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 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.
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.
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.
For now, co-founder James Gray said he hopes people see the sale not as an ending forced by controversy, but as a handoff. “Like many businesses, they get sold, owners pass the torch,” he said. “It’s a great thing that we were able to build something that could be sold. We are excited to see it continue with new ownership.” He added: “We truly believe Farrand Hall has a soul mate out there and that person will give this property the same love and dedication that we gave it.”
Together with support from the Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF), a combined $20,000 grant has been awarded to the St. Joseph County United Way to assist individuals and families impacted by the storm.
A quarterly finance report, compost site rule changes, and a letter of intent on three electric generators round out the Sturgis City Commission’s agenda for its meeting on Wednesday, March 25.
Canadian journalist and baker Chantal Hortop, who serves as managing editor of The Gleaner in Quebec, stops by Keep Your Voice Down to talk cake and shop with hosts Doug Sears, Jr. and Alek Haak-Frost. The wide ranging conversation includes how Chantal and Alek met, the impact of the LION Independent News Sustainability Summit on both their organizations, what local journalism looks like in Canada, and Chantal's penchant for creating dazzlingly delicious baked goods.
Watershed Voice would like to congratulate all students who have made the honor roll on their success and we wish you luck in your continued pursuit of excellence — academic or otherwise. Students named to the President’s List earned a 4.0 grade point average. Students named to the Dean’s List earned a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99. Students are listed alphabetically by hometown.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Andrew Lievense to the Michigan Court of Appeals, First District, a court that hears appeals affecting residents in Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties. Lievense, of Northville, currently serves as an assistant U.S. attorney. He previously worked as a litigation associate at Honigman LLP in Detroit and clerked for U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn.
A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR
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