Flag lowered in honor of Bir

Sturgis officials announced the city flag will be lowered in honor of Sue Bir’s service to the community.

Bir, 56, died Wednesday at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.

She was elected Precinct 2 commissioner in November 1989, and also served as vice mayor in 1996.

City officials believe she was the first woman to preside over a Sturgis City Commission meeting. Bir’s last meeting was in October 1997, as she decided to not seek re-election.