Stewartville accepts Sears House and assets from Sturgill Historical Society

The Stewartville City Council voted to accept the Sears House and the assets conveyed by a quitclaim deed from the Sturgill Historical Society. Council members said the transfer had been discussed in prior workshops and during the 2024 budget process, and the trust funds and a bank account that supported the house were transferred to the city for ongoing maintenance and operations.

Council discussed the historical society’s reduced volunteer capacity and said the city will coordinate tours for special community events rather than frequent weekly tours. A city staff member suggested rotating selected Sears House artifacts on display at the public library to increase public access and preserve items, and the council said the property and contents will be added to the city's blanket property insurance to the extent possible.

A council member moved to accept the property and assets; after a second the motion carried by voice vote. The council noted that Public Works has been performing maintenance (mowing, snow removal) and that associated bills have been moved into the city budget. Follow-up tasks identified include incorporating the property into city insurance, applying trust funds toward maintenance, and coordinating volunteer or staff support for tours and events.