Sunday, September 20, 2026Kalamazoo, Michigan
The Kalamazoo Press

Your Local Source for Kalamazoo News

Plainwell

Plainwell's 1887 Paper Mill Reborn as Million-Dollar Classic Auto Destination

A century-old paper mill that closed in 2000 is being transformed into the Michigan Classic Auto Mill, a destination for classic cars, restoration, events and community gathering. Husband and wife Darius and Rimante Grigaliunas purchased the remaining buildings for $1 and plan a multimillion-dollar redevelopment over three to five years, with a grand opening planned for October 3.

David Mitchell|September 20, 2026|1 source
three-rivers

Three Rivers man arrested after drug raid yields firearms, narcotics

A 66-year-old Three Rivers man faces multiple felony charges after SWET detectives executed a residential search warrant that uncovered suspected narcotics and three firearms on September 16.

22h ago|David Mitchell|2 sources
Mattawan

Kalamazoo Man Arrested in Mattawan Hardware Store Theft

A 38-year-old Kalamazoo man was arrested and charged with felony retail fraud in connection with a theft of power tools at Neils Hardware on Red Arrow Highway in Mattawan.

1d ago|David Mitchell|1 source
Paw Paw

Paw Paw Students Trained as Guides for Anne Frank Exhibit at Middle School

A 32-panel, museum-quality Anne Frank exhibit is on display at Paw Paw Middle School, where local students are being trained to lead tours for classmates and community members.

1d ago|David Mitchell|1 source
Schoolcraft Township

Appeals Court Sides With Kalamazoo County in Cottage Eminent Domain Case at Prairie View Park

The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld Kalamazoo County's right to take a family-owned lakeside cottage in Prairie View Park near Vicksburg through eminent domain, ending a yearslong legal battle between the Talanda and Johnson families and the county.

2d ago|David Mitchell|5 sources
Vicksburg

Two Arrested in Vicksburg Gas Station Shooting on Halls Ferry Road

The Vicksburg Police Department has made two arrests in connection with a Saturday morning shooting at a gas station on Halls Ferry Road that left a 26-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds.

2d ago|David Mitchell|1 source
Oshtemo Township

Most Oshtemo Police Calls Are Welfare Checks and Suspicious Activity, Not Violent Crime, Sheriff's Quarterly Report Shows

A quarterly report presented to the Oshtemo Township Board on September 9 shows the most common reasons residents call the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office are welfare checks, suspicious activity, and follow-up calls, not violent crime. Sheriff's Detective Sergeant Adam Kelm called the pattern a positive sign and flagged new developments including a proposed county drone team and Flock license plate reading cameras.

4d ago|David Mitchell|1 source
portage

Portage apartment tenants call on Sheriff's Office to remove homeless encampment

Residents at Davis Creek Apartments in Portage are asking the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office to remove a homeless encampment in the woods behind the complex, citing safety concerns, stolen property, and a yearlong nuisance.

5d ago|David Mitchell|1 source
crime

Family and riders honor Kalamazoo motorcyclist Javon Houston after deadly Gull Road crash

Kalamazoo Township mourns 32-year-old Javon Houston, killed in a crash on Gull Road, as family and riders held a balloon release and a memorial ride over the weekend.

Sep 11, 2026|David Mitchell|1 source
Hastings

Four Michigan farm families to be inducted into Farmers Hall of Fame in Hastings

Four Michigan farm families will be honored at the 2026 Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Hastings, including two families from Barry County.

Sep 10, 2026|David Mitchell|2 sources
Sturgis

Sturgis Man Hospitalized After Motorcycle Crash Following Police Pursuit

A 19-year-old Sturgis man was hospitalized on Thursday after fleeing a traffic stop and crashing his motorcycle on Maystead Road. Police say they will pursue charges related to the pursuit.

Sep 10, 2026|David Mitchell|1 source
Comstock Township

Fourth Comstock Township Board Member Resigns, Leaving Board Without Quorum

Trustee Bob Pratt resigned Monday, becoming the fourth Comstock Township board member to quit in three days. With only three members left, the township has no quorum and canceled its Monday meeting, even as a November recall of two of the departed trustees looms.

Sep 9, 2026|David Mitchell|3 sources
Richland Township

Woman killed in early-morning crash in Richland Township

A woman died after her vehicle struck a tree on North 35th Street near Greer Drive in Richland Township at about 2 a.m. Sunday. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

Sep 9, 2026|David Mitchell|3 sources
Plainwell

Motorcyclist killed in downtown Plainwell crash with SUV; police seek witnesses

A motorcyclist died after a crash with an SUV in downtown Plainwell on Tuesday. The Plainwell Department of Public Safety is investigating and asking anyone with information or video to come forward.

Sep 8, 2026|David Mitchell|3 sources
Three Rivers

Three Rivers Community Petitions to Save Beacon Health & Fitness Before Closing

More than 150 residents have signed a petition urging the community to step in before Beacon Health & Fitness Three Rivers closes at the end of September.

Sep 8, 2026|David Mitchell|1 source
Mattawan

Mattawan's Murray Street Brewing Announces Closure

Murray Street Brewing Co. in downtown Mattawan, housed in a historic 1868 red barn, has announced it will stop brewing beer. The taproom will serve remaining inventory through the end of September, a decision the owners say stems from personal life changes and the difficulty of sustaining a small brewery in today's craft beer market.

Sep 8, 2026|David Mitchell|2 sources
Paw Paw

Paw Paw Senior Center moves into former Cedar Street Elementary School building

The Paw Paw Senior Center has relocated from Freshwater Church to the former Cedar Street Elementary School building, giving the growing program six dedicated rooms and more space for its members.

Sep 8, 2026|David Mitchell|1 source
Schoolcraft Township

Injuries Reported After Small Plane Crashes in Rural Schoolcraft Township

A Taylorcraft DCO-65 airplane lost power during takeoff from a private grass strip on Friday evening near Copper City, Michigan. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, which left injuries but no fatalities.

Sep 7, 2026|David Mitchell|2 sources
Oshtemo Township

County commissioners approve tax increment financing for 444-unit West Main housing project in Oshtemo Township

Kalamazoo County commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a brownfield redevelopment plan for a 444-unit affordable housing and retail development on West Main Street in Oshtemo Township. The project, estimated at more than $115 million in total investment, would add 108 for-sale duplexes and 336 rental apartments, along with 50,000 square feet of commercial space, to a vacant 48.5-acre parcel.

Sep 6, 2026|David Mitchell|4 sources
portage

Portage Council Selects First Female City Manager

Portage City Council unanimously chose Karen Dempsey-Horan, a 28-year veteran of Woodlands Township, Texas, as the city's first female city manager.

Sep 6, 2026|David Mitchell|2 sources