The inaugural “Juneberry Nights” takes place 5:30-9 p.m. June 5 in downtown Sturgis.  It continues the 2026 festival season organized by Sturgis Downtown Development Authority.  Here is a summary of attractions. Pleasant Avenue: Farmers market, berry vendors and free berry…

On May 5, the city of Sturgis City received notice from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regarding the need to “draw down” the reservoir upstream of the city’s hydroelectric dam, no later than July 15, 2026.  According to city manager Andrew…

Sturgis City Commission on May 27 approved a resolution, presented by commissioner Aaron Miller, to direct an independent investigation by outside counsel into any potential violations against specific parts of Michigan law, associated case law, procedure of the commission and…

On May 13, Sturgis City Commission held a work session, prior to its regular meeting, to explore next steps in organizational structure.  The primary focus was the process of finding a successor for outgoing city manager Andrew Kuk. In April,…

Sturgis City Commission on May 13 approved a proposal from Newbury Square Construction of Shipshewana, Ind., to complete a roof overhaul at Doyle Community Center, at a cost of just over $729,000.  The plan is dependent on securing a private…

Tension surrounding mayor Frank Perez, Sturgis City Commission and uncertainty about the resignation of city manager Andrew Kuk continued on May 13, at a regular meeting of the board.  Aaron Miller, commissioner at-large, brought two separate resolutions, each of which…

Sturgis Mayer Frank Perez took part in a podcast interview with 500 Grand Studios, broadcast earlier this week on YouTube.  During the conversation, Perez makes comments regarding an April 22 city commission motion to censure him and another to remove…

A bond renewal request for Sturgis Public Schools failed at the May 5 election.  According to preliminary results from St. Joseph County clerk, the request was rejected by a vote of 1,501 to 1,277, or 54 to 46 percent. An…

At the April 22 meeting of Sturgis City Commission, Jordan Smith of accounting firm Maner Costerisan presented the audit report of the city’s financial performance for the period ending Sept. 30, 2025.  The city received a “clean” opinion, which is…

Linda Harrington has resigned from Sturgis City Commission. Harrington, a representative of the city’s 3rd Precinct, submitted her resignation earlier this month, and announced on April 22 it would be her final meeting as a member of the board.  According…

After a closed session discussion April 22, Sturgis City Commission and city manager Andrew Kuk agreed to a mutual separation, following Kuk’s resignation.  His resignation becomes effective July 24. In the interim, he will continue in the role.  The motion…

By Dennis Volkert “Downtown: 200 Years of Doing Business in Sturgis” premieres at 3 p.m. April 26 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.  Tickets are $10 at sites throughout downtown, or $12 online at sturgesyoung.com.  It is produced by Mike Mort…

“Josh Blue Live” is presented at 7:30 p.m. April 11 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. It is the final show of SYCA’s 2025-26 Performance Series.  Josh Blue is a stand-up comedian who happens to have cerebral palsy.  “Honestly, the…

Two people face charges after a March 15 crash, according to Sturgis Department of Public Safety.  At about 1:45 a.m. on that date, officers were dispatched to the area of Meijer for a report of retail fraud and hit-and-run. was…

Sturgis City Commission on Feb. 25 considered several measures and proposals.  The board approved a master services agreement amendment for Fleis and VandenBrink Engineering, for $121,300, pertaining to reconstruction of South Lakeview Avenue.  That project is scheduled as part of the city’s 2026-27…

Sturgis Wind Symphony presents “Play List” at 3 p.m. March 1 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. Admission is free.  The theme focuses on musical numbers suggested by ensemble members, director Jim Whitehead said.  “I asked the players to submit pieces they…

Sturgis City Commission will consider several proposals at its Feb. 25 meeting. Here is a roundup. South Lakeview Avenue design plan. Commissioners will assess approval of a service agreement amendment for Fleis and VandenBrink for reconstruction on South Lake Avenue. The…

Sturgis Neighborhood Program has announced the launch of a new Neighbor2Neighbor home improvement program, with help of a grant from Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The initiative is intended provide crucial home repair and rehabilitation services to up to three…

By Dennis Volkert Strand Theater in Sturgis ceased operation on Dec. 31, 2025, and is on the market.  It brings the end of an era, and an uncertain transition for Eriz Saitz, third-generation owner.  For now, one immediate project is…

Sturgis Department of Public Safety’s fire division is investigating cause of a blaze Feb. 4 at a home at 229 N. Maple St.  Upon arrival, around 5 p.m., flames and smoke were visible from second-story windows on the north and…