Justin Wickey appointed to Sturgis City Commission seat in unanimous vote
The Sturgis City Commission appointed Justin Wickey as Second Precinct Commissioner, filling a vacancy left by former Second Precinct Commissioner Rodger Moyer.
The Sturgis City Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Justin Wickey as Second Precinct Commissioner, filling a vacancy left by former Second Precinct Commissioner Rodger Moyer.
Wickey was the only applicant for the open seat and will serve through 2026, completing the remainder of the unexpired term.
“Given there’s just one applicant, the commission has the option to move forward with the appointment tonight,” Mayor Frank Perez said. The motion passed without objection, and Wickey is expected to be seated at the commission’s next meeting on May 28, 2025.
Annual audit, refurbishment project
- In addition to the appointment, City Controller Holly Keyser presented the city’s annual financial audit, reporting that the City of Sturgis remains in sound fiscal condition. Keyser highlighted strong fund balances and compliance with financial reporting standards.
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the clear findings.
- A $200,000 refurbishment project was approved for two city dump trucks. The work, to be completed by Viking-Cives, a long time truck supplier for the county.
“The chassis and drivetrain are solid, which makes this refurbishment a practical investment,” said Tom Sikorski, Director of Public Services of the city.
The refurbishments won’t be completed until the second quarter of 2026 due to scheduling backlogs, but staff said the investment will extend the trucks’ service life and avoid the cost of full replacements.
Parade, fireworks, and events greenlit
Several upcoming community events and city projects were also approved under the consent agenda and new business:
- The 2025 Memorial Day Parade and the Sturgis Historical Society Cemetery Tours were formally approved.
- The commission authorized fireworks permits and temporary road closures for this summer’s community fireworks display.
- Event requests for Sturgis Fest, A Jam for JB, and a Jesus March at Free Church Park all received approval.
- Infrastructure upgrades, including a new lift station for Michigan Avenue and a 69kV circuit breaker for the Stateline Substation, were also given the green light.
- The commission also authorized the purchase of electric line trucks and reviewed a rehabilitation project on Sturgis Street as part of ongoing infrastructure planning.
Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter with Watershed Voice.
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