Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission
On the docket this week is the public hearing for the fiscal year 2025-26 operating budget, which includes decreased funding and revenue for the curbside recycling program.
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Parking dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Farrand Hall and Colon Township
On Thursday morning, the St. Joseph County Courthouse hosted a civil hearing regarding a parking violation issued to Farrand Hall, a historic wedding venue co-owned by Hagan and Gray. The citation was issued after three cars were found parked in the easement of Timber Run Trail during a private wedding hosted on May 25.
Three Rivers City Commission approves funding for water meters, pickleball courts
All agenda items passed without public comment and with little discussion from commissioners. The two largest expenses — the water meter and transmitter replacements and the pickleball courts — total just under $510,000 combined. Funding for the pickleball courts will be distributed in phases during construction rather than in a single lump sum.
Sturgis commissioner suggests letting voters decide the future of curbside recycling
Two weeks ago, the Sturgis City Commission reached an informal consensus to eliminate funding for the city's curbside recycling program — the only municipal curbside recycling program in St. Joseph County. In an interview with Watershed Voice, At-Large Commissioner Aaron Miller said he wants to see the program continue, and believes the public should have the chance to weigh in directly.
Keep Your Voice Down: Abdul El-Sayed
The former Rhodes Scholar and Michigan gubernatorial candidate fields questions about civil liberties, affordable housing, Medicare for All, and automation's impact on the economy. Abdul El-Sayed is running for Michigan's soon-to-be open U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by Sen. Gary Peters, who is not seeking reelection in 2026.
Cass County Animal Control to host rabies vaccine clinic
The Rabies vaccine clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, August 23 at the Cass County Animal Control building, 323 M-62 in Cassopolis. The event is open to dog and cat owners from anywhere, not just Cass County residents.
Domestic assault call turns into barricaded gunman situation in Sturgis
The suspect was taken into custody without incident, and is currently lodged at St. Joseph County Jail on multiple felony charges.
Maxwell Knauer joins Watershed Voice
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Knauer attended Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in philosophy and political science. Knauer is joining Watershed Voice as a staff writer.
Fish fry fundraiser to support Three Rivers scholarship program
The all-you-can-eat dinner event will be held Friday, August 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 320 N. Main St. in Three Rivers.
Sturgis moves to renew 30-Year franchise agreement with Michigan Gas Utilities
Michigan Gas Utilities provides natural gas infrastructure and service throughout Sturgis and other parts of the region. The franchise agreement allows the company to operate within public rights-of-way under terms established by the city.
Parking dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Farrand Hall and Colon Township
On Thursday morning, the St. Joseph County Courthouse hosted a civil hearing regarding a parking violation issued to Farrand Hall, a historic wedding venue co-owned by Hagan and Gray. The citation was issued after three cars were found parked in the easement of Timber Run Trail during a private wedding hosted on May 25.
Three Rivers City Commission approves funding for water meters, pickleball courts
All agenda items passed without public comment and with little discussion from commissioners. The two largest expenses — the water meter and transmitter replacements and the pickleball courts — total just under $510,000 combined. Funding for the pickleball courts will be distributed in phases during construction rather than in a single lump sum.
Sturgis commissioner suggests letting voters decide the future of curbside recycling
Two weeks ago, the Sturgis City Commission reached an informal consensus to eliminate funding for the city's curbside recycling program — the only municipal curbside recycling program in St. Joseph County. In an interview with Watershed Voice, At-Large Commissioner Aaron Miller said he wants to see the program continue, and believes the public should have the chance to weigh in directly.
Keep Your Voice Down: Abdul El-Sayed
The former Rhodes Scholar and Michigan gubernatorial candidate fields questions about civil liberties, affordable housing, Medicare for All, and automation's impact on the economy. Abdul El-Sayed is running for Michigan's soon-to-be open U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by Sen. Gary Peters, who is not seeking reelection in 2026.
Cass County Animal Control to host rabies vaccine clinic
The Rabies vaccine clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, August 23 at the Cass County Animal Control building, 323 M-62 in Cassopolis. The event is open to dog and cat owners from anywhere, not just Cass County residents.
Domestic assault call turns into barricaded gunman situation in Sturgis
The suspect was taken into custody without incident, and is currently lodged at St. Joseph County Jail on multiple felony charges.
Maxwell Knauer joins Watershed Voice
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Knauer attended Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in philosophy and political science. Knauer is joining Watershed Voice as a staff writer.
Fish fry fundraiser to support Three Rivers scholarship program
The all-you-can-eat dinner event will be held Friday, August 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 320 N. Main St. in Three Rivers.
Sturgis moves to renew 30-Year franchise agreement with Michigan Gas Utilities
Michigan Gas Utilities provides natural gas infrastructure and service throughout Sturgis and other parts of the region. The franchise agreement allows the company to operate within public rights-of-way under terms established by the city.
