In recent months, the City of Sturgis' severe weather warning siren system has experienced several inadvertent activations, including this past Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon. The warning system siren was activated in each case without initiation by St. Joseph County Central Dispatch or City authorities.

The incidents started several months ago when St Joseph County emergency services, including the City of Sturgis, switched radio frequencies. This switch included changes to the pager system used to activate our severe weather warning sirens. These weather warning sirens are only activated in case of weather emergencies such as tornadoes, and regular tests.
Following the incident on Tuesday, pagers were reprogramed with a new activation tone. City staff and system consultants believed this would correct issues of stray radio signals or “radio-skip” accidently activating the siren.

With the subsequent inadvertent activation on Wednesday afternoon, other causes are ... [more]

Sturgis fire fighters were dispatched to a reported bathroom fire in the 400 block of North Clay Street approximately 9:48 p.m. Wednesday evening. When on duty fire crews arrived they encountered flames visible on the first floor of the home and rolling out several first floor windows.

The homeowner met fire fighters near the front of the home and told them there were several dogs in the home but no other occupants. The female owner was covered in black soot. Life Care ambulance was called to transport her to Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room for evaluation. The fire extended through interior walls to the second floor and attic of the home. The entire structure sustained heavy fire, smoke and heat damage.

The fire was brought under control approximately 11:00 p.m. Fire crews remained on scene until 1:18 a.m. searching for, and extinguishing, hot spots. Unfortunately, two dogs perished in the fire. Fire crews returned to the scene several hours later to extinguish a smal... [more]

Tuesday morning, March 15th, at approximately 1:50 a.m. two of the City of Sturgis' three weather sirens were inadvertently activated. This was the most recent of several occurences in the last few months where one or more of the weather sirens were activated without initiation by St. Joseph County Central Dispatch or City authorities.

Several months ago the City updated the pager system used to activate weather sirens in case of emergencies such as tornados. The problems with the sirens began shortly after this update. Following investigation into the occurrences, City staff believe the issues are most likely caused by stray radio signals, known as “radio skip,” accidently activating the siren system.

To address this problem the City's radio technician reprogrammed the pagers, which it is hoped will eliminate the issue. To ensure the change corrected the issue, the weather sirens will be tested this Saturday, March 19 at 12:05 p.m. The City apologizes for any inconvenience ... [more]

Flags will fly at half-staff today (March 15th) in memory of Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I. By Presidential Proclamation, all flags are to be flown at half-staff until sunset today in recognition of his passing and in recognition of all WWI veterans. The entirety of President Obama's proclamation is as follows:

As a mark of respect for the memory of Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, and in remembrance of the generation of American veterans of World War I, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that, on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half‑staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and ... [more]

At their Commission meeting on Wednesday, March 9th the City Commission filled the vacant position of Mayor by appointing 3rd Precinct Commissioner, and former Vice-Mayor, Barbara Fisher to the office. The Commission also appointed 3rd Precinct Commissioner Kenneth Malone to fill the position of Vice-Mayor. The terms of both Mayor Fisher and Vice-Mayor Malone will run through November of 2011.

The position of Mayor was left vacant by the resignation of former Mayor and 1st Precinct Commissioner John Carmichael. The Commission will consider applicants to fill the vacant 1st Precinct Commissioner positions at their March 23rd meeting. Registered voters in the 1st Precinct interested in applying for the position of Commissioner can contact the Clerk/Treasurer's Office at (269) 651-2321. Applications are due by Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon).