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Three Rivers

Three Rivers approves budget as water concerns spark heated commissioner exchange

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Three Rivers
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May 20, 2026

Commissioners applauded Finance and Administration Director Bobbi Schoon for preparing what several described as a strong budget. During the public hearing, only two residents commented — one raising concerns about road conditions and another asking what provisions the city had made for people experiencing homelessness. As the meeting came to a close, Commissioner Torrey Brown and Mayor Angel Johnston engaged in a heated exchange over resident complaints about water quality.

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Latest in Three Rivers
Three Rivers Commissioners act to improve audio quality for meeting livestreams
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Three Rivers
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May 20, 2026

City staff has been directed to draft a formal policy governing media access to the city's audio-visual system, a policy the Three Rivers City Commission could consider adopting as soon as their next regular meeting on June 2. Watershed Voice asked City Manager Joe Bippus on April 9 for permission to connect directly to the city’s audio system in an effort to improve the sound quality of its livestream. Bippus responded April 14 and denied the request. “I think it would be best if you found another option for improving your sound quality,” Bippus wrote in an email to Watershed Voice. “If I allow you access, I have to allow anyone else access to our system. I don’t think that is a good idea for the city.” Tuesday’s vote reversed that position and formally began the process of establishing a policy that would permit media access.

Contested state and local races set for St. Joseph County primary ballot
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News
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May 20, 2026

St. Joseph County voters will decide a number of competitive federal, state, and local races when they head to the polls for Michigan’s August 4 primary election. Three Rivers voters in the city’s 2nd District will also have a competitive local race. Josh Hoeppner, Maurice D. Kelly, and incumbent Steven Haigh are seeking the seat. Because the office is nonpartisan, the top vote-getter in the primary will advance according to the city’s election rules. 

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission
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Three Rivers
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May 19, 2026

The Three Rivers City Commission will hold its annual budget hearing during its regular business meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m..  The hearing is the public’s only formal opportunity to comment on the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget before commissioners vote on whether to adopt it. City charter requires the budget to be adopted on or before the second meeting in June, but city staff are recommending commissioners approve it immediately following the hearing and commission discussion.

American Axle workers seek ‘fair share’ after 98% strike authorization vote
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Three Rivers
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May 14, 2026

The union said American Axle has earned $8.4 billion in profits over the past decade while CEO compensation totaled $111 million during that period. Combined compensation for the company’s five highest-paid executives reached nearly $231 million, according to the union.

Glen Oaks celebrates student excellence at annual award ceremony
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Three Rivers
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May 12, 2026

The awards recognize students nominated by faculty, student organizations, and college leaders for their commitment to learning, service to others, and contributions to the Glen Oaks campus community. Honorees represented a wide range of academic pathways, including nursing, allied health, agriculture, computer science and technology, welding, business, communications, art, chemistry, English, criminal justice, and more.

Three Rivers commission debates housing board appointment tied to ongoing litigation
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Three Rivers
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May 7, 2026

The dispute began during board appointments listed near the end of the meeting agenda. Commissioner Torrey Brown questioned why Anthony Mayer — whose previous term on the housing board had expired — was not included among the recommended appointments. Brown later moved to appoint Mayer to a new term, arguing the board benefited from members with experience and institutional knowledge. Mayor Angel Johnston said the city had moved away from automatically reappointing board members in an effort to bring in new members and perspectives. Early in discussion of the motion, City Manager Joe Bippus said Mayer had ongoing legal disputes and multiple civil infractions involving Lockport Township as another reason why his reappointment got “pulled,” though he also stated the issues did not legally disqualify Mayer from serving on the board.

Aundrea Sayrie: Introducing Good Grief. Creating space for awareness, honesty, and repurposing pain
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Culture
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May 7, 2026

Watershed Voice columnist Aundrea Sayrie is introducing a new series exploring how loss lives in everyday lives, and its impact on mental health. This month she will examine the "mother wound," and how a month she once looked forward to feels different, forcing her to "confront the distance" between who she is and who she wants to be.

May 5 Election results: Voters weigh in on school bonds, a trash ordinance, and commissioner terms
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Local
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May 6, 2026

Kalamazoo County voters considered several school funding proposals, along with the high-profile Portage single-hauler trash ordinance proposal, which generated significant public debate ahead of Election Day. The proposal would require waste haulers to register and publish fee schedules while prohibiting the city from creating an exclusive single-hauler trash contract. The measure failed with 44.73% of the vote in favor (5,381 votes) and 55.27% opposed (6,649 votes).

Find your polling place: Southwest Michigan Election Day guide
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News
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May 5, 2026

It’s Election Day! Watershed Voice has compiled key information you might need — from polling locations to hours and what’s on your ballot.  Voters can still register on Election Day at their city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency. They can register and vote in person there until 8 p.m. Acceptable documents include a driver’s license, utility bill or bank statement showing a current address.  Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across Michigan.

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