From now until December 31, every donation made to Watershed Voice by donors like you will be matched by NewsMatch. The program will match up to $1,000 per individual donor, up to $13,000. Our goal is to raise a grand total of $26,000 from your donations plus the matching funds. We’re excited to launch this campaign to support our work in bringing you news that matters in St. Joseph County!

Andrew George of Three Rivers gives his “strong endorsement for Tom Lowry as our next Mayor of Three Rivers,” citing “competence and experience” as important attributes to consider when voting on Tuesday, November 7.

Editor’s note: Watershed Voice does not endorse any candidates for public office, and any views or opinions expressed in this letter are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Watershed Voice staff or its board of directors.

The 2023 SWMJC Mental Wellness Project produced packages of stories focusing on: the mental health of caregivers, published in March; issues around youth mental health, published in June; and mental health workforce issues, published in August.

Our final series this year is The Science and Art of Well-being: Innovations and best practices in mental health care. This package features four solutions journalism stories, all of which Watershed Voicewill publish this week.

Watershed Voice columnist Amy Davidhizar writes about the recent tragedy that befell the Three Rivers community, and where we go from here.

Editor’s Note: This column makes reference to suicide and other issues related to mental health. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Text or call 988 to chat with someone now.

Marijuana consumption lounges will not be coming to a downtown Three Rivers storefront near you, at least not any time soon. The Three Rivers City Commission voted 4-2 against an amendment to the city’s marijuana ordinance Tuesday that would have allowed such an establishment in the central (B-3) business zoning district following a public hearing.