Watershed Voice

12/23/2025

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.

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 ...

12/23/2025

By the grace of Betty White, Doug and Alek return to their respective mics to look back at the year that was on Keep Your Voice Down. The duo also touch on Watershed Voice’s year-end fundraising efforts, emphasizing the importance of community support and monthly recurring donations in sustaining local, independent news.

The conversation concludes with discussion about supporting others, the value of listening more, and reconnecting with the outside world post pandemic.

By the grace of Betty White, Doug and Alek return to their respective mics to look back at the year that was on Keep Your Voice Down. The duo also touch on Watershed Voice's year-end fundraising efforts, emphasizing the importance of community support and monthly recurring donations in sustaining lo...

12/23/2025

We're over 50% of the way to our goal, but we need your help! Donate now to get us closer to $15,000. With every dollar DOUBLED by NewsMatch until Dec. 31, we can earn $30,000!

12/22/2025

Staff Writer Maxwell Knauer writes, “Watershed Voice is a not for profit, independent news outlet, and that means a lot to me. The fact that we exist as a free to act, independent entity working to provide rural Michiganders with the facts of what is going on in their community is not something I take lightly. In fact, it’s why I work here in the first place. We are in charge of our reporting, not a giant media conglomerate. And by we, I mean you all because we are funded by our readers which is why we work for our readers.”

Staff Writer Maxwell Knauer writes, "Watershed Voice is a not for profit, independent news outlet, and that means a lot to me. The fact that we exist as a free to act, independent entity working to provide rural Michiganders with the facts of what is going on in their community is not something I ta...

12/22/2025

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.

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 availa...

12/19/2025

The task force could include seven to 15 members appointed by the mayor and city commission, including city leadership (mayor or designee, police chief and city manager), a county Department of Health and Human Services representative, a school district liaison, a local housing authority or landlord representative, a mental health provider, a nonprofit or faith-based representative, a foster care transition coordinator, two community members with lived experience, a local business representative and, if possible, a legal aid or court representative.

The task force could include seven to 15 members appointed by the mayor and city commission, including city leadership (mayor or designee, police chief and city manager), a county Department of Health and Human Services representative, a school district liaison, a local housing authority or landlord...

12/18/2025

A local laundromat owner, Alvie Wall, told commissioners he has dealt with repeated vandalism and theft and said he feels the city has failed to address the issue.

“I know you’re sympathetic to the homeless. You feel bad because they’re homeless,” Wall said. “They choose to be homeless. Big deal. That’s their deal. Be homeless all you want, but stop vandalizing my stuff.”

A local laundromat owner, Alvie Wall, told commissioners he has dealt with repeated vandalism and theft and said he feels the city has failed to address the issue. “I know you’re sympathetic to the homeless. You feel bad because they’re homeless,” Wall said. “They choose to be homeless. Bi...

12/17/2025

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.

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, Ant...

12/17/2025

Commissioners are expected to finalize a months-long debate over whether to continue curbside recycling in the city. During the meeting, the commission will consider approval of an exclusive franchise agreement with Borden Waste-Away Service LLC, the city’s current recycling provider.

12/16/2025

Executive Editor Alek Haak-Frost shares a poem he wrote titled “The Truth Giving Tree,” in honor of Watershed Voice’s 2025 NewsMatch campaign.

Executive Editor Alek Haak-Frost shares a poem he wrote titled "The Truth Giving Tree," in honor of Watershed Voice's 2025 NewsMatch campaign.

12/16/2025

Residents also asked city officials for answers about a separate recent death involving a 60-year-old man found deceased near the intersection of Stockbridge Avenue and Mills Street. Chief Boysen said the death was ruled a su***de and that there was no evidence of foul play or involvement by other individuals. He said the man had a history of mental illness and other challenges.

Residents also asked city officials for answers about a separate recent death involving a 60-year-old man found deceased near the intersection of Stockbridge Avenue and Mills Street. Chief Boysen said the death was ruled a su***de and that there was no evidence of foul play or involvement by other i...