Advertisement

Local

Sturgis commission deadlocks twice after Mullins calls for Perez’s resignation and censure; commissioner later alleges legal violations

By
●
Sturgis
●
April 23, 2026

In a phone interview with Watershed Voice on Thursday, April 23, City Commissioner Aaron Miller made stronger allegations against Mayor Frank Perez, claiming Perez had broken the law while in office. Miller argued Perez was the person best positioned to publicly disclose the details, and did not identify specific statutes he believed had been violated. “There is plenty that I cannot share because it is protected, as advised by our legal counsel,” Miller said. “There’s a lot that I would love to get out in the open, because sunshine is the best disinfectant.” Watershed Voice requested comment from Perez regarding allegations made during Wednesday's meeting and Miller’s remarks to Watershed on Thursday. A response was not received by publication time.

Advertisement
Latest in Local
Sturgis city manager Andrew Kuk resigns amid contentious commission meeting
By
●
Sturgis
●
April 23, 2026

Andrew Kuk has resigned as Sturgis city manager, with the city commission voting Wednesday night to accept his resignation amid a contentious meeting that also featured failed attempts to discipline Mayor Frank Perez. Following a closed session listed on the agenda for an attorney opinion and a periodic personnel evaluation at the employee’s request, commissioners returned to open session. Kuk then issued a statement announcing his resignation, and the commission voted 6-2 to accept it. Commissioner Marvin Smith was absent.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission
By
●
Sturgis
●
April 22, 2026

The Sturgis City Commission will meet tonight, Wednesday, April 22, for its second regular business meeting of the month. Commissioners are set to discuss a Doyle Center roof project anticipated to cost $696,000, accept a bid on a $73,500 Nottawa Street 69kV transmission line, establish a hydro dam engineer, and approve Sturgis Fest dates and city support requests. City Controller Sadie Griffin will also present the commission with the city’s annual audit, covering the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. The audit found the city’s total net position rose to about $127.6 million, an increase of roughly $9.5 million from the previous year.

Flock cameras dominate Kalamazoo public comment as commission approves housing items
By
●
Kalamazoo
●
April 21, 2026

Supporters described the cameras as a public safety tool that can help solve crimes and locate suspects. Opponents argued the system raises civil liberties concerns, and could contribute to broader surveillance networks with limited public oversight. Roughly 15 residents spoke in favor of continuing the program, while about 10 residents spoke against it. While public attention centered on Flock cameras, the commission also approved several agenda items involving housing, infrastructure, and economic development.

What’s on the May 5 ballot in Southwest Michigan? Here’s what voters need to know
By
●
Local
●
April 15, 2026

May election season is upon us, and while the ballots may seem light, their local impact is anything but.  The Tuesday, May 5 special election in Michigan features relatively few races in most communities, with many ballots focused on school bond proposals, millage renewals and local questions rather than candidate contests. Still, these lower-turnout elections often decide issues that hit closest to home — from school building upgrades to tax levies and city charter changes.

Cass commissioners reverse course, approve Lawless Park funding
By
●
Dowagiac
●
April 14, 2026

In March, commissioners were asked to approve use of $249,192 from the Bombardie bequest to help close a funding gap in the park improvement project, which was initially denied in a 4-4 vote. In a 5-3 vote on April 9, commissioners reversed course and approved the request. The Bombardie bequest stems from a donation made more than two decades ago by Charles Bombardie, who left 10% of his estate to Cass County Parks. County documents say $249,192 remained in the fund before Thursday’s vote, with the money restricted for park purposes.  During Thursday’s discussion, Commissioner Samuel Barrera read from the last will and testament of Charles Bombardie, dated 2001, and argued the county should honor the donor’s intent by using the money for park improvements.

Three Rivers Police seek public’s help in hit-and-run involving child on scooter
By
●
Three Rivers
●
April 14, 2026

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Dibble at sdibble@threeriversmi.org or 269-278-1235. Tips may also be submitted to: St. Joseph County Central Dispatch: 269-467-4195 Three Rivers Police Department: 269-278-1235 Silent Observer: 616-774-2345

Sturgis commission approves routine items, splits on mowing contracts
By
●
Sturgis
●
April 9, 2026

Commissioner Richard Bir, who said he worked as a city landscaper for 20 years, questioned why the city needs to contract out any of the work — something he said was not done during his tenure. Bir said he was one of two full-time employees at the time and had no trouble maintaining city properties. He questioned why the current staff — two full-time employees and a third primarily administrative position — requires outside help. Director of Public Services Thomas Sikorski said the city has added properties over time, increasing workload and the need for additional manpower. He also said the department has struggled to attract seasonal workers, particularly college-age applicants who have typically filled those roles.

Save the date: Watershed Voice Artist Showcase
By
●
Culture
●
April 8, 2026

The sixth annual Watershed Voice Artist Showcase, a celebration of local musicians, spoken word artists, and local journalism, will return to The Huss Project this summer in Three Rivers.

Kalamazoo commission removes $1.25 million federal police grant from agenda, residents cheer
By
●
Kalamazoo
●
April 7, 2026

“I’d ask that item H3 be removed from tonight’s agenda, given the timing and the need for additional review to ensure the commission has a full understanding of the longer-term implications,” City Manager Malcolm Hankins said. “Removing the item, I believe, is appropriate. It also effectively means non-acceptance of the grant at this time.” Hankins’ comments were met with immediate applause from a packed commission chamber, where many residents had gathered to urge officials to reject the funding. This is the second time the item has been pulled from a commission agenda in recent weeks.

A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR

Become a monthly donor today

A monthly donation of $5 or more can make a difference.