Watershed Voice sent out questionnaires to over 30 candidates in contested local, state, and national races in St. Joseph County and the surrounding area for the November 3 General Election. In the days leading up to Election Day, Watershed will publish the answers it has received. Amy East, a Democratic candidate for the 59th District seat in the Michigan State House of Representatives, filled out our questionnaire. These are her answers.
YMCA Camp Eberhart, located on the shore of Corey Lake west of Three Rivers, will be hosting a Halloween “Trunk-or-Treat” event this Saturday, October 31. Families will be able to tour slowly through the camp in their cars, and more than 40 individuals, groups, and organizations will be on hand to pass out treats. Event organizers say children and adults are welcome and encouraged to arrive in costume. The event is free and open to anyone.
A judge has blocked a ban on the open display of firearms at polling places issued recently by Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) Jocelyn Benson. Several current and prospective public officials discussed the ruling on social media Tuesday.
“Trans people are not dangerous, but are, in fact, one of the most marginalized, abused, and harassed groups that need to be protected, rather than excluded, by our laws. And it’s ignorant to believe that giving trans women rights will somehow impede on cis women’s rights, in the same way one would never concede that giving black people rights will somehow lessen white people’s rights.” — Zoe Thomas
Watershed Voice sent out questionnaires to over 30 candidates in contested local, state, and national races in St. Joseph County and the surrounding area for the November 3 General Election. In the days leading up to Election Day, Watershed will publish the answers it has received. Kathy Greaves, a Democratic candidate for the Second District seat on the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, filled out our questionnaire. These are her answers.
The I Can MARVEL All Day Teenager Corespondent, Ezra, has brought attention to a series of announcements and rumors regarding the upcoming Marvel Studios Spider-Man film. Ezra joins Hogey in the studio to discuss what these announcements and rumors could mean for the upcoming film and future of the MCU.
The question of whether masks work has been debated since the first documented COVID-19 cases arrived in the United States earlier this year. Watershed Voice looks at the mechanics of how a mask stands up to the spread of a virus.
Nicholas Mastos, one of three codefendants in a home invasion that took place on South Constantine Street in Three Rivers in the early hours of July 19, has received his sentence. Last month, Mastos pled guilty to one count of first-degree home invasion as well as one count of attempted breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny, Mastos’ fourth such habitual offense.
The St. Joseph County Democratic Party is hosting an event at Memory Isle Park in downtown Three Rivers this Sunday. Called “Dems on Mem,” organizers characterize the event as a pre-election rally. It will feature a number of candidates for Federal, state, and local offices, and the schedule will also include live music, speeches, and an informal candidate meet-and-greet.
The River Country Sports Commission (RCSC) received two more donations this week toward projects at the Armstrong Youth Sports Complex (AYSC) in Three Rivers. They included $9,000 worth of contributions from Doug and Kathy Arney and Bill and Betsy Rhoda, which will be used in the construction of a pavilion at the complex. Horizon Bank also donated $1,000 to the AYSC’s general fund.
The 45th Circuit Court of St. Joseph County has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Justice. St. Joseph County Circuit Court Adult Drug Treatment Court Program Director Dr. Barbara Howes confirmed the award at a meeting Wednesday. In a Facebook post, Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman said, “I am extremely proud to announce that the 45th Circuit Court has been awarded a new grant from the Federal Government in the amount of $600,000 over the next three years to address the substance abuse needs in our County.”
Despite reduced utilization of services and fewer funding dollars from some sources, St. Joseph County’s offender rehabilitation programs are adapting and continuing to serve. Community Corrections Director Rose Ludwick, District Court Judge Jeffrey C. Middleton, and others discussed current challenges and opportunities and approved changes at a Community Corrections Advisory Board (CCAB) meeting Wednesday.
St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite told Watershed Voice Wednesday that his department will not be able to enforce a directive issued last Friday prohibiting open carry of firearms within 100 feet of polling places around the state. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson issued the directive, which applies to the upcoming November 3 General Election day, and includes instructions for local clerks on how to carry it out.
White Pigeon Township Supervisor Don Gloy appeared at a St. Joseph County Road Commission (SJCRC) work session Wednesday to ask commissioners to consider compensating some of the township’s residents for recent damage that occurred during a subdivision paving project.
*Mild swearing in episode* In this week’s episode, Jordan and Layne discuss notable achievements for some local High School sports teams. They also re-debut their infamous “pick ’em” segment, and discuss their predictions for Michigan and Michigan State’s win/loss records for the 2020 season. Lastly, they discuss the Lions’ 34-16 win in Jacksonville.
“While it is tempting to consider 2020 a total loss, it’s not. With all of the adjacent disappointment, it has showcased just how brilliant, resilient, and kindhearted humans can be.”
Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Three Rivers is hosting a food truck event in its parking lot this Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the “IC Boosters,” which is the school’s parent-teacher organization. Four trucks will be featured in what Principal Sharon Voege says is an opportunity to be social and socially distanced at the same time.
St. Joseph County Administrator Teresa Doehring said the bargaining unit representing the county’s largest group of clerical employees has rejected a proposed agreement under which employees would work a reduced, 35-hour workweek for the remainder of the year. The hours reduction was a measure to attempt to mitigate ongoing revenue losses in the county.