Local Archives

Kalamazoo City Commission approves $300,000 for winter shelter services, swears in 56th commission

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November 18, 2025

According to the agenda report, this year’s winter shelter system will include a mix of day shelter, overnight congregate shelter, hoteling for medically fragile residents, and coordinated access services. Ministry with Community will operate an 80-bed day/night congregate shelter, with the capacity to expand to 91 beds during Code Blue weather. Dignity in Motion will provide hoteling for medically fragile individuals and their pets, and Housing Resources Inc. will handle shelter coordination. Winter shelter operations are anticipated to begin December 1 and run through March 31, 2026.

Three Rivers commissioners sworn in, McNary appointed mayor pro tem during contentious first meeting

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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November 14, 2025

The commission held its annual organizational meeting, and a regular business meeting previously scheduled for Monday, November 10 that was rescheduled due to election results not yet being fully certified.

Michigan state senator moves to guarantee marriage equality in Michigan constitution

By Maxwell Knauer

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State

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November 14, 2025

Because the Michigan Constitution can only be amended through a voter-approved ballot measure, Senate Joint Resolution F, must first secure a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers. In the Senate, that means 25 votes. Democrats hold 19 seats, and Sen. Jeremy Moss said all have co-sponsored the resolution, leaving six Republican votes needed for passage. If approved by the Senate, the resolution would move to the House, where a two-thirds vote is also required – 73 votes total. Republicans currently hold a 58–52 majority.

Sturgis Commission backs three-year recycling contract with Borden, approves curbside recycling ordinance second reading

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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November 13, 2025

The ordinance converts curbside recycling from an add-on service to a full city utility, billed as a mandatory fee on utility bills for eligible residential properties. The commission’s approval of the second reading triggers a 20-day waiting period before the ordinance can go into effect. The measure is designed as an alternative to letting the city’s existing recycling contract with Borden expire at year’s end. Previously, the commission had moved toward ending curbside service at the end of the current contract because of rising costs and a roughly $150,000 funding shortfall, even at the maximum allowed fee under state law.

Final opportunity for Sturgis residents to provide recycling feedback before ordinance moves forward

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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November 12, 2025

Wednesday’s meeting will feature the second reading of the ordinance. If approved, the city would enter a 20-day waiting period before the measure becomes law. The commission will also need to decide the length of its next contract with Borden — likely between one year, which allows flexibility if prices change or the commission later discontinues recycling, and three years, which would reduce per-household costs through volume pricing.

Meeting primer: Three Rivers Commission to be sworn-in before double meeting

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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November 12, 2025

During the organizational meeting, the newly sworn-in Three Rivers City Commission will elect a mayor pro tem, who serves in the mayor’s absence. The commission will also review parliamentary procedure, approve commission and administrative guidelines, set the 2026 meeting schedule, and approve the 2026 holiday schedule for full-time, non-union staff.

Kalamazoo Planning Commission votes 7–0 against rezoning near Asylum Lake Preserve

By Maxwell Knauer

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Kalamazoo

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November 7, 2025

After nearly five hours of public comment and discussion, commissioners cited the lack of clarity from the applicant and potential environmental and traffic impacts as reasons for their decision.

Sturgis pro-democracy demonstration, food drive aim to fill gaps left by government shutdown

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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November 6, 2025

Organizers emphasized that both the demonstration and food drive are open to all, regardless of political affiliation, and are intended to foster connection and mutual support.