Watershed Voice sent out questionnaires to over 75 candidates running for elected positions in St. Joseph County and the surrounding area. In the days leading up to the Michigan Primary on August 4, Watershed will publish the questionnaires it received back as well as an election preview. Larry, a Republican candidate running for the Michigan House of Representatives and District 59, filled out WSV’s questionnaire ahead of Tuesday’s primary. Walton and Amy East were the only candidates in this particular race who responded to our questionnaire.
St. Joseph County
This past Sunday, the George Washington Carver Community Center held a fundraiser at its location on Fifth Avenue and Jefferson Street. The center, a Fourth District community anchor, promotes service activities and serves as a gathering place. Sunday’s event included a barbecue, games, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring a new sign.
The Three Rivers Police Department announced Friday it is seeking multiple charges related to a fatal hit and run that occurred in the Meijer parking lot on Thursday, June 18, and resulted in the death of Laura Jacobs.
Two suspects in a home invasion last weekend were released on bond Monday, re-arrested Tuesday, and then released on bond again Thursday. The suspects, Amber Carpenter and Alexander Zuchnik, entered a home on South Constantine Street in the early hours of last Sunday.
Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman heard arguments Wednesday on the admissibility of evidence during a motion hearing for Wade Allen of Sturgis, who is accused of the murder and dismemberment of Kelly-Jien Warner-Miller and has been in custody since last year. The hearing was ultimately continued to allow Stutesman to review materials and transcripts pertaining to the case before issuing a decision.
The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday that permits the county to establish contract details for the sale of a building to Covered Bridge Healthcare.
During its regular meeting Tuesday the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners briefly discussed a letter they received Monday regarding recent and ongoing conduct by County Prosecutor John McDonough. The commission will reportedly discuss the matter further at its next Executive Committee meeting.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues with an uptick in cases in St. Joseph County and elsewhere in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continues to issue orders that modify or add to existing orders regarding mask use. In light of the tighter rules, Watershed Voice spoke with some local law enforcement officials to find out how they are treating mask usage around Three Rivers and St. Joseph County.
A group of constituents of the St. Joseph County Commission, including several elected officials, along with three Branch County residents, submitted a letter to the commission Monday morning. The letter, whose 26 signatories include 59th District State Representative Aaron Miller and several township officials, asks the commission to call for County Prosecutor John McDonough’s resignation.
Southwest Michigan has its share of musical talent, and Watershed Voice had an opportunity to discuss one nationally distributed band’s work with one of its guitarists, Christopher M. Jones, and other band members.
First-run movies will soon be returning to Three Rivers. After five months of bankruptcy proceedings, the Goodrich Three Rivers 6 movie theater and the chain that owns it are under new ownership.
The Three Rivers Public Library board approved five change orders during a special meeting Friday for work at its new building on North Main Street.
At a Wednesday work session, members and staff of the St. Joseph County Road Commission (SJRC) encouraged the public to report damage or obstructions on roads. Depending on jurisdiction, the Road Commission and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) encourage citizens to report problems.
At approximately 6:30 a.m. Thursday, July 16, two suspects broke into several storage units. The incident occurred in the 59000 block of highway U.S.-131 in Fabius Township.
In Episode 8 of Keep Your Voice Down, Doug and Alek interview Larry Walton, a Republican candidate for the Michigan State House of Representatives and the 59th District. Walton is one of five candidates vying for the seat in the Republican primary on Tuesday, Aug. 4, while Democratic candidate Amy East is running unopposed.
The St. Joseph County Commission’s Executive Committee heard several proposals for review, as well as some project updates, at a meeting held Wednesday morning. County Administrator Teresa Doehring introduced a recommendation to sell a building to Covered Bridge Healthcare of St. Joseph County, which is based in Centreville. Covered Bridge currently occupies the building but leases it from the county.
Since Watershed Voice first ran a story last week on places people can go in and around Three Rivers to support Black-owned businesses, a couple of additional establishments have come to our attention.
Summer is well underway. With some pandemic restrictions still in place and local cases climbing, cabin fever remains a reality for many. For St. Joseph County residents seeking activities that follow the rules and precautions, outdoor recreational opportunities provide a wide range of viable and safe options. Watershed Voice has compiled a basic list of places for outdoor activities both locally and in other Michigan locales within an hour and a half of Three Rivers.