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Watershed's Latest Articles

Glen Oaks Foundation names 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

Mick Kolassa, a blues musician, recently retired from a career in the pharmaceutical industry. He attended Glen Oaks on the GI Bill after serving in the U.S. Army. He later earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Washington University, followed by a doctorate in pharmaceutical marketing and economics from the University of Mississippi. In the early 1980s, while working at The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Kolassa also taught classes at Glen Oaks. His career later took him across the country in roles within the pharmaceutical industry, including work in pricing and economic policy and as a vice president at a consulting firm.

Sturgis Area Community Foundation transitions to county-wide foundation

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) has announced its transition to a county-wide foundation with a Board of Trustees serving all of St. Joseph County, marking a significant step in the organization’s continued growth and expanding role in regional philanthropy and community leadership.  Over the past several years, SACF has grown from $34 million to $54 million in assets through community support and strategic partnerships. A major milestone in that growth was the 2025 merger with the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation, which broadened collaboration and strengthened SACF’s reach across the county.

Longtime court administrator Tabitha Wedge to receive Liberty Bell Award

Wedge has served the St. Joseph County courts for nearly 40 years. She began her tenure with the 3B District Court in September 1987 while still a senior at Centreville High School. Over the course of her career, she has served in multiple roles before being appointed Court Administrator/Magistrate in July 2006.

Sturgis Area Community Foundation launches search for next executive director

According to the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, the incoming executive director will oversee strategic planning, donor and community relationships, and efforts focused on economic opportunity, well-being and inclusive community development. SACF serves Sturgis and surrounding communities in St. Joseph County through grants, scholarships and partnerships supporting nonprofits, students and community initiatives. The organization said it manages more than $50 million in assets.

Three Rivers Police seek public’s help in hit-and-run involving child on scooter

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Dibble at sdibble@threeriversmi.org or 269-278-1235. Tips may also be submitted to: St. Joseph County Central Dispatch: 269-467-4195 Three Rivers Police Department: 269-278-1235 Silent Observer: 616-774-2345

Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative to host “Women in Media” event in Kalamazoo

The Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative (SWMJC) will host “Women in Media: Behind the Headlines” on April 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo. The free event, which is open to the public, will feature a panel of local women working in journalism and media. Space is limited, and RSVPs are recommended.

Three Rivers Area Community Foundation awards $20,000 grant to St. Joseph County United Way for tornado recovery

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.

Glen Oaks names more than 335 students to fall 2025 honors lists

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.

Whitmer appoints new judge to Michigan Court of Appeals serving Southwest Michigan

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.

During Sunshine Week, Tlaib pushes bill to strengthen press and whistleblower protections

The legislation is named after Daniel Ellsberg, the Pentagon Papers whistleblower who revealed classified information about the Vietnam War and was charged under the Espionage Act. The charges were later dismissed. At its core, the bill would narrow who can be prosecuted under the Espionage Act and raise the legal threshold required for conviction.

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