Athens
LATEST NEWS
Man dies in workplace accident at Michigan automotive manufacturing facility
(CBS DETROIT) - A 36-year-old man died after an equipment malfunction at a Michigan automotive manufacturing facility, just days before the facility was scheduled to begin the closing process, officials said.On Monday, deputies responded to Dexter Stamping at 1013 Thorrez Road in Jackson County after receiving a report of a dead employee. The worker, a die setter, was transporting and lifting a die with a crane when the swivel bolt broke, according to the Labor and Economic Opportunity. This caused the corner of the die to strike the ground and the top half to separate, crushing the man. The incident report revealed that the swivel bolt wasn't fully threaded into the die. The incident happened just days before the facility was scheduled to close permanently. The first round of layoffs was planned for July 17, with the final layoffs happening by July 31. All employees at the facility are impacted by this closure, according to the automotive manufacturing facility. So far this year, there have been 14 workplace deaths reported to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). There were 36 workplace-related deaths in 2023, and the lowest number of workplace deaths in a year was in 2009, with 24 deaths.
Michigan roadwork disrupts local businesses as US-131 closures disrupt profits
Schoolcraft, Mich. — “On the highway, there’s a lot of semi's going through here and everything, so it’s pretty major,” Denny Winebaugh, head cook at Bud's Bar, said. “Its had a big impact on the business in general, not just us but everyone in town,...
Kalamazoo Valley Blues Fest to mark 30 years with vibrant return downtown
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Kalamazoo Valley Blues Fest will be returning to downtown for its thirtieth year next weekend. The event is set to take place Saturday, July 27, at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place from noon until 11:30 p.m. Community: Organizers: KRESA's $100M education center aims to open...
Portage residents push back on corporate-owned rental housing plan
PORTAGE, Mich. — The City of Portage has a proposed plan to build 45 units of single-family houses on a plot of land off of Centre Avenue. The homes and two apartment complexes would be strictly for-rent. The plan is in its tentative stages and has still not been...
Introducing Kalamazoo-area’s 2023-24 Ultimate High School State Champion
KALAMAZOO, MI – Southwest Michigan was treated to a trio of high school teams that were considered the state’s best, as each of them pocketed state championship trophies in 2023-24. It was a banner year for Kalamazoo Central’s boys track team, Kalamazoo Christian’s volleyball team and Martin’s football team, but it was the Comets that had the last laugh –– they’re the Ultimate Sports State Champions of Southwest Michigan for 2023-24.
House Of Dank Kalamazoo Grand Opening Celebration And Ribbon Cutting Scheduled For July 20th
House of Dank Kalamazoo announced in a press release Its Grand Opening Party, scheduled for Saturday, July 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 1986 S Sprinkle Road., on the corner of S Sprinkle Road & AmVets Memorial Parkway. Doors will open promptly at 9:00 a.m., and the very...
Retired police cruisers, other Kalamazoo property going up for auction
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Retired police cruisers and other government property could be yours at an upcoming auction in Kalamazoo!. More items up for bid include pickup trucks, other city- and county-owned vehicles, furniture, electronics and equipment, according to Biddergy.com. We’re told bidding will be open to the public online...
Kalamazoo belongs to two groups challenging EPA limits on PFAS in drinking water
The City of Kalamazoo says it has no position on a lawsuit challenging new federal rules to limit PFAS in drinking water. But Kalamazoo belongs to the pair of water utility associations challenging those rules, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA). An...
‘Bigger than basketball’: WMU men’s hoops holds camp for people with disabilities
KALAMAZOO, MI – There’s this special power with sports and its ability to unite people. As Western Michigan men’s basketball team stepped onto the court Wednesday morning, they were moved to that power and connection –– but on an entirely different level. And a perspective...
Boyfriend of missing Portage woman arraigned on murder charge
KALAMAZOO, MI — The boyfriend of a Portage woman who went missing in December 2022 was arraigned this week on one count of open murder. This January, 13 months after Heather Kelley was reported missing by her family on Dec. 11, 2022, Carlos Vance Watts Jr., 39, was charged with murder by Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting.
Northview’s Brady Swartz makes Division-I college hoops commitment
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Western Michigan men’s basketball program added another in-state prospect to its 2025 recruiting class by securing a commitment from Northview senior Brady Swartz. The 6-foot-6 guard announced his pledge to the Broncos on July 3, joining South Christian guard Carson Vis, Orchard Lake St....
Best-selling Christmas band to steamroll into WMU’s Miller Auditorium
KALAMAZOO, MI — The best-selling Christmas artist of all time will steamroll into Western Michigan University’s Miller Auditorium this December. The venue announced this week that Chip Davis’ Mannheim Steamroller Christmas tour will be making a stop in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Tickets, ranging from $53...
Meeting Brief: July 15, 2024 Kalamazoo City Commission
The Commission stays late to address community road construction complaints, a variety of million dollar grants, and ordinance amendments for parking. Watch this meeting recap and tune into LIVE gavel to gavel coverage of local government meetings on publicmedianet.org.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.