Change in Sturgis zoning officials

Longtime Sturgis Township zoning officer Gary Bland is being succeeded by two officials who will split zoning responsibilities.
The move was announced last week by Supervisor George Morse. According to Morse, Bland’s departure after 15 years was by mutual agreement and follows a complaint filed by a township resident over Bland’s actions in resolving a neighborhood lighting dispute.
Trustees approved adding zoning administrator to the building-inspection duties for Randy Schmeling, while Doug Scott was hired as township electrical inspector and zoning-enforcement officer.
Morse said the new arrangement, including requiring zoning complaints to be funneled through the township board, should result in money savings.