Three Rivers City Commission Archives

Michigan lawmaker explores changes to public notice rules, raising transparency concerns

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March 26, 2026

Municipalities pay newspapers to publish these notices, with costs varying based on the number and length of postings. According to recent Three Rivers City Commission agenda packets, the city paid $740 to the Three Rivers Commercial-News for fiscal year 2026 public notices. A separate payment of $290 for the same category was recorded February 13. If lawmakers pursue changes, they could alter where and how notices are published, potentially shifting some requirements away from newspapers. However, state Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) has said she is not seeking to eliminate public notice requirements altogether.

Chaotic Three Rivers meeting includes emergency briefing, closed-door discussion of city manager

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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March 18, 2026

The meeting, which lasted more than three hours Tuesday, included several tense exchanges among commissioners, a closed-door discussion about City Manager Joe Bippus, and an emergency management briefing featuring city officials, first responders, and representatives from the American Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse.

Three Rivers City Commission approves $700K airport fuel system project, pauses board appointments

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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March 4, 2026

Commissioners had two board appointments on the agenda originally; however, they removed them before the meeting started due to an inconsistency between state and local laws. “In a recent review of our appointment process, I discovered inconsistencies between state law, charter information published on the city’s website, and certain board bylaws," Mayor Angel Johnston said. "As a result, some past appointments under both current and prior leadership may not fully align with our governing requirements. So [City Attorney] TJ Reed and I spent some time on the phone today and I’m recommending that we temporarily pause new appointments while staff conducts a comprehensive review."

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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March 3, 2026

The Three Rivers City Commission will meet Tuesday, March 3 to consider a city-wide mowing contract, water meter replacements, winter salt funding, and adding Farrand Hall Diner to the downtown social district. As noted previously, Watershed Voice will be live-streaming the City Commission meeting on its Facebook page, and will upload the video to YouTube after. All Three Rivers City Commission meetings will be live-streamed and uploaded going forward.

Watershed Voice to begin livestreaming Three Rivers City Commission meetings

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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February 24, 2026

Starting Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Watershed Voice will begin livestreaming regular business meetings of the Three Rivers City Commission on its Facebook page. Meetings will be available to watch live on Facebook and will be uploaded to Watershed Voice’s YouTube channel as soon as possible afterward, typically within a few hours.

Three Rivers Commission approves early voting update, demolition contract

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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February 18, 2026

Commissioners unanimously approved all agenda items, including an amendment to the county early voting site agreement, a box hangar lease transfer, and the demolition of 318 S. Main St.

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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February 17, 2026

The Three Rivers City Commission will meet on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. in City Hall to consider the demolition of 318 South Main St., finalize the transfer of a box hangar lease at the city airport, and amend its early voting site agreement with St. Joseph County.

Three Rivers City Commission approves spa, orders review of city code language

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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February 4, 2026

Three Rivers Mayor Angel Johnston cited specific examples of language from the city code that she said was troubling. “Of the prohibited things that you can and cannot do, homosexual and other deviant behaviors. Now that bothers me to my core. I don’t believe that homosexuality is deviant, and I hope that nobody in this room does either,” Johnston said, reading from the ordinance.

Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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February 3, 2026

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.

Watershed Voice holiday resource guide

By Maxwell Knauer

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Local

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December 22, 2025

Last week Kalamazoo, Sturgis, and Three Rivers had city commission meetings. In all three meetings, independent of each other, homelessness and ways the city can address it was discussed. As the holidays approach and cold weather continues, Watershed Voice compiled a list of all the resources available for those who need it most in St. Joseph, Cass, and Kalamazoo counties. This guide lists shelter, warming, food and crisis resources available during the holiday period. Availability and capacity can change quickly, especially during extreme weather.

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