Watershed Voice

09/25/2025

School districts must adopt budgets by July 1, often relying on assumptions about the per-pupil foundation allowance and categorical grants. Normally, those budgets are amended after the state finalizes its numbers and the first state aid payment arrives October 20.

With no resolution in Lansing, administrators warn that delays could disrupt payroll, contracts, and services.

School districts must adopt budgets by July 1, often relying on assumptions about the per-pupil foundation allowance and categorical grants. Normally, those budgets are amended after the state finalizes its numbers and the first state aid payment arrives October 20. With no resolution in Lansing, ad...

09/25/2025

The plan isn’t final as commissioners said they intend to adjust language based on public feedback before adoption. “We can structure it with a sunset [end date] so the commission must renew it each year,” said Commissioner Aaron Miller, calling it a way to “give the commission more of a flexible approach” if costs rise or if public feedback provides a clear direction.

The plan isn't final as commissioners said they intend to adjust language based on public feedback before adoption. “We can structure it with a sunset so the commission must renew it each year,” said Commissioner Aaron Miller, calling it a way to “give the commission more of a flexible approac...

09/24/2025

The plan would consolidate the state’s 10 Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) into just three super-regions.

“I worry our clients will just become numbers in a system,” says Amy Davidhizar, provider network manager at Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network in Cass County. “We’ve built a safety net that only works because of trust and follow-through. That doesn’t exist when decisions are made hundreds of miles away.”

The plan would consolidate the state’s 10 Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) into just three super-regions. “I worry our clients will just become numbers in a system,” says Amy Davidhizar, provider network manager at Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network in Cass County. “We’ve built ...

09/24/2025

“Meet the Media: Talk Back” will be held in the Van Deusen Room at the Kalamazoo Public Library downtown branch. It will feature a panel of SWMJC members — all journalists and editors from Michigan media outlets — seeking to answer questions and hear from residents about community development issues important to them.

“Meet the Media: Talk Back” will be held in the Van Deusen Room at the Kalamazoo Public Library downtown branch. It will feature a panel of SWMJC members — all journalists and editors from Michigan media outlets — seeking to answer questions and hear from residents about community developmen...

09/23/2025

After public comments and commission discussion, Pavilion Township Attorney Robert Thall recommended postponing the decision as there were not available copies of the proposed ordinance change. The city provided copies of the agenda and mistakenly printed out last month’s meeting minutes.

After public comments and commission discussion, Pavilion Township Attorney Robert Thall recommended postponing the decision as there were not available copies of the proposed ordinance change. The city provided copies of the agenda and mistakenly printed out last month's meeting minutes.

09/23/2025

Founded in 2000 as a geographic affiliate of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, WPACF connects donors with opportunities to support local projects and programs. Over the years, the foundation has funded scholarships for White Pigeon Community Schools, supported the township library’s OVIE Bookmobile and Summertime Tunes concert series, and backed initiatives such as Wahbememe Park and the Everett F. Gray Stadium.

Founded in 2000 as a geographic affiliate of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, WPACF connects donors with opportunities to support local projects and programs. Over the years, the foundation has funded scholarships for White Pigeon Community Schools, supported the township library’s OVIE Book...

09/23/2025

City Manager Andrew K*k will present options for recycling in 2026 and beyond when the Sturgis City Commission meets Wednesday. While alternatives have been informally discussed, this marks the first formal action taken by the commission since the July decision to discontinue its curbside recycling program.

City Manager Andrew K*k will present options for recycling in 2026 and beyond when the Sturgis City Commission meets Wednesday. While alternatives have been informally discussed, this marks the first formal action taken by the commission since the July decision to discontinue its curbside recycling....

09/23/2025

**WATER SITUATION UPDATE**

We will remain closed this week, and reopen as usual at 4 pm next Wednesday (October 1). We are truly sorry if this disrupts anyone’s dining plans.

Please share this post to help us spread the word!

09/18/2025

Known as Uproot Market and Eatery, the member-owned business is currently offering limited hours during its soft opening. Uproot, located at 119 W. Michigan Ave. in Battle Creek, will be open this Saturday, September 20 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

09/18/2025

Submissions from eligible first, second, third and fourth graders will be accepted through Friday, September 26.

09/17/2025

Seventh graders across St. Joseph County will soon climb aboard a new mobile classroom designed to introduce them to the world of advanced manufacturing. The traveling lab will make stops at all nine partner districts — Burr Oak, Centreville, Colon, Constantine, Mendon, Nottawa, Sturgis, Three Rivers and White Pigeon — giving every seventh grader a chance to spend 45 minutes exploring its equipment.

Seventh graders across St. Joseph County will soon climb aboard a new mobile classroom designed to introduce them to the world of advanced manufacturing. The traveling lab will make stops at all nine partner districts — Burr Oak, Centreville, Colon, Constantine, Mendon, Nottawa, Sturgis, Three Riv...

09/17/2025

In brief discussion, the commission signaled interest in exploring ways to enable building on substandard legacy lots — potentially through setback or variance pathways — so more infill housing could be feasible, with further work expected through the planning commission and master plan process.