Co-organizer Dan Moyle said the challenge now is to translate a two-hour rally into sustained civic habits such as checking in on neighbors, showing up at meetings, supporting local service organizations, and making time for conversations across differences. “I can’t fix Washington, D.C., but I can help in my community,” he said. “Love thy neighbor — it’s pretty simple.”
The event, themed “Shine a Light on Domestic Violence,” aims to raise awareness, foster community support, and honor those who have lost their lives or been impacted by domestic violence in St. Joseph and Cass counties. Community members are invited to join in lighting candles in remembrance of victims and in solidarity with survivors and their families.
Judge Christopher P. Yates wrote in his October 14 opinion that while the changes “may seem unwise,” nothing in state law prevents the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) from implementing them. If the state proceeds as planned, the 10 existing PIHP (prepaid inpatient health plan) regions — including Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health — would be dissolved after fiscal year 2026, and the new regional entities would begin managing Medicaid mental-health funding in FY 2027.
The proposal asks voters to renew a 0.9-mill property tax for five years, from January 2026 through December 2030, to fund county emergency communication services. The measure represents a decrease from the current rate, which expires at the end of 2025, and would generate $0.90 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, according to St. Joseph County Central Dispatch.
If adopted, the ordinance would convert curbside recycling into a city utility, and the service would no longer be optional. Residents could pay an estimated $96 per year, up from the current $25 annual charge. City Manger Andrew Kuk noted the $96 figure is tentative, depending on whether the city were to enter into a one-year or three-year contract with Borden Waste Management Services.
The gift, presented to SACF Executive Director Lindsay Aguilar on October 1 during GT Week — the company’s annual celebration — will help support the foundation’s work in meeting critical needs across the community.
The Sturgis City Commission will discuss a draft ordinance for continuing recycling services. Under the proposal, participation would be mandatory for all single-family homes, with the city or a contracted provider handling curbside collection. The fee amount would be set annually by the commission based on program costs and reviewed each year by city staff.
GT Independence CEO John Carmichael will continue to lead the Sturgis-based financial management service company, and the Carmichael family will remain "a significant stakeholder."
The foundation has awarded $200,000 in grant funding to the St. Joseph County United Way in support of its Capital Campaign to build a new facility in Centreville. United Way Executive Director Kelly Hostetler said funding for the new building will come solely from the capital campaign, separate from United Way’s annual fundraising efforts.
The event is free and open to the public. Food and merchandise will be available for purchase. Donations will also be accepted throughout the day to benefit Affinity House, a St. Joseph County nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing local resources.
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