera, who also serves on the Parks Board, expressed frustration following the vote. “I just want the members of this board to understand what just happened,” he said. “We have $110K invested into this project — now what are we going to do? We’ve successfully killed this project, so that money is on our hands. I don’t know how we’re going to recover those funds. … I’m really not proud of us right now.”

Additional damage assessments scheduled in Cass County following tornado

By Watershed Voice

●

Dowagiac

●

March 17, 2026

Three assessment teams will be deployed and will move between affected jurisdictions throughout the day Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents in impacted areas may see officials visiting neighborhoods to visually assess damage from public rights-of-way or, in some cases, briefly approaching properties to document storm impacts.

Cass County to host educational session for local governments on data center policy framework

By Watershed Voice

●

Dowagiac

●

February 25, 2026

The event does not involve any proposed data center projects, nor does it signal plans to pursue data center development in Cass County. The session is not a public hearing and is not intended as a forum for advocacy, protest or public comment.

Cass County prosecutor criticizes commissioners over withdrawn pay step request; board approves home repair pilot letter

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Dowagiac

●

February 24, 2026

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz also objected to comments made during a February 5 meeting suggesting raises should not be granted for superficial reasons. “The meeting was ended with a humiliating commentary that we can’t give a raise to somebody just because 'I like your pretty face' or because they 'look good,'” Prosecutor Victor Fitz said. “(Office Manager) Amanda Smego was absolutely humiliated by that, her family was humiliated, my office felt humiliated, and other persons who saw this unfold felt the same way.” Fitz distributed a written list to commissioners outlining reasons he believes Smego deserves the proposed step increase.

Watershed Voice’s warming shelter resource list

By Maxwell Knauer

●

News

●

January 28, 2026

As winter continues and temperatures stay unbearably cold, Watershed Voice has compiled a list of warming centers in St. Joseph and Cass counties. If you know of any additional resources, please share them with maxwell@watershedvoice.com so they can be added to this list.

Watershed Voice holiday resource guide

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Local

●

December 22, 2025

Last week Kalamazoo, Sturgis, and Three Rivers had city commission meetings. In all three meetings, independent of each other, homelessness and ways the city can address it was discussed. As the holidays approach and cold weather continues, Watershed Voice compiled a list of all the resources available for those who need it most in St. Joseph, Cass, and Kalamazoo counties. This guide lists shelter, warming, food and crisis resources available during the holiday period. Availability and capacity can change quickly, especially during extreme weather.

Mayor profile: Dowagiac Mayor Patrick Bakeman

By Maxwell Knauer

●

News

●

December 10, 2025

Watershed Voice spoke with the new Dowagiac mayor about his first month in office, the goals he hopes to pursue, and his approach to transparency. Bakeman has served as mayor for just over a month, or three City Council meetings. He emphasized that significant policy changes take time.

Dowagiac

Latest in Dowagiac