‘It makes them feel good. It makes them feel connected.’
Five years ago, Jacqueline “Jackie” Mitchell began tackling a problem as common to neighborhoods around the country as it is in Edison in the city of Kalamazoo. Too many houses were blighted or boarded up, and too many healthy food options were too far away. “Our tagline is...
Final year of $24M U.S. 131 bridge project begins this week in Kalamazoo County
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- The Michigan Department of Transportation and Davis Construction Inc. are beginning work this week to rebuild KL Avenue under U.S. 131 in Oshtemo Township, marking the final phase of a three-year infrastructure project. The work represents the conclusion of a $24 million investment to replace...
State police seek help identifying driver in hit-and-run at Richland Township gas station
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Michigan State Police is requesting assistance in identifying a driver involved in a hit-and-run in Richland Township on Wednesday. The crash happened at the Marathon gas station on M-89 around 4:40 p.m., according to the Michigan State Police (MSP) Paw Paw Post. Local: Expert...
Survivor recounts tornado tearing through home: ‘Just waiting for it to grab me’
UNION CITY, Mich. — Stories of strength and survival continue pouring out of Union City, following the deadly EF-3 tornado that tore through the area last week. Friday night started just like any other for James Hoyt, until an alert came through, signaling a tornado warning for Union Lake.
Brunch-themed cafe with dedicated play area makes splash north of Kalamazoo
The cafe, opened in late 2023, offers a variety of paninis and bagel sandwiches, along with a Montessori-styled play area and a separate family dining area.
Kalamazoo County to host 2027 North American Hot Air Balloon Championship
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- Richland’s Gull Meadow Farms will host the 8th FAI North American Hot Air Balloon Championship from Aug. 17-22, 2027, marking the first time the prestigious competition has been held in the United States since 1993. West Michigan Balloon Events and Event Director Derrick Jones announced...
Top Tattoo Shops in Southwest Michigan for 2026
What a showdown! Nearly 11,000 votes rolled in as local tattoo shops battled it out for the top spot this year.
People look out for each other. It’s the government that’s letting us down.
Relief efforts undertaken by Homeless Outreach Practiced Everyday (HOPE) following the March 6 tornado that came through the Three Rivers area. | Facebook photo. It all started with Walter. A few years ago, my elderly dad asked if he could bring his new friend, Walter, to my house for Thanksgiving....
Battle Creek teen found guilty in 2025 shooting death of Kalamazoo security guard
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A jury has found Kaiden Cole, 18, guilty of all charges in the April 2025 shooting death of Montine Wiley. Cole, 18, a Harper Creek High School senior, was charged with open murder, felony firearm and carrying a concealed weapon after Wiley, 27, was shot and killed while working at a private event...
KDPS takes a 16-year-old and a 14-year-old wanted on a weapons offense into custody
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Two teenagers were taken into custody on weapons offenses in Kalamazoo on Monday, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) said. Two guns were confiscated from the teenagers following the arrest, one of which was reported stolen in 2023. Members of the KDPS Crime Reduction Team...
