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The investigation follows multiple failed attempts by Vice Mayor Jeff Mullins and Commissioner Aaron Miller to censure Mayor Frank Perez or remove him from his mayoral duties during previous meetings. Those efforts stem from allegations by some commissioners that Perez and others violated Michigan law, commission procedures, and the city charter — accusations that have largely remained shielded from public discussion because they were raised during closed session meetings. Tuesday’s vote represented a significant shift after two previous investigation resolutions failed on 4-3 votes. Mayor Perez was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.

Former Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz announced Wednesday he is joining the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office after resigning from his elected position earlier this month. Fitz’s departure comes alongside the resignations of the office’s remaining assistant prosecutors, leaving all six attorney positions in the office vacant or in transition.  Thursday morning, Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark A. Herman appointed attorney Sarah E. Scoggin as interim prosecuting attorney. 

Watershed Voice columnist Aundrea Sayrie’s new series “Good Grief.” explores how loss lives in everyday lives, and its impact on mental health. In The Mother Wound, Part Three, Sayrie writes that “children should not have to earn gentleness” because “they deserved it all along.” And when they don’t receive that care, it leads to self doubt and shame as they grow older.

Alek and Doug provide a preview of the upcoming Watershed Voice Artist Showcase and unveil this year’s lineup. The celebration of local talent and local journalism will take place Saturday, July 25 at 6 p.m. inside the Huss Project’s Imaginarium (1008 8th St., Three Rivers). The duo’s return to their respective mics comes two months after their last episode, as they attempted to secure a very special guest for Keep Your Voice Down’s 100th episode. They explain who they hoped to land, and why it won’t likely happen despite their best efforts. 

As Pride Month approaches, communities across Southwest Michigan continue to offer spaces for celebration, visibility, and connection for LGBTQIA+ residents and allies alike.

The renovation of 104–106 N. Nottawa Street will convert the historic structure into a fully restored, structurally sound building that will serve as the future home of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation’s offices. It will also create shared gathering space for nonprofit organizations, community leaders, businesses, and partners from across St. Joseph County. The project is the first major investment of the newly established SIA Community Impact Fund, a charitable fund held at the foundation dedicated to supporting community and economic development throughout the county.