Local Archives

Three Rivers City Commission approves $700K airport fuel system project, pauses board appointments

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March 4, 2026

Commissioners had two board appointments on the agenda originally; however, they removed them before the meeting started due to an inconsistency between state and local laws. “In a recent review of our appointment process, I discovered inconsistencies between state law, charter information published on the city’s website, and certain board bylaws," Mayor Angel Johnston said. "As a result, some past appointments under both current and prior leadership may not fully align with our governing requirements. So [City Attorney] TJ Reed and I spent some time on the phone today and I’m recommending that we temporarily pause new appointments while staff conducts a comprehensive review."

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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March 3, 2026

The Three Rivers City Commission will meet Tuesday, March 3 to consider a city-wide mowing contract, water meter replacements, winter salt funding, and adding Farrand Hall Diner to the downtown social district. As noted previously, Watershed Voice will be live-streaming the City Commission meeting on its Facebook page, and will upload the video to YouTube after. All Three Rivers City Commission meetings will be live-streamed and uploaded going forward.

EV Chargers, Road Projects Highlight Sturgis Commission Meeting

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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February 26, 2026

Commissioners agreed to direct city staff to move forward with an electric vehicle charging station using leftover funds from a 2024 Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant. The city completed its downtown improvements under budget, leaving approximately $151,207 in remaining funds. According to staff, electric vehicle charging infrastructure was the only remaining eligible use for the excess funds. The proposal includes installation of up to two dual-port Level 2 ChargePoint stations in Parking Lot 11 across from City Hall and the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. Commissioners said the location is intended to encourage visitors to charge their vehicles while supporting downtown businesses within walking distance of the lot.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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February 24, 2026

The commission will revisit electric vehicle charging stations initially removed from the city’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP 1.0) grant project due to placement and budget concerns. The city received a $942,500 RAP grant in 2024 and completed downtown improvements under budget, leaving $151,207.62 in remaining funds. According to staff, electric vehicle charging infrastructure is the only remaining eligible use for the leftover funds. The proposal would install up to two dual-port Level 2 ChargePoint stations in Parking Lot 11 across from City Hall and the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. The project must be completed by June 30, 2026 and would require final compliance confirmation from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

From rural midwest poetry to a French residency, how Aubrey Barnes continues to share his uncompromising voice

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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February 19, 2026

Barnes, who has previously performed at the Watershed Voice Artist Showcase in Three Rivers and had several works published by the news and culture magazine, was recently awarded a writing residency at Chateau Orquevaux in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. He described the experience as life-changing. “The artists — writers, painters and other creatives — would gather. We walked together, explored the grounds, shared our art, cried, laughed and built deep bonds quickly. It was transformative.”

Three Rivers Promise surpasses $1 million in fundraising campaign

By Watershed Voice

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Three Rivers

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February 17, 2026

Three Rivers Promise has raised more than $1 million toward its goal of creating a long-term scholarship endowment for graduates of Three Rivers High School. The organization is in the initial phase of a community fundraising campaign aimed at building a self-sustaining fund to support tuition assistance for eligible graduates.

Sturgis City Commission approves burning ordinance, lead line funding plan, and Electric Center construction manager selection

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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February 12, 2026

Public Services Director Barry Cox presented an opportunity for the city to pursue federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding administered through the state’s Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. Cox said the funding could “turbocharge” Sturgis’ lead service line replacement program ahead of the state’s 2037 deadline.

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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February 3, 2026

Commissioners will consider an airport easement acquisition agreement, set dates for the city’s 2027 budget discussion meeting and public hearing, and decide whether to grant a special exception use permit for a proposed massage establishment.

Sturgis City Commission advances new burning rules, directs next steps on Doyle Center roof

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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January 29, 2026

The most contentious item on the agenda was the Burning Ordinance First Reading, a proposed update to the city’s Fire Prevention and Protection chapter that, according to the city manager’s report, has not been revised since 1969.

Watershed Voice’s warming shelter resource list

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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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.

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