For months, the community of Sturgis has been wrapped in governmental turmoil. Now two more city officials have tendered their resignations, including the mayor and a councilmember.
The change in government format in Sturgis, paired with the now-well publicized local budget crunch, has proven chaotic for the community’s government.
Council member Mike Bachand read a list of no fewer than 15 resignations or retirements across city hall, from the legal and rally departments to the previous two mayors.
“And I am resigning this evening,” Bachand said.
This comes following the Monday resignation of Mayor Angela Wilkerson, effective immediately.
Wilkerson's official statement reads “When we lost our mayor in February of 2024, we were bound by state law to appoint a new mayor. Already in the midst of a huge transition with no city manager, I was willing to take on the role due to a sense of duty, a duty I felt to the citizens of Sturgis, a duty I felt to city staff, a duty I felt to keep my promise as a member of City Council,” she said.
Former council member Bachand said he plans to be involved in city government following the decision.
“With that being said, I wish you all well," Bachand said "We’ll see what the new council does. I’ll be back sitting out there as soon as we start coming up with the school property, and I’ll be here with a vengeance.”
Special elections in Sturgis are scheduled for early December. In the interim, Sturgis is currently without a mayor and two elected city officials.
