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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.
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...
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.
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...
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...
There are Just 5 Rural Southern Michigan Counites Without an Interstate Highway
Southern Michigan is the most populated region of the state, so it's no surprise that the most interstate highways crisscross this portion of the state. Interstates 94 and 96 run west to east and I-69 and I-75 are north-south (until I-69 hits Lansing and changes orientation). Add in I-196 up the lakeshore and you will find nearly all counties in the southern portion of the state have interstate highways.
Kalamazoo-area officials urge Whitmer to appeal FEMA's aid denial for the May 7 storms
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request for a major disaster declaration in response to the May 7 severe storms and tornados in Southwest Michigan. The declaration would’ve unlocked financial assistance for businesses and families trying to rebuild in Kalamazoo, Cass, Branch, and St. Joseph...
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...
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...
A Kalamazoo River revitalization plan funded by a pollution settlement seeks community input
In 2019, the NCR Corporation reached a $245 million settlement with local, state and federal parties over PCB pollution. The City of Parchment is behind one of the projects that settlement will fund. The goal: find out what kinds of restorations or other improvements people would like to see. Parchment...
2 Kalamazoo Republicans square off in state House District 41 primary
KALAMAZOO, MI — A pair of Republicans are seeking to unseat Democratic incumbent Julie Rogers in Michigan’s 41st House district. Republicans Terry Haines and Nicole Sabel will face off in the Tuesday, Aug. 6 primary for the right to challenge Rogers in the Nov. 5 general election. Rogers is running for her third term.
35 students joins inaugural cohort for Michigan's first-ever Golden Apple Scholar Program
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A country-wide teacher shortage has left thousands of full-time teaching vacancies unfilled, having a lasting impact on students’ success. To address the need for educators, the Golden Apple Foundation recently inducted an inaugural cohort of 35 scholars for the teacher preparation program in Michigan.
Voices of Youth: Meet the man helping to make Kalamazoo a more sustainable city
Editor's Note: This story was reported and photographed by Dimitri Agdanowski as part of the Spring 2024 Kalamazoo Voices of Youth Program. The program is a collaboration between Southwest Michigan Second Wave and KYD Network in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, funded by the Stryker Johnston Foundation. The Voices of Youth Program is led by Earlene McMichael. VOY Mentors were Maya James (writing) and Casey Grooten (art).
Metro Connect to help access businesses impacted by road construction in Kalamazoo
KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – In an effort to address complaints from Kalamazoo businesses that road construction is driving customers away, the city this week announced a plan to provide free Metro Connect rides to those affected businesses. The city is already providing shuttle service for people trying to...
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...
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