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Three Rivers

Three Rivers approves media access policy, begins exploring city-run meeting livestreams

During public comment, Watershed Voice Staff Writer Maxwell Knauer and Three Rivers Commercial-News reporter Robert Tomlinson both spoke in favor of the city exploring what it would take to begin livestreaming meetings directly. Knauer thanked commissioners for approving the media access policy but urged them to take the additional step of exploring what city-operated livestreaming would require. “I think that is the simplest step to showing your constituents that you care about transparency at all,” Knauer said.

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Union members return to work after Local 2093 votes to approve new contract

On Sunday evening, Local 2093 members in Three Rivers voted 80% in favor of their new contract that runs through 2030 with American Axle, known locally as Dauch Corporation. Members approved the contract, granting them a finalized deal and sending them back to work. As previously reported by Watershed Voice, the contract includes their “30 by 30” goal, meaning $30 per hour in wages by 2030. That will result in a 36% increase in top wages over the life of the contract. Bargaining Chair Josh Jager included a number of other provisions in the contract when announcing the tentative agreement.

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

The Three Rivers City Commission will meet Tuesday, June 16, for a regular business meeting at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 333 W. Michigan Ave. Commissioners will work through a lengthy agenda that includes approval of more than $105,000 in drinking water chemicals, nearly $42,000 for citywide tree and stump removal, and roughly $310,000 in wastewater treatment chemicals, Commissioners will also consider adopting a media access policy allowing approved organizations to connect directly to the city’s sound system. Watershed Voice plans to use the connection to improve livestream audio quality during city commission meetings. The audio is a direct feed from commissioners’ and city staff microphones. If adopted, the policy will take effect immediately.

UAW Local 2093 reaches tentative agreement with American Axle, awaiting member approval

"After 18 years of sacrifice these workers are finally winning back a big chunk of what was taken from them," UAW President Shawn Fain said during a Facebook livestream Wednesday. "Ten days of sacrifice and solidarity to win back nearly 20 years of struggle. That's because our labor is our power. Never let them tell us we're not worth a fair wage and a dignified life. [..]" Fain praised Local 2093 for what he called a "masterclass" in running a contract campaign. He said workers were prepared to remain on strike for weeks or even months, but a tentative agreement was reached after 10 days.

Pride celebration continues in Three Rivers with June drag show

"Although we didn't have the board capacity to put on a festival this year, we wanted to give Three Rivers some sort of celebration," Three Rivers Pride Secretary Alexis Jacobs wrote in a statement to Watershed Voice. "So we organized this event to honor queer folks and love, show everyone that we are still here, and raise some money towards the cause." According to Jacobs, all tips collected during the event will be donated to Three Rivers Pride to support future initiatives. She added that the Kittens will close the evening with a “big group number” to cap off the night of celebration.

It’s movie night at the Three Rivers Amphitheater

The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority will kick off this year's series on Thursday, June 18, with a screening of the 1988 comedy Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The movie is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. at the Three Rivers Amphitheater on Joshua Drive.

Huss Project Farmer’s Market opens Saturday in Three Rivers

Since launching in 2020, the market has grown from 11 vendors to 29 vendors this season, according to Huss Farm Manager and market co-manager Margaret Wenger. "The market has grown significantly since our first season in 2020. Each year we've added new vendors and special events. We started with just 11 vendors and we have 29 vendors planning to sell at the market this season," Wenger said. "The market has become a gathering place for so many in our community. It's exciting to see people from all backgrounds come together around local food and products."

Three Rivers commission backs downtown grant effort, voices support for striking workers

The Three Rivers City Commission approved pursuing a state historic preservation grant for two downtown rehabilitation projects and transferred a city-owned property on Middle Street for redevelopment during its meeting Tuesday. Commissioners also voiced support for members of United Auto Workers Local 2093, who are on strike at the American Axle plant, during commissioner comments at the end of the meeting.

Farrand Hall owners ordered to repay customer for prepaid dinners

Farrand Hall owners James Gray and Jacob Hagan have been ordered to repay a customer more than $2,100 after failing to appear for a small claims court hearing. According to St. Joseph County court records, a default judgment of $2,145.65 was ordered June 1 in favor of Michael G. Timmers. The judgment includes $2,043.65 sought by Timmers and additional court costs.

Kingbird and the Ordinary aims to build community around the table

The restaurant opens in a location that has seen several businesses come and go in recent years, most recently the Farrand Hall Diner before the company announced its closure and sale. But Chef Ken Miller says he viewed the building’s restaurant-ready setup as an opportunity rather than a warning sign. At the heart of the restaurant, Miller said, is a focus on approachable food made with local ingredients from Southwest Michigan and the broader Great Lakes region. “Our goal is to create an experience that’s equal parts delicious, familiar, exciting and welcoming,” the restaurant states in its opening materials.

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