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Huss Project Farmer’s Market opens Saturday in Three Rivers

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Three Rivers
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June 4, 2026

Since launching in 2020, the market has grown from 11 vendors to 29 vendors this season, according to Huss Farm Manager and market co-manager Margaret Wenger. "The market has grown significantly since our first season in 2020. Each year we've added new vendors and special events. We started with just 11 vendors and we have 29 vendors planning to sell at the market this season," Wenger said. "The market has become a gathering place for so many in our community. It's exciting to see people from all backgrounds come together around local food and products."

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Three Rivers commission backs downtown grant effort, voices support for striking workers
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Three Rivers
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June 3, 2026

The Three Rivers City Commission approved pursuing a state historic preservation grant for two downtown rehabilitation projects and transferred a city-owned property on Middle Street for redevelopment during its meeting Tuesday. Commissioners also voiced support for members of United Auto Workers Local 2093, who are on strike at the American Axle plant, during commissioner comments at the end of the meeting.

Reservoir upstream of Sturgis dam to be lowered by 3 feet
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Sturgis
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June 3, 2026

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) notified the city May 5 that the drawdown must be completed by July 15. The action follows the agency's latest evaluation of the dam's left embankment, an area that has been monitored for several years through the city's regular dam safety reporting process. City officials said the required drawdown is being implemented as an Interim Risk Reduction Measure while plans continue to move forward for long-term repairs and improvements to the embankment.

Three Rivers auto workers begin strike, demand fair compensation for labor
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Three Rivers
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June 2, 2026

“With inflation, cost of living, you know, my members want a living wage, and my members want benefits that are affordable and that they have access to, and I think they have every right to have every one of those benefits,” UAW Local 2093 Vice President Joe Taylor told Watershed Voice. “They want job security, they want to retire with dignity, and they're some of the hardest working people that I know.” Members of UAW Local 2093 work at American Axle & Manufacturing, also known locally as Dauch Corporation, which supplies axles for General Motors pickup trucks. The strike follows months of contract negotiations between union representatives and the company. Earlier in May, workers voted 98% in favor of authorizing a strike if an agreement could not be reached before the contract deadline.

Entire Cass County prosecutor staff exits amid county compensation dispute
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Dowagiac
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May 28, 2026

Former Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz announced Wednesday he is joining the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office after resigning from his elected position earlier this month. Fitz’s departure comes alongside the resignations of the office’s remaining assistant prosecutors, leaving all six attorney positions in the office vacant or in transition.  Thursday morning, Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark A. Herman appointed attorney Sarah E. Scoggin as interim prosecuting attorney. 

New SIA Community Impact Fund powers historic renovation in downtown Sturgis
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Sturgis
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May 27, 2026

The renovation of 104–106 N. Nottawa Street will convert the historic structure into a fully restored, structurally sound building that will serve as the future home of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation’s offices. It will also create shared gathering space for nonprofit organizations, community leaders, businesses, and partners from across St. Joseph County. The project is the first major investment of the newly established SIA Community Impact Fund, a charitable fund held at the foundation dedicated to supporting community and economic development throughout the county.

Sturgis commission rejects calls to investigate and censure Mayor Frank Perez
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Sturgis
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May 14, 2026

Commissioner Aaron Miller introduced a resolution asking the commission to authorize an investigation by outside counsel. The proposal would have examined whether Mayor Frank Perez, Richard Bir, Cathi Abbs, and Linda Harrington potentially violated Michigan law, applicable case law, commission procedures and the city charter. Miller said an outside review would provide a path toward greater transparency. City Attorney T.J. Reed clarified that any investigative report would first be reviewed by the commission, which would then determine what information, if any, could be released publicly.

Three Rivers commission debates housing board appointment tied to ongoing litigation
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Three Rivers
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May 7, 2026

The dispute began during board appointments listed near the end of the meeting agenda. Commissioner Torrey Brown questioned why Anthony Mayer — whose previous term on the housing board had expired — was not included among the recommended appointments. Brown later moved to appoint Mayer to a new term, arguing the board benefited from members with experience and institutional knowledge. Mayor Angel Johnston said the city had moved away from automatically reappointing board members in an effort to bring in new members and perspectives. Early in discussion of the motion, City Manager Joe Bippus said Mayer had ongoing legal disputes and multiple civil infractions involving Lockport Township as another reason why his reappointment got “pulled,” though he also stated the issues did not legally disqualify Mayer from serving on the board.

Hyperscale Data announces Dowagiac robotics plans as city says questions remain
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Dowagiac
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April 30, 2026

Chief Executive Officer William B. Horne said the project is expected to create more than 500 jobs over the next three years, including robotics engineers, AI data specialists, infrastructure personnel and operations staff. The company did not specify how many of those positions would be based in Dowagiac or when hiring would begin.  Some critics of data center expansion projects say promised employment benefits can be overstated, arguing that many permanent positions require specialized expertise while the most immediate local jobs are often construction-related and temporary.

Glen Oaks Foundation names 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
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Culture
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April 30, 2026

Mick Kolassa, a blues musician, recently retired from a career in the pharmaceutical industry. He attended Glen Oaks on the GI Bill after serving in the U.S. Army. He later earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Washington University, followed by a doctorate in pharmaceutical marketing and economics from the University of Mississippi. In the early 1980s, while working at The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Kolassa also taught classes at Glen Oaks. His career later took him across the country in roles within the pharmaceutical industry, including work in pricing and economic policy and as a vice president at a consulting firm.

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