Sturgis Housing Commission recently received a grant through the Affordable Connectivity Program. The grant offers low-income and struggling households an opportunity to secure internet access. Offered through the federal government, the grant offers $30 a month discount toward broadband service and a one-time discount of $100 toward a device to use on the internet. A number of qualifiers are in …

A special land-use request and site-plan review for a proposed apartment development in Sturgis were approved Tuesday by the city’s planning commission. Spire Development is proposing to develop St. Joseph Street Lofts, a high-density apartment complex at 303 St. Joseph St. – the former Paramount Furniture Co. site. The property, vacant since 1996, is owned by the city’s economic development …

State Rep. Steve Carra said he plans to introduce a bill early next year to prohibit legislators from signing non-disclosure agreements. Recent reporting revealed nearly one in five Michigan lawmakers have signed so-called secrecy pacts that compel a legislator’s silence regarding their knowledge of taxpayer-funded projects, he said. Carra said while creating a business-friendly environment in Michigan is a noble …

It appears St. Joseph County Animal Control will be getting a new service vehicle. During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners fielded a request from Undersheriff Jason Bingaman, who explained the agency’s previous vehicle was rear-ended and totaled back in September. The collision involved animal control’s 2016 Chevy Tahoe. He said the county’s insurance company …

Frank Perez was selected as Sturgis mayor this week. The appointment was confirmed Monday following a vote by the Sturgis City Commission. Incumbent mayor Jeff Mullins, who served for two years, received three votes during the nomination process. Aaron Miller, the sitting vice mayor, was returned to his position in a 5-4 vote. After Perez was affirmed as mayor, he …

Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has detected the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock from Cass County. This is the first case of HPAI in Cass County since the disease was first detected in the state in 2022 and the first confirmed case in Michigan since March 2023. Agency officials said as the fall migration …

Schoolcraft Post Office is one of three post offices that will move delivery units to one facility in Kalamazoo. Agency officials said the plan involves Schoolcraft, Portage and the Kalamazoo-Westwood branch, and will take effect in June. Plans call for the post offices to remain open for all retail services, however, no mail will be distributed from them, according to …

A popular holiday program is returning to Three Rivers this season. “Firefighters for Santa,” a program undertaken by Three Rivers Fire Department, is partnering with St. Joseph County United Way for the 2023 program. The United Way will act as a fiduciary agent for the program, granting all donations made to the cause to the Three Rivers Fire Department Firefighters …

Sturgis District Library has announced initiatives to encourage residents to read more with less pressure on potential overdue fines. The library is encouraging the spirit of sharing and generosity by eliminating fines on children’s books and collecting food in lieu of fines on all other books. “Food for Fines” is a program where patrons may donate unexpired, nonperishable goods to …

Glen Oaks Board of Trustees has announced the formation of a Presidential Search Committee to select a new college president. Current president David Devier plans to retire in June 2024. Devier has held the position since January 2014. The board last month approved moving forward with using the Association of Community College Trustees as the presidential search firm. College officials …