Comstock Township recall election set for November 3 after petitions gather enough signatures
Kalamazoo County certified recall petitions against Comstock Township Trustees Bob Pratt and Kristie Cherry after organizers collected enough valid signatures. A recall election is set for November 3, 2026.
Texas Township Bans Data Center Development for 12 Months as Michigan Grapples with AI Boom
Texas Township passed a 12-month moratorium on data center development effective July 5. The pause joins similar measures in Oshtemo, Pavilion, and Portage as Michigan lawmakers consider statewide regulations.
Kalamazoo: Community Rallies at Davis Street Park to Honor Telonn Horton, Skater Shot and Killed in April
Kalamazoo neighbors rallied at Davis Street Park to honor Telonn Horton, 29, who was shot and killed at the skate park in April. A new mural by artist Patrick Hershberger now stands at the site.
Kalamazoo: Former Wings West Ice Rink Reopens as Biggby Coffee Ice Cube After $5.5 Million Overhaul
The former Wings West ice rink in Kalamazoo reopens Saturday as Biggby Coffee Ice Cube Kalamazoo after a $5.5 million renovation by Black Bear Sports Group. The free public skate marks the return of the facility, but the reopening has drawn pushback from prior tenants and hockey families over rising costs and tenant evictions.
Portage: Joy Fong Restaurant to Close July 15 After 46 Years of Serving the Kalamazoo Area
Joy Fong Restaurant in Portage will close July 15 after 46 years. Owners Ted and Nancy Leung are retiring. The restaurant opened in 1980 and became a staple for families across the Kalamazoo area.
Kalamazoo County Administrator Kevin Catlin to Leave for Virginia Post in August
Kalamazoo County Administrator Dr. Kevin A. Catlin is leaving for a position in Chesterfield County, Virginia. His last day in Kalamazoo is August 14. The Board of Commissioners is beginning succession planning.
Oshtemo Township: Timothy Johnson, 38, Killed in Early Morning Pedestrian Crash on West Main Street
Timothy Johnson, 38, was killed after being struck by a vehicle while walking in an intersection on West Main Street and North Drake Road in Oshtemo Township early Saturday morning. A suspect has been arrested.
Portage City Council to Vote on Sweeping Zoning Changes That Could Reshape Neighborhoods
The Portage City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday on proposed residential zoning changes that would allow smaller lots, more housing types, and narrower streets. Residents have raised concerns about impacts on the Austin Lake area and neighborhood character.
Kalamazoo: Bicyclist Killed by Amtrak Train Near Western Michigan University
A bicyclist was killed Monday night when struck by an Amtrak train near Stadium Drive and Oliver Street in Kalamazoo. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released.
Otsego Teens Rescued From Lake Michigan by Bystander at Holland State Park
Two Otsego-area teens were rescued from Lake Michigan at Holland State Park after a bystander threw them a life ring during red flag conditions.
Plainwell: Two Drivers Hospitalized After Semi Hauling Asphalt Overturns in Gun Plain Township Crash
Two drivers were hospitalized in serious condition after a passenger vehicle failed to yield to a semi-truck hauling asphalt near Plainwell, causing the truck to overturn and pin its driver inside the cab.
Mattawan Woman Sheila Kershner Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Deadly Buggy Crash That Killed 8-Year-Old Alma Yoder
Mattawan woman Sheila Kershner was sentenced to at least six years in prison for a March 2025 drunk driving crash that killed 8-year-old Amish girl Alma Yoder and critically injured her brother.
Richland Township Swears In Patrick Doran as New Fire Chief After Gerald Luedecking's 55-Year Retirement
Richland Township appointed Patrick C. Doran as its new fire chief on June 16, 2026, succeeding Gerald Luedecking after his 55-year retirement. Doran brings 38 years of emergency services experience and works full-time as a physician assistant.
Vicksburg, Michigan: The Village Growing at a Time When Most Are Shrinking
Vicksburg, Michigan has grown 37 percent since 2010, making it the fourth-fastest-growing village in the state. Downtown revitalization efforts and weekly 'Burg Days events are drawing thousands of visitors from outside the village.
Parchment Residents Have Until July 5 to Comment on Paper Mill Cleanup Plan for 22.4-Acre Brownfield Site
Parchment residents have until July 5 to comment on a cleanup plan for the abandoned Crown Vantage paper mill. The $800,000 EPA-funded project would remove two fuel oil storage tanks from the 22.4-acre brownfield site.
Comstock Park: Guatemalan Bakery Mi Bella Guatemala Brings Family Tradition to Alpine Avenue
Mi Bella Guatemala Store relocated from Grand Rapids to Comstock Park for better parking and expanded space. The family-owned bakery brings traditional Guatemalan breads, churros, and tamales to Alpine Avenue after 14 years of baking.
Oshtemo: Timothy Johnson, 38, Killed in Early Morning Pedestrian Crash at West Main and Drake
Timothy Johnson, 38, was killed after being struck by a vehicle while walking in an intersection in Oshtemo Township early Saturday morning. The driver stopped and was arrested.
Portage Man Charged in Family Dollar Robbery, Cocaine Found at Arrest
Kenny Dewayne Bates, 59, of Portage is charged with felony robbery and cocaine possession after allegedly lunging over a Family Dollar counter to grab cash during a June 18 incident.
Kalamazoo: Busy I-94 to U.S. 131 Ramp Closing for 60 Days in $13.4 Million Expansion Project
The I-94 to U.S. 131 ramp in Kalamazoo County closes for 60 days starting Monday as MDOT begins a $13.4 million lane expansion project. Drivers face detours to Ninth Street and reduced lanes on U.S. 131.
Richland Police Arrest Suspect and Recover Vehicle Stolen From Kokomo, Indiana
Richland Police arrested a suspect and recovered a vehicle stolen from Kokomo, Indiana, during a traffic stop on June 17. Ross Township Police assisted in the investigation.