Santa arrives at ‘Dashing Through Downtown’ in Sturgis

Santa arrives at ‘Dashing Through Downtown’ in Sturgis

Dennis VolkertDec 6, 20241 min read

Santa Claus got a fire truck ride to Free Church Park in Sturgis, on day two of “Dashing Through Downtown.” Sturgis High School marching band led the parade.  It came on day two of “Dashing Through Downtown,” presented by Sturgis…

Notices sent in Sturgis regarding lead water lines 

Dennis VolkertNov 15, 20242 min read

Over the past several years, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have introduced new rules for municipal water systems regarding lead service lines, the line running from the city’s water main into a…

Sturgis city organizational meeting postponed

Sturgis city organizational meeting postponed

Dennis VolkertNov 12, 20241 min read

Sturgis City Commission’s annual organization meeting scheduled for Monday is rescheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, prior to the regular board meeting.  The postponement is due to the change in election law, based on a statewide proposal in November…

Sturgis parking policy update reviewed by city commission

Sturgis parking policy update reviewed by city commission

Dennis VolkertOct 10, 20244 min read

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commissioners on Wednesday gave a first review of proposed changes to the downtown parking policy. At a work session Aug. 28, staff and commissioners discussed potential revisions.  Proposals include accounting for new parking spaces being…

Josh Gracin show at Sturges-Young postponed, reschedule date pending

Josh Gracin show at Sturges-Young postponed, reschedule date pending

Dennis VolkertSep 30, 20241 min read

Josh Gracin’s performance, scheduled for Sept. 28 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts, was postponed, due to illness.  Jamie Eymer, executive director at Sturges-Young, said organizers were notified Sept. 27 that Gracin would be unable to perform. SYCA officials are…

Community input sought regarding Eastwood School parking lot, driveways

Community input sought regarding Eastwood School parking lot, driveways

Dennis VolkertSep 27, 20241 min read

A “visioning” session to assess parking lots and driveways at Eastwood Elementary is set for 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the school.  Community members are invited to attend. RSVP is required by Oct. 21, register at bit.ly/4eCNIHr. Dinner is served…

Exchange Club mum sale continues in Sturgis

Exchange Club mum sale continues in Sturgis

Dennis VolkertSep 13, 20241 min read

The fall mum sale, presented by Exchange Club of Sturgis, continues through 6 p.m. Sept. 13 and 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 14, or until supply is depleted.  All proceeds benefit local community services.  Site is 306 W. Chicago Road, at southeast…

One person injured in 3-vehicle crash in Sturgis

One person injured in 3-vehicle crash in Sturgis

Dennis VolkertSep 11, 20241 min read

A multi-vehicle crash resulted in injury Tuesday in Sturgis. Sturgis Department of Public Safety was dispatched to Chicago Road and Michigan Avenue.  Rescue personnel determined a 19-year-old man had fallen asleep at the wheel. That vehicle crossed the center line,…

Portion of North Nottawa Street in Sturgis to close for utilities projects

Portion of North Nottawa Street in Sturgis to close for utilities projects

Dennis VolkertAug 30, 20241 min read

Contractors for the city of Sturgis are scheduled to begin sewer work on North Nottawa Street, beginning Sept. 3.  The project will require closure of Nottawa from Main Street to Hatch Street for a duration of about three weeks.  During…

Q&A: ‘Homegrown’ festival endures and evolves

Q&A: ‘Homegrown’ festival endures and evolves

Dennis VolkertAug 7, 20247 min read

The 13th “Homegrown Art & Music Festival” takes place noon-10 p.m. Saturday at Oaklawn Park in Sturgis.  Six bands perform on the main stage. Other musicians are featured at the beer garden throughout the day. About 10 artists and artisans…

Britt Gross named assistant superintendent at Sturgis Public Schools

Britt Gross named assistant superintendent at Sturgis Public Schools

Dennis VolkertJul 22, 20243 min read

Britt Gross has been named assistant superintendent at Sturgis Public Schools.  The board of education approved the decision Monday at a special meeting, where she was introduced.  Gross served in several capacities at Polk County Public Schools in Florida, most…

Contributions accepted at Patronicity for Sturgis downtown lighting project

Contributions accepted at Patronicity for Sturgis downtown lighting project

Dennis VolkertJul 15, 20241 min read

Sturgis “Electric City” lighting project is live at crowdfunding site Patronicity.  Each dollar donated is matched by the state, up to $50,000. The contribution period closes Aug. 12. DDA received approval to use grant funding from Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s…

Gittinger retires from Sturgis Public Schools

Dennis VolkertJul 1, 20242 min read

Nicole Gittinger is retiring from Sturgis Public Schools.  Gittinger has worked at the district for 15 years. She served as principal at Wall and Eastwood schools, then was named assistant superintendent for SPS.  She received a Bachelor of Arts in…

Sturgis superintendent Ebert receives contract extension

Sturgis superintendent Ebert receives contract extension

Dennis VolkertJun 24, 20241 min read

The contract for Art Ebert, superintendent at Sturgis Public Schools, has been extended through June 30, 2028.  The board of education approved the measure June 24.  According to documents provided to the board, Ebert’s compensation for 2024-25 is $178,500.  For…

Sturgis superintendent Ebert rated ‘highly effective’

Sturgis superintendent Ebert rated ‘highly effective’

Dennis VolkertJun 19, 20241 min read

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education on Monday presented superintendent Art Ebert with a “highly effective” rating on his year-end performance appraisal, during a closed session.  The board used School ADvance Administrator Evaluation System, a research-based tool that measures 31…

Sturgis schools set cell phone policy for students

Sturgis schools set cell phone policy for students

Dennis VolkertMay 24, 20242 min read

Sturgis Public Schools has established a cell phone policy for students. It encompasses additional phone-type devices, such as Apple Watch.  Families and students were notified directly this week regarding the policy. Prior to setting the guidelines, the district consulted stakeholders…