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Sturgis approves release of investigation findings

The unanimous decision to release the findings came after a nearly two and a half hour closed session during which commissioners discussed the findings of the investigation, and what would be released to the public.  The decision to open an investigation came after weeks of Vice Mayor Jeff Mullins and City Commissioner Aaron Miller calling for Mayor Frank Perez to step down before attempting to remove and censure him. Mullins and Miller alleged that Perez and other commissioners contributed to an environment that led to former City Manager Andrew Kuk’s resignation. This is a developing story and Watershed Voice will provide updates as they become available. Staff Writer Maxwell Knauer is working on securing the investigation findings and will provide coverage once he has done so.

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Why talking about suicide matters

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Watershed Voice encourages you to check in on your loved ones, yourself, and reflect on ways to look out for signs that people in your life are struggling.  The topic of suicide is often considered taboo and difficult to talk about. However, Nicolette Cole, a veteran navigator at Pivotal and instructor for its QPR suicide prevention training, says avoiding the topic can be part of the problem.

Cass County town hall to discuss data centers and local impact

SaveCassCounty is hosting a town hall in Cassopolis Sunday to discuss concerns around data centers, Fibrosan, and solar farms across Cass County. The organization has invited the public and elected officials to attend the second of two town halls organized by the group. The town hall will be held on Sunday, September 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Ross Beatty High School Auditorium, 22721 Diamond Cove Street, Cassopolis, Michigan.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

The Sturgis City Commission will meet Wednesday, September 23, at 6 p.m. at City Hall for a regular business meeting. Commissioners will consider a $616,000 water clarifier replacement and contingency budget, more than $512,000 in street resurfacing work, a $116,800 change order for the electric building project, and a proposed increase in the contracted hourly rate for a Forestry Field Manager.

Kalamazoo passes robust surveillance contract policy mandating all related items must come to commission

Kalamazoo City Commissioners passed a policy change which will bring all Flock and related surveillance contracts directly to commissioners for consideration, regardless of the price of the contract.

Cass County interim prosecutor sworn-in through 2028

Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman appointed Sarah Scoggin to the position on an interim basis on May 28 following the resignation of former Prosecutor Victor Fitz. Scoggin has now agreed to serve through the end of the term, which ends in 2028, and may choose to seek election to a subsequent term.

Sturgis Area Community Foundation announces new executive director

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) Board of Trustees has appointed Ashley Magnus as its next Executive Director. An accomplished nonprofit executive with extensive experience in philanthropy, fundraising, strategic planning, and community engagement, Magnus brings a proven track record of organizational growth and community impact to the Foundation.

‘When someone is missing, every available resource matters’: Investigation into Brittany Shank’s disappearance continues in earnest

Earlier this week, investigators began digging at a property in Leonidas Township after they received information that there could be evidence at the property related to the disappearance of Brittany Shank.

Cass Swim builds water safety skills as community works to secure program future

Cass Swim began with Diamond Lake residents Jeanne Jourdan and her late husband, Tom Swartz, who believed local children should have access to swimming and water-safety instruction. Working with the YMCA and other community partners, their idea grew into a program that has become a longstanding tradition for Cassopolis students. Jourdan remains a passionate advocate for Cass Swim, hosting several days of instruction each year in her own backyard pool. Close friends Tom and Jill Vihtelic joined the effort six years ago and have since become community leaders for the program, helping spearhead fundraising and volunteer efforts alongside Jourdan.

Three Rivers approves splash pad plan funding; continues SAFEbuilt discussions

SAFEbuilt came up repeatedly throughout the meeting, with commissioners raising their own and residents’ complaints about the company and SAFEbuilt representatives responding.  The discussion began during public comment when Glenn Lindsay, SAFEbuilt’s Midwest director of operations, addressed what he said were social media posts regarding the amount the city pays SAFEbuilt. Lindsay sought to explain the expenditures and argued that revenue from permits and rental inspections offsets much of the cost of SAFEbuilt’s services.

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