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TRPD confirms continued use of Flock surveillance technology, says city added seventh camera in 2025
In an exclusive interview with Watershed Voice, Three Rivers Chief of Police Scott Boling and Detective Sgt. Steven Dibble said the cameras provide an additional investigative tool to help identify vehicles connected to crimes.
Flock Safety’s license plate reader system has drawn national criticism from civil liberties groups, particularly the American Civil Liberties Union, which argues the technology enables a form of mass surveillance that extends beyond its original purpose.
Boling said there is no “backdoor access” to the system, including for federal agencies such as ICE, and that any data sharing must be approved by the department.
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Watershed Voice is an independent, nonprofit civic news magazine based in Three Rivers, Michigan. We seek to highlight solutions to your pressing concerns in an effort to make our community a better place.
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Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative to host “Women in Media” event in Kalamazoo
The Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative (SWMJC) will host “Women in Media: Behind the Headlines” on April 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo.
The free event, which is open to the public, will feature a panel of local women working in journalism and media. Space is limited, and RSVPs are recommended.
Over 350 gather for No Kings rally in Three Rivers
More than 350 people gathered at the corner of U.S. 131 and Michigan Avenue on Saturday, March 28, from 3 to 4 p.m. Supportive drivers honked as they passed, while others shouted at demonstrators from their vehicles. At least two trucks repeatedly drove past the crowd in the lane closest to the sidewalk, revving their engines and emitting diesel exhaust toward protesters.
Three Rivers Pride to host public board meeting this Wednesday
Three Rivers Pride is hosting an informational event this Wednesday, April 1 at 6 p.m. at GG’s Cookies to provide information and clarity as to why there won’t be a Pride event sponsored by the nonprofit this year.
Sturgis Commission approves compost site changes amid price hike frustrations from local contractors
One resident said the city raised prices by more than 400% for commercial users without phasing in the increase.
“It’s not our fault and we shouldn’t have to bear the burden that the city has decided not to increase the price for 18 years, so now you’re going to put that all on the business owners who take care of this town and make it look nice?” said Noah Hahn, who owns a lawn care business in the city.
Michigan lawmaker explores changes to public notice rules, raising transparency concerns
Municipalities pay newspapers to publish these notices, with costs varying based on the number and length of postings.
According to recent Three Rivers City Commission agenda packets, the city paid $740 to the Three Rivers Commercial-News for fiscal year 2026 public notices. A separate payment of $290 for the same category was recorded February 13.
If lawmakers pursue changes, they could alter where and how notices are published, potentially shifting some requirements away from newspapers. However, state Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) has said she is not seeking to eliminate public notice requirements altogether.
Racist policies shaped a neighborhood. Its lone banking institution helps people overcome
The Northside is one of Kalamazoo’s poorest neighborhoods. It’s also 83% Black.
But the neighborhood of 4,500 residents has just one banking institution: Advia Credit Union at 706 N. Westnedge Ave.
It’s carrying the load to help Northside residents build financial security.
