Advertisement

Local

From rural midwest poetry to a French residency, how Aubrey Barnes continues to share his uncompromising voice

Barnes, who has previously performed at the Watershed Voice Artist Showcase in Three Rivers and had several works published by the news and culture magazine, was recently awarded a writing residency at Chateau Orquevaux in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. He described the experience as life-changing. “The artists — writers, painters and other creatives — would gather. We walked together, explored the grounds, shared our art, cried, laughed and built deep bonds quickly. It was transformative.”

Advertisement
Latest in Local
Three Rivers Promise surpasses $1 million in fundraising campaign

Three Rivers Promise has raised more than $1 million toward its goal of creating a long-term scholarship endowment for graduates of Three Rivers High School. The organization is in the initial phase of a community fundraising campaign aimed at building a self-sustaining fund to support tuition assistance for eligible graduates.

Sturgis City Commission approves burning ordinance, lead line funding plan, and Electric Center construction manager selection

Public Services Director Barry Cox presented an opportunity for the city to pursue federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding administered through the state’s Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. Cox said the funding could “turbocharge” Sturgis’ lead service line replacement program ahead of the state’s 2037 deadline.

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

Commissioners will consider an airport easement acquisition agreement, set dates for the city’s 2027 budget discussion meeting and public hearing, and decide whether to grant a special exception use permit for a proposed massage establishment. 

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

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

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.

Watershed Voice on publishing pause until January 26

We are officially taking our annual three-week publishing pause to give our staff some much needed rest, and an opportunity to reset before hitting the ground running in 2026. We will return on Monday, January 26.

Watershed Voice: Year in Review

Before our three-week publishing pause, Watershed Voice invites our readers to take a look back at the past year in local news. For Watershed Voice, it was a year marked by change, as we transitioned from one staff writer — Najifa Farhat for the first half of the year — to another, Maxwell Knauer, for the second half of the year. No matter the author of our stories, we aimed to bring prompt, fact-based, independent reporting to Southwest Michigan. Here’s a look at some of our favorite, most impactful, and most-read stories of 2025.

Remembering the life of a Three Rivers titan: Bruce Monroe

While Bruce Monroe’s restoration work reshaped parts of downtown Three Rivers, those closest to him say it was the care he showed people that mattered most. “Bruce was my father. It isn’t an exaggeration to say that he was as good of a father as anyone could ever hope to have. My brothers and I grew up with endless love and support from our dad. Our family is all still very close, which I think is a testament to my father and the environment he created and fostered for us,” Bruce’s youngest son, Evan Monroe wrote.

Commission newcomer Anthony Stanfill elected mayor pro-tem on split vote

Commissioner Stanfill and First District Commissioner Pat Dane were both nominated for the role. Dane, who has been on the commission since 2017, was contrasted with Stanfill, who has been on the commission for just over a month. The vote went as follows: For Stanfill: Commissioners Lucas Allen, Anthony Stanfill, Carolyn McNary, and Mayor Angel Johnston. For Dane: Commissioners Steven Haigh, Torrey Brown, and Pat Dane.

A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR

Become a monthly donor today

A monthly donation of $5 or more can make a difference.