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EV Chargers, Road Projects Highlight Sturgis Commission Meeting

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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.

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Carra poses with Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes at campaign event, expresses support for group’s “less government” efforts
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Three Rivers
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February 25, 2026

In 2022, Stewart Rhodes was convicted in federal court of seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 attack and sentenced to 18 years in prison. He was later granted clemency by President Donald Trump in January 2025.

Cass County to host educational session for local governments on data center policy framework
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Dowagiac
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February 25, 2026

The event does not involve any proposed data center projects, nor does it signal plans to pursue data center development in Cass County. The session is not a public hearing and is not intended as a forum for advocacy, protest or public comment.

Watershed Voice to begin livestreaming Three Rivers City Commission meetings
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Three Rivers
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February 24, 2026

Starting Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Watershed Voice will begin livestreaming regular business meetings of the Three Rivers City Commission on its Facebook page. Meetings will be available to watch live on Facebook and will be uploaded to Watershed Voice’s YouTube channel as soon as possible afterward, typically within a few hours.

Cass County prosecutor criticizes commissioners over withdrawn pay step request; board approves home repair pilot letter
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Dowagiac
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February 24, 2026

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz also objected to comments made during a February 5 meeting suggesting raises should not be granted for superficial reasons. “The meeting was ended with a humiliating commentary that we can’t give a raise to somebody just because 'I like your pretty face' or because they 'look good,'” Prosecutor Victor Fitz said. “(Office Manager) Amanda Smego was absolutely humiliated by that, her family was humiliated, my office felt humiliated, and other persons who saw this unfold felt the same way.” Fitz distributed a written list to commissioners outlining reasons he believes Smego deserves the proposed step increase.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission
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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
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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.”

Drew Duncan says policy saved his life — now he’s shaping it
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Kalamazoo
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February 18, 2026

“My life was saved because of the Affordable Care Act,” Kalamazoo City Commissioner and Vice Mayor Drew Duncan said. “Without it, I would not have received care.” Now 36, Duncan sees that period — when he was diagnosed in late 2009 and underwent treatment through 2011 — as foundational. It was the moment policy stopped being abstract. “I have a story that is like many people — but maybe not a story people would expect,” he said. “I try to enter the room with a listening posture. I see urgency around the issues that are plaguing my constituents.”

Three Rivers Commission approves early voting update, demolition contract
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Three Rivers
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February 18, 2026

Commissioners unanimously approved all agenda items, including an amendment to the county early voting site agreement, a box hangar lease transfer, and the demolition of 318 S. Main St.

Three Rivers Promise surpasses $1 million in fundraising campaign
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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.

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