Sturgis Archives

Reservoir upstream of Sturgis dam to be lowered by 3 feet

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June 3, 2026

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) notified the city May 5 that the drawdown must be completed by July 15. The action follows the agency's latest evaluation of the dam's left embankment, an area that has been monitored for several years through the city's regular dam safety reporting process. City officials said the required drawdown is being implemented as an Interim Risk Reduction Measure while plans continue to move forward for long-term repairs and improvements to the embankment.

Sturgis commissioners unanimously approve outside investigation as tensions over Mayor Perez continue

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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May 28, 2026

The investigation follows multiple failed attempts by Vice Mayor Jeff Mullins and Commissioner Aaron Miller to censure Mayor Frank Perez or remove him from his mayoral duties during previous meetings. Those efforts stem from allegations by some commissioners that Perez and others violated Michigan law, commission procedures, and the city charter — accusations that have largely remained shielded from public discussion because they were raised during closed session meetings. Tuesday’s vote represented a significant shift after two previous investigation resolutions failed on 4-3 votes. Mayor Perez was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.

Southwest Michigan Pride events return throughout June and July

By Maxwell Knauer

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Culture

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May 27, 2026

As Pride Month approaches, communities across Southwest Michigan continue to offer spaces for celebration, visibility, and connection for LGBTQIA+ residents and allies alike.

New SIA Community Impact Fund powers historic renovation in downtown Sturgis

By Watershed Voice

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Sturgis

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May 27, 2026

The renovation of 104–106 N. Nottawa Street will convert the historic structure into a fully restored, structurally sound building that will serve as the future home of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation’s offices. It will also create shared gathering space for nonprofit organizations, community leaders, businesses, and partners from across St. Joseph County. The project is the first major investment of the newly established SIA Community Impact Fund, a charitable fund held at the foundation dedicated to supporting community and economic development throughout the county.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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May 26, 2026

The Sturgis City Commission will meet Wednesday, May 27 amid ongoing internal turmoil within city leadership. During the commission’s last two meetings, Commissioners Aaron Miller and Jeff Mullins have attempted to censure and remove Mayor Frank Perez over alleged illegal conduct, though many details remain unclear to the public because discussions occurred during closed session meetings. The dispute has created a divide between what commissioners say they know privately and what residents have been told publicly. Commissioners are expected to discuss the search for an interim city manager, consider multiple land-related items, and make annual board appointments Wednesday. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Sturgis City Hall.

Contested state and local races set for St. Joseph County primary ballot

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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May 20, 2026

St. Joseph County voters will decide a number of competitive federal, state, and local races when they head to the polls for Michigan’s August 4 primary election. Three Rivers voters in the city’s 2nd District will also have a competitive local race. Josh Hoeppner, Maurice D. Kelly, and incumbent Steven Haigh are seeking the seat. Because the office is nonpartisan, the top vote-getter in the primary will advance according to the city’s election rules.

Sturgis commission rejects calls to investigate and censure Mayor Frank Perez

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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May 14, 2026

Commissioner Aaron Miller introduced a resolution asking the commission to authorize an investigation by outside counsel. The proposal would have examined whether Mayor Frank Perez, Richard Bir, Cathi Abbs, and Linda Harrington potentially violated Michigan law, applicable case law, commission procedures and the city charter. Miller said an outside review would provide a path toward greater transparency. City Attorney T.J. Reed clarified that any investigative report would first be reviewed by the commission, which would then determine what information, if any, could be released publicly.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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May 12, 2026

Sturgis city commissioners will meet Wednesday for their first regular meeting since a contentious April 22 session in which Vice Mayor Jeff Mullins publicly asked Mayor Frank Perez to resign, two efforts to formally discipline Perez failed on tied votes, City Manager Andrew Kuk announced his resignation, and Commissioner Linda Harrington announced she was stepping down from the commission.

May 5 Election results: Voters weigh in on school bonds, a trash ordinance, and commissioner terms

By Maxwell Knauer

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Local

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May 6, 2026

Kalamazoo County voters considered several school funding proposals, along with the high-profile Portage single-hauler trash ordinance proposal, which generated significant public debate ahead of Election Day. The proposal would require waste haulers to register and publish fee schedules while prohibiting the city from creating an exclusive single-hauler trash contract. The measure failed with 44.73% of the vote in favor (5,381 votes) and 55.27% opposed (6,649 votes).

Voters reject Sturgis Public Schools $98.4 million bond proposal

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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May 6, 2026

Voters rejected the $98.475 million proposal with 54% voting no (1,501 votes) and 46% voting yes (1,277 votes). A total of 2,778 votes were cast on the proposal. Superintendent Arthur Ebert says the district will now need to reevaluate how — or whether — many of the projects it had planned to pursue will move forward. “All of the projects contained within the bond proposal will either need to find an alternative funding source, be reduced in scope with an alternative funding source, or not be completed."

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