The Sturgis Record

Read about our news and latest updates.

Welcome to Sturgis:

Where Neighbors are Friends

Presbyterian Church Restoration Update

We would like to extend a very special thank you to Tommy Williamson for his contribution that allowed the town to work with Belinda Stewart Architects, PA to provide the historic structures report of the (former) Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. The structure does need some work but it’s not too late to save this treasured structure.  The town currently uses the building to store our seasonal decorations such as the Halloween mannequins, Christmas decorations such as the wreaths, lights, and trees, bike rally items such as tents, coolers, signage, seasonal banners, and a host of other items the town uses in various ways throughout the year.  Once the renovations are completed, the building should be available for town meetings and events.

We would like to give a very brief recap of the report. The structure was built in 1930, replacing an earlier church from the same site which had been destroyed by a tornado. The church was a social hub in the Sturgis community from 1930-2003 with many members recounting memories of large gatherings in the basement for after church meals. In 2003, the congregation disbanded and donated the building to the town of Sturgis. It was designated a Mississippi Landmark on July 27, 2012, and is one of only two remaining Mississippi Landmark buildings in Sturgis.

The Belinda Stewart Architects study includes the following treatment and work recommendations broken into 4 phases:

Phase I--Structural Repairs, Selective Demolition, and Drainage

Phase II—Site modifications for parking, ADA ramp, Hardware (exits, fire extinguishers)

Phase III—Window and door repairs

Phase IV--Removal of non-original finishes & cleaning, ceiling & floor refinishing, and mechanical & electrical upgrades.

Based on this report, the total estimated project cost is $239,240.  Using the report provided by Belinda Steward Architects PA, it is our goal to seek potential grant funding for the treatment and work recommendations.  If you would like to contribute to this project in any way such as donating your grant writing skills or financial donations, please contact Sturgis Town Hall at 662-465-7970.

It takes a Village

We've all heard the saying it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to look after a town. As Alabama sang, "There are people in this country
who work hard every day, but not for fame or fortune do they strive. But the fruits of their labor are worth more than their pay and it's time a few of them were recognized." Sturgis is a fortunate town that is full of these humble folks who step up and help out when needed. Here are just a few that come to mind from the last week.

Town hall recently experienced water damage to its floors and walls. As a result flooring and painting were in need of repair. We would like to thank Elbert Ray Painting and Doug Hamilton, Sturgis Chief of Police, for repainting inside Town Hall last week.

We would also like to thank Jerry Bean, Alderman, for taking down the Christmas lights around town.

And we are especially grateful for Cameron Nowacki who kept our water running during the recent icy and extremely cold weather.

There are many more both past and present who give their time and talents to help our town. For that we are sincerely appreciative.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Town Hall will be Closed February 1 - 2, 2024