Demonstration held in Sturgis to protest government policies

Demonstration held in Sturgis to protest government policies

Dennis Volkert Apr 2, 2025 2 min read

A demonstration was held March 28 near the intersection of U.S. 12 and Centerville Road in Sturgis, protesting some policies that are unfolding during the early phase of Donald Trump’s second administration.  An estimated 80 people took part, organizers said. …

Resolution of most Sturgis power outages expected by end of day

Resolution of most Sturgis power outages expected by end of day

Dennis Volkert Apr 1, 2025 1 min read

Electric crews in Sturgis have power outages down to fewer than 100 customers, as they continue to work to restore service in the aftermath of the March 30 storm. The majority of the remaining outages are small clusters of a…

Brush collection begins April 2 in Sturgis

Dennis Volkert Mar 31, 2025 2 min read

In aftermath of the March 30 storm, the city of Sturgis will begin brush pickup on April 2, instead of the scheduled April 7 start.  Crews from Department of Public Works will begin on the north side of the city…

Sturgis outages reduced to about 300 customers

Sturgis outages reduced to about 300 customers

Dennis Volkert Mar 31, 2025 2 min read

City of Sturgis electric crews, aided by workers from other communities, continue to work to restore power in the aftermath of the March 30 storm, officials said.   Much of the work is within neighborhoods, involves replacing broken poles or is…

Sturgis Civic Players set for opening of ’Little Women’ 

Sturgis Civic Players set for opening of ’Little Women’ 

Dennis Volkert Mar 25, 2025 4 min read

By Dennis Volkert “Little Women,” by Sturgis Civic Players, is presented at 7 p.m. March 28-29 and 2 p.m. March 30 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.  “Little Women” is based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel, following the lives of four sisters,…

Sturgis DPS warns of potential for frozen water lines

Sturgis DPS warns of potential for frozen water lines

Dennis Volkert Jan 24, 2025 2 min read

With recent extreme cold, Sturgis Department of Public Services is asking residents to be aware of frozen water lines. To help prevent water lines from freezing, city officials recommend that residents allow a slow stream of water, around the size…

Chicken-keeping permits available beginning Jan. 13 in Sturgis

Chicken-keeping permits available beginning Jan. 13 in Sturgis

Dennis Volkert Jan 13, 2025 1 min read

Beginning Jan. 13, the city of Sturgis will begin accepting permit applications for the keeping of chickens on residential property.  Applications are available at city hall, 130 N. Nottawa St., in the community development department.  Submitting an application does not…

Santa arrives at ‘Dashing Through Downtown’ in Sturgis

Santa arrives at ‘Dashing Through Downtown’ in Sturgis

Dennis Volkert Dec 6, 2024 1 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 Volkert Nov 15, 2024 2 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 Volkert Nov 12, 2024 1 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 Volkert Oct 10, 2024 4 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 Volkert Sep 30, 2024 1 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 Volkert Sep 27, 2024 1 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 Volkert Sep 13, 2024 1 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 Volkert Sep 11, 2024 1 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 Volkert Aug 30, 2024 1 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 Volkert Aug 7, 2024 7 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 Volkert Jul 22, 2024 3 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 Volkert Jul 15, 2024 1 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 Volkert Jul 1, 2024 2 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…

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging (COA) is accepting sealed proposals for an interior remodel of a portion of the Rivers Enrichment Center located at 1200 W. Broadway Street. The project involves renovation of an interior area that was part of the building’s former hotel use and was not included in the renovation completed approximately seven years ago when the building was converted into the Rivers Enrichment Center. Proposals must be received by Wednesday, February 25, 2026 by 2:00pm EST. Bid documents may be obtained by contacting the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging. The COA reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

All communications regarding this RFP shall be directed to:
Pamela Riley
Executive Director, St. Joseph County Commission on Aging
Phone: (269)279-8083 Email: priley@sjccoa.com
OR
Gary Oberlander
Maintenance Department
Phone: (269) 279-8083 Email: goberlander@sjccoa.com