East Leroy
GOVERNMENT
Fun Facts About the Penniman Castle in Battle Creek
The photos of this Battle Creek castle are breathtaking. Take a peek inside. This house has more than just good bones, it has 1-foot thick walls. This piece of Southwest Michigan eye candy was built in 1906 for Dentist John Penniman. Wikipedia lists a familiar last name as the builder, Ruel Seeley.
A Festival All About Carnival Food Is Coming To Michigan This Fall
There's an entire event centered around carnival food that's gonna be posted up in Battle Creek this fall, and it's a thing I didn't realize I needed until now. Carnival Food Fest will be taking place at Kellogg Arena, just in time to get our winter bod on. They recently...
FEMA denies request for disaster relief after 4 tornadoes tore through West Michigan homes and businesses in May
The federal government has denied disaster relief for Southwest Michigan after multiple destructive tornadoes tour through the area in May, ravaging homes and business.
Visit One Of Michigan’s 12 Stunning Old Growth Forests
Looking at a map of Michigan, the first thing you'll notice is the number of forests around the state. Over half of the state is covered in forests, with 45% of the forests located in the Upper Peninsula despite the UP only being 29% of Michigan's land mass. I grew...
2 face off for Republican nomination in Kalamazoo County Sheriff race
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Two candidates are competing for the Republican nomination to serve as Kalamazoo County Sheriff. Republicans James J. Charon and Sabrina Pritchett-Evans are running for the office, a four-year term. Democrat Richard Fuller has been county sheriff since 2008 and faces no Democratic opposition on the ballot in the primary. The winner of the Republican nomination will face Fuller in the November general election.
Abandoned Putter’s Family Fun Center: Portage, Michigan 2017
It was called Putter's Family Fun Center in the Michigan town of Portage, Kalamazoo County. Located at 7206 S. Westnedge Avenue, Putter's Family Fun Center opened approximately around 1999, closed in 2015, and was demolished afterward. Looking at old photos, it seemed to be doing good business, with apparently clean...
Behind the poll: Looking beyond raw numbers ahead of the 2024 presidential election
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The 2024 presidential election is just over 100 days away. As polls circulate from different media outlets, it's important to remember that poll numbers do not always tell the full story. Polls are never an indication of who is going to win the election; rather, they...
A Piece of Kalamazoo Will Live On At American Sign Museum in Ohio
The classic sign from '60s Kalamazoo was collected by the museum nearly 6 years ago. Located just outside of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio in a tucked away corner of an industrial area you'll find the American Sign Museum. Dedicated to preserving the, "history of America through a century of signage" the...
19,000 citations issued in first year of Michigan's 'Hands Free Law,' sheriff says
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — It's been officially a year since Michigan's "Hands Free Law" went into effect. Enacted in June 2023, the legislation made it illegal for any drivers to use their phone while behind the wheel, according to Michigan Legislature. Specifically, the law banned drivers from doing anything that...
Kalamazoo County to build more affordable housing in Schoolcraft amid national crisis
SCHOOLCRAFT, Mich. — About 10 new, low-income modular homes will soon be built in Schoolcraft's Sugar Loaf Mobile Home park, thanks to money from Kalamazoo County's housing millage. As the nationwide housing crisis affects West Michigan strongly, Kalamazoo County is making more efforts to house people who need a...
Nearly six decades of deals: Kalamazoo's summer Sidewalk Sales tradition continues
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A beloved summer staple returned to the streets of downtown Kalamazoo Thursday. Through Saturday, community members can participate in the city's Sidewalk Sales extravaganza, an annual tradition that's returned to the area for nearly 60 years, according to officials. Restaurant week: Downtown Kalamazoo kicks off delicious...
Yes, there really is a nightlife in Kalamazoo!
Mark Wedel decided he needed to get out of the house. As a freelance arts and entertainment writer in Kalamazoo from 1992 to 2015, Wedel had weekly events to cover. But in recent years, he has been very inactive in seeing local shows. Probably all due to that pandemic thing.
Portage city manager awarded $10K raise
PORTAGE, MI -- Portage City Manager Pat McGinnis will earn $10,500 more as he enters his third year in the role. This year’s performance evaluation earned McGinnis another 5% raise, bringing his annual salary to $220,500, effective July 12. If you purchase a product or register for an account...
After 80 years, remains of WWII hero identified, laid to rest at Fort Custer Cemetery
AUGUSTA, Mich. — A West Michigan World War II veteran was laid to rest in Augusta Wednesday. Staff Sergeant Edward K. Pyle received a Purple Heart for wounds received in action that resulted in his death on Dec. 1, 1943 in Burma. Battle Creek: West Michigan World War II...
2 Republicans compete to replace retiring township treasurer, who’s had the job since ‘97
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI — Two Republicans are facing one another to see who will become the next treasurer in Cooper Township. The winner of the Tuesday, Aug. 6 primary race between Robin DeHaan and Susan Thompson will be unopposed in the November general election, barring a possible write-in candidate emerging.
Free parking lot opens to the public downtown
KALAMAZOO, MI -- There is now more free parking available to the public in downtown Kalamazoo. Kalamazoo County recently announced the parking lot at 440 N. Church St. is now open for public parking. The lot, with 75 spots, is under surveillance, the county said. If you purchase a product...
Newcomer challenges long-time Kalamazoo Township official for supervisor role
KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, MI -- Newcomer David Combs is challenging incumbent supervisor Don Martin for the Kalamazoo Township supervisor seat. The winner of the Aug. 6 primary will run unopposed in the Nov. 5 general election as a Democrat, barring any write-in candidates. During a four-year term, the township supervisor’s duties...
Kalamazoo County pilots ‘trailblazing’ plan to build modular homes
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- Kalamazoo County officials are working on a plan to build 10 new modular homes and select families to live in them. The pilot program is a unique new way to quickly add needed housing to Kalamazoo County, said Kalamazoo County Public Housing Commission member Gwendolyn Hooker, one of the organizers.
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.