Sturgis Archives

Journalists and advocates gather in Kalamazoo to discuss affordable housing

●

February 6, 2026

Panelists included journalists who regularly cover housing and community issues — Watershed Voice editor-in-chief and founder Alek Haak-Frost, Brad Devereaux of MLive, Jordyn Hermani of Bridge Michigan, and freelance journalist Al Jones, project editor for On the Ground Kalamazoo — as well as housing advocates Gwendolyn Hooker of Kalamazoo-based Hope Through Navigation, Shanay Settles of the Calhoun County Health Department, and Patsy Moore of Mount Zion Baptist Church and Legacy Senior Living.

Affordable housing panel to feature Watershed Voice editor-in-chief

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Kalamazoo

●

February 3, 2026

For Haak-Frost and Watershed Voice, affordable housing has long been more than a policy topic—it is a core part of the newsroom’s mission-based community journalism. Haak-Frost has written and overseen coverage that explores affordable housing both as a concept and as a lived experience, asking what it truly means, who it serves, and where it falls short.

Sturgis City Commission advances new burning rules, directs next steps on Doyle Center roof

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Sturgis

●

January 29, 2026

The most contentious item on the agenda was the Burning Ordinance First Reading, a proposed update to the city’s Fire Prevention and Protection chapter that, according to the city manager’s report, has not been revised since 1969.

Watershed Voice’s warming shelter resource list

By Maxwell Knauer

●

News

●

January 28, 2026

As winter continues and temperatures stay unbearably cold, Watershed Voice has compiled a list of warming centers in St. Joseph and Cass counties. If you know of any additional resources, please share them with maxwell@watershedvoice.com so they can be added to this list.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Sturgis

●

January 27, 2026

A first reading of proposed updates to the city’s burning ordinance is also on the agenda. The ordinance, which falls under Fire Prevention and Protection in the city code, has not been comprehensively revised since 1969, according to the city manager’s report.

Keep Your Voice Down: By the grace of Betty White

By Alek Haak-Frost

●

Keep Your Voice Down

●

December 23, 2025

By the grace of Betty White, Doug and Alek return to their respective mics to look back at the year that was on Keep Your Voice Down. The duo also touch on Watershed Voice's year-end fundraising efforts, emphasizing the importance of community support and monthly recurring donations in sustaining local, independent news. The conversation concludes with discussion about supporting others, the value of listening more, and reconnecting with the outside world post pandemic.

Sturgis City Commission finalizes recycling contract, approves fire truck purchase amid heated public comment on homelessness

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Sturgis

●

December 18, 2025

A local laundromat owner, Alvie Wall, told commissioners he has dealt with repeated vandalism and theft and said he feels the city has failed to address the issue. “I know you’re sympathetic to the homeless. You feel bad because they’re homeless,” Wall said. “They choose to be homeless. Big deal. That’s their deal. Be homeless all you want, but stop vandalizing my stuff.”

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission to finalize recycling contract, consider marijuana ordinance changes, and fire truck purchase

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Sturgis

●

December 17, 2025

Commissioners are expected to finalize a months-long debate over whether to continue curbside recycling in the city. During the meeting, the commission will consider approval of an exclusive franchise agreement with Borden Waste-Away Service LLC, the city’s current recycling provider.

Sturgis approves utility upgrades, vehicle fleet changes, and holiday tree pickup fundraiser

By Maxwell Knauer

●

News

●

December 11, 2025

To start off new business, commissioners unanimously approved a fundraiser in partnership with Gest Pro Tree Services and United Way. For a minimum $25 donation to United Way, Gest Pro Tree Services will pick up Christmas trees from a participating resident’s curbside, chip the tree, and compost the chippings. Donations must be made in advance, and the deadline to sign up is January 4.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

●

Sturgis

●

December 10, 2025

The Sturgis City Commission will meet tonight in City Hall at 6 p.m. Electric Department Superintendent Chris McArthur will present the commission with the Sturgis Electric Center final design and the proposed purchase of a Hydro Line Three-Phase Transformer. A Christmas Tree pickup fundraiser and the sorting out of leases and sales of the city vehicle fleets will also be discussed.

Sturgis

Latest in Sturgis