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Sturgis

Find your polling place: Southwest Michigan Election Day guide

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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.

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Latest in Sturgis
Glen Oaks Foundation names 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
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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?
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Sturgis Area Community Foundation launches search for next executive director
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Sturgis
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April 22, 2026

According to the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, the incoming executive director will oversee strategic planning, donor and community relationships, and efforts focused on economic opportunity, well-being and inclusive community development. SACF serves Sturgis and surrounding communities in St. Joseph County through grants, scholarships and partnerships supporting nonprofits, students and community initiatives. The organization said it manages more than $50 million in assets.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission
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Sturgis
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April 22, 2026

The Sturgis City Commission will meet tonight, Wednesday, April 22, for its second regular business meeting of the month. Commissioners are set to discuss a Doyle Center roof project anticipated to cost $696,000, accept a bid on a $73,500 Nottawa Street 69kV transmission line, establish a hydro dam engineer, and approve Sturgis Fest dates and city support requests. City Controller Sadie Griffin will also present the commission with the city’s annual audit, covering the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. The audit found the city’s total net position rose to about $127.6 million, an increase of roughly $9.5 million from the previous year.

What’s on the May 5 ballot in Southwest Michigan? Here’s what voters need to know
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Local
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April 15, 2026

May election season is upon us, and while the ballots may seem light, their local impact is anything but.  The Tuesday, May 5 special election in Michigan features relatively few races in most communities, with many ballots focused on school bond proposals, millage renewals and local questions rather than candidate contests. Still, these lower-turnout elections often decide issues that hit closest to home — from school building upgrades to tax levies and city charter changes.

Sturgis commission approves routine items, splits on mowing contracts
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Sturgis
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April 9, 2026

Commissioner Richard Bir, who said he worked as a city landscaper for 20 years, questioned why the city needs to contract out any of the work — something he said was not done during his tenure. Bir said he was one of two full-time employees at the time and had no trouble maintaining city properties. He questioned why the current staff — two full-time employees and a third primarily administrative position — requires outside help. Director of Public Services Thomas Sikorski said the city has added properties over time, increasing workload and the need for additional manpower. He also said the department has struggled to attract seasonal workers, particularly college-age applicants who have typically filled those roles.

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