Sturgis Archives

Sturgis commission rejects calls to investigate and censure Mayor Frank Perez

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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."

Find your polling place: Southwest Michigan Election Day guide

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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May 5, 2026

It’s Election Day! Watershed Voice has compiled key information you might need — from polling locations to hours and what’s on your ballot. Voters can still register on Election Day at their city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency. They can register and vote in person there until 8 p.m. Acceptable documents include a driver’s license, utility bill or bank statement showing a current address. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across Michigan.

Glen Oaks Foundation names 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

By Watershed Voice

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Culture

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April 30, 2026

Mick Kolassa, a blues musician, recently retired from a career in the pharmaceutical industry. He attended Glen Oaks on the GI Bill after serving in the U.S. Army. He later earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Washington University, followed by a doctorate in pharmaceutical marketing and economics from the University of Mississippi. In the early 1980s, while working at The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Kolassa also taught classes at Glen Oaks. His career later took him across the country in roles within the pharmaceutical industry, including work in pricing and economic policy and as a vice president at a consulting firm.

Sturgis bond proposal overview: What’s being upgraded and who’s paying for it?

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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April 29, 2026

The funding would come through a bond proposal, which is the mechanism public school districts use to ask voters for authorization to borrow money for large capital investments. If approved, the district would work with a financial institution to sell bonds in multiple series, according to Superintendent Arthur Ebert. The first bond sale would be for a little more than $30 million in 2027, with the remaining amount issued in 2029. In practical terms, district officials say the proposal is not expected to create a higher school bond tax rate than what property owners are currently paying.

Sturgis Area Community Foundation transitions to county-wide foundation

By Watershed Voice

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Sturgis

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April 29, 2026

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) has announced its transition to a county-wide foundation with a Board of Trustees serving all of St. Joseph County, marking a significant step in the organization’s continued growth and expanding role in regional philanthropy and community leadership. Over the past several years, SACF has grown from $34 million to $54 million in assets through community support and strategic partnerships. A major milestone in that growth was the 2025 merger with the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation, which broadened collaboration and strengthened SACF’s reach across the county.

Sturgis commission deadlocks twice after Mullins calls for Perez’s resignation and censure; commissioner later alleges legal violations

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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April 23, 2026

In a phone interview with Watershed Voice on Thursday, April 23, City Commissioner Aaron Miller made stronger allegations against Mayor Frank Perez, claiming Perez had broken the law while in office. Miller argued Perez was the person best positioned to publicly disclose the details, and did not identify specific statutes he believed had been violated. “There is plenty that I cannot share because it is protected, as advised by our legal counsel,” Miller said. “There’s a lot that I would love to get out in the open, because sunshine is the best disinfectant.” Watershed Voice requested comment from Perez regarding allegations made during Wednesday's meeting and Miller’s remarks to Watershed on Thursday. A response was not received by publication time.

Sturgis city manager Andrew Kuk resigns amid contentious commission meeting

By Maxwell Knauer

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Sturgis

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April 23, 2026

Andrew Kuk has resigned as Sturgis city manager, with the city commission voting Wednesday night to accept his resignation amid a contentious meeting that also featured failed attempts to discipline Mayor Frank Perez. Following a closed session listed on the agenda for an attorney opinion and a periodic personnel evaluation at the employee’s request, commissioners returned to open session. Kuk then issued a statement announcing his resignation, and the commission voted 6-2 to accept it. Commissioner Marvin Smith was absent.

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