Sturgis Mayor Resigns Due to Cancer Diagnosis

Kevin Forrester steps down after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last fall.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:48pm

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Sturgis, South Dakota Mayor Kevin Forrester has announced his resignation, effective immediately, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last fall. Forrester shared the news in a letter to the city council, and the council is expected to hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss a transition plan.

Why it matters

Forrester's resignation comes as a significant loss for the city of Sturgis, as he has served as mayor since 2018 and has been a key figure in the community. His departure will require the city council to quickly appoint an interim mayor and begin the process of finding a permanent replacement.

The details

In his resignation letter, Forrester cited his recent pancreatic cancer diagnosis as the reason for stepping down from his role as mayor. He was first diagnosed with the disease last fall and has decided that his health must be the priority at this time.

  • Forrester was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last fall.
  • Forrester announced his resignation, effective immediately, in a letter to the city council on March 24, 2026.
  • The Sturgis City Council is expected to hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss a transition plan.

The players

Kevin Forrester

The outgoing mayor of Sturgis, South Dakota, who has resigned due to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Sturgis City Council

The governing body of Sturgis, South Dakota, which will be responsible for appointing an interim mayor and finding a permanent replacement for Forrester.

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What’s next

The Sturgis City Council is expected to hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss a transition plan and begin the process of finding a new mayor.

The takeaway

Mayor Forrester's resignation is a significant loss for the city of Sturgis, but his health must be the priority at this time. The city council will need to act quickly to appoint an interim mayor and begin the search for a permanent replacement who can continue Forrester's work in leading the community.