Najifa Farhat

3 days ago | watershedvoice.com | Najifa Farhat

A summer program designed to help incoming freshmen succeed at Three Rivers High School is showing strong results — but not enough students are showing up. The Bridge Program supports students as they transition from middle to high school with academic instruction, social-emotional learning, and team-building. But despite its benefits, participation has remained low, with only about 10% of the incoming freshman class enrolling this summer.

3 days ago | watershedvoice.com | Najifa Farhat

Pride was more than a celebration in downtown Three Rivers Saturday — it was a testament to resilience, solidarity and the ongoing fight for equality. The event brought together LGBTQIA+ individuals, allies, activists and organizations from across southwest Michigan for a day of joy, connection and, for many, a deeper sense of purpose. Among the colorful booths and lively performances stood Jay Jones, founder of Join Advocate Defend Act, a Grand Rapids-based legal advocacy nonprofit.

2 weeks ago | watershedvoice.com | Najifa Farhat

After just over a month on the job, St. Joseph County’s new emergency management and homeland security director Josh Shook says he’s diving headfirst into planning, training, and updating procedures to better prepare the community for disasters — natural or otherwise. “It already feels like I’ve been here a lot longer,” said Shook, who took over the role in May following the departure of his predecessor.

3 weeks ago | watershedvoice.com | Najifa Farhat

The Huss Project Farmer’s Market will open Saturday, June 7, welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy locally grown food, live music, and a range of family-friendly activities. The market will continue each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of September.

1 month ago | watershedvoice.com | Najifa Farhat

Justin Wickey was sworn in Wednesday as 2nd Precinct commissioner on the Sturgis City Commission, marking his return to the board after stepping down in 2021. City Clerk Kenneth Rhodes administered the oath during the commission’s regular meeting. Wickey previously served three years of a four-year term before resigning to attend to an out-of-area commitment. “It feels good to be back here,” Wickey said during commissioner comments.