The Sturgis City Commission met Wednesday, August 12, approving the use of $3 million to pay down hospital-related bonds, increases to annual utility rates, the city’s 2026-27 budget, and up to $800,000 in bonds for the Doyle Community Center roof project.
On Tuesday, August 11, Hyperscale announced that its board is reviewing strategic alternatives for its Michigan data center, including a potential sale or lease of part or all of the facility. The company said the review is intended to “maximize stockholder value.”
Commissioners said their "hands were tied" after unanimously adopting a resolution Monday to set the election date and determine ballot language for a proposed city charter amendment that would establish a Citizens' Healthcare Action Committee. Officials criticized what they described as an out-of-town organization taking advantage of and misinforming residents. Mayor David Anderson described the organization's funding as “dark money,” said he does not support the initiative, and will “work from now until November 4 to make sure that’s communicated.”
Commissioners are expected to consider paying down $3 million in outstanding debt connected to past Sturgis Hospital improvements, approve annual utility rates, and hold a public hearing on the city’s proposed 2026-27 budget. Commissioners will also consider issuing up to $800K in bonds for the Doyle Community Center roof project. This will be the first meeting where interim City Manager Doug Terry will serve as the lone city manager after former City Manager Andrew Kuk’s final meeting on Wednesday, July 22.
County records show 12,200 ballots were cast in Tuesday’s primary election. By comparison, 13,544 ballots were cast during the August 2024 primary, when turnout reached about 27%, and 13,472 ballots were cast during the August 2020 primary, which saw roughly 29% turnout. This year’s election saw 1,344 fewer ballots cast than in 2024 — a decrease of about 9.9%. As of August 5, St. Joseph County had 49,226 registered voters, putting overall turnout for Tuesday’s primary at approximately 25%.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Huss Project, 1008 Eighth St. in Three Rivers, alongside the Huss Project Farmers Market and Second Saturday Market Art Market. School-aged children accompanied by an adult caregiver can receive a free backpack filled with school supplies while supplies last. Throughout the day, local organizations will offer information about community services and host kid-friendly activities as part of the event’s annual Community Carnival.
El-Sayed narrowly won the Democratic nomination, receiving 48.48% of the vote (740,950 votes), while Stevens received 47.51% (726,057 votes). Former candidate Mallory McMorrow, who withdrew from the race in early July, still received more than 50,000 votes. While some votes are still being counted across the state, the Associated Press has called the race for El-Sayed.
In the Three Rivers City Commission Second District primary, Josh Hoeppner received the most votes, receiving 43.29% of the vote (410 votes). Incumbent Steven Haigh finished second, with 33.79% of the vote (320 votes). The two advance to November's general election, where they will face-off head-to-head.
City Attorney TJ Reed provided commissioners with an update on the long-running enforcement case involving the parking lot at 209 U.S. 131, commonly known as "the Biggby lot." Reed said the process could take at least six months because the city’s enforcement options must proceed through the courts.
Primary Election Day has arrived in Michigan with voters across St. Joseph, Cass, and Kalamazoo counties heading to the polls Tuesday to choose party nominees for statewide office, narrow down local races ahead of the November general election, and for some, decide on millages. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any voter in line by 8 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot.
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