Mattawan School District Approves Operating Millage Renewal With 71 Percent Yes Vote in May 5 Special Election
Mattawan Consolidated School District voters approved an operating millage renewal with 2,194 in favor and 906 against, ensuring continued funding for the district's general operating budget during the May 5 special election.
Liberty Farms Solar Project Continues Through Public Hearing Process in Richland Township
A third public hearing is scheduled for May 27 to discuss the proposed Liberty Farms Solar project in Richland Township, which would span 1,200 acres and bring 220 megawatts of renewable energy to power over 50,000 homes.
Texas Township Representative Larry Schmidt Among Township Renewals Approved by Crawford County Voters
Crawford County voters approved township renewals including Texas Township while the Wynford School District narrowly defeated a school levy bid. GOP Central Committee seats were finalized with several incumbents reelected.
Otsego Voters Approve New 0.25% Income Tax for Schools
Otsego voters approved a new 0.25 percent income tax to fund local schools with unofficial results showing a 235-vote margin in favor.
Two Teenagers Hospitalized After Shooting in Richland's Northside Neighborhood
Two teenagers were hospitalized after a shooting in Richland's Northside neighborhood on Tuesday evening. Police are investigating.
Vicksburg Police Seek Public Help Locating Wanted Man for Domestic Aggravated Assault
Vicksburg Police Department is seeking information about Omarion Nelson who is wanted for domestic aggravated assault. Authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Comstock Public Schools Bond Proposal Fails in May 5 Special Election
Comstock Public Schools voters rejected a $23.7 million bond proposal for school improvements in the May 5 special election, with 1,291 voting against and 1,159 in favor. The scaled-down measure would have funded security upgrades, roof repairs, and technology improvements without a tax increase.
Lawsuit Claims Kalamazoo County Deputy Withheld Audio Evidence in Oshtemo Shooting Case
A federal lawsuit alleges a Kalamazoo County deputy withheld audio evidence of a shooting for two years. The suppressed recording showed the victim may have fired first, contradicting prosecution theory. Charges were dropped in November 2025.
Portage Voters Reject Amendment to Single-Hauler Trash Ordinance
Portage voters rejected an amendment to the single-hauler trash ordinance, with 6,649 voting no and 5,381 voting yes. The original ordinance approved in January 2025 took effect in March and lowered trash bills for the city.
Murder Suspect Arrested in Tennessee for Deadly Kalamazoo Hit-And-Run
Darqareoin Mills was arrested in Tennessee for second-degree murder and failure to stop after killing Mark McBride in a hit-and-run crash in Kalamazoo's Vine neighborhood.
Kalamazoo Native Establishes Scholarship to Fill Gaps in Kalamazoo Promise for Students
Kalamazoo native Zonterio Weekley created the Weekley Legacy Scholarship to help Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates pay for costs beyond tuition, including housing and textbooks.
WMU to Permanently Close Dangerous Intersection Near Oakland Drive, Create Green Space
WMU will permanently close a dangerous intersection on its East Campus this summer and convert the roadway into green space
CROP Hunger Walk Returns to Downtown Kalamazoo for May 3 Event Aimed at Food Security
The annual CROP Hunger Walk returns to downtown Kalamazoo on May 3 to raise $25,000 for food security programs, addressing the estimated 9,500 food-insecure children in the county.
Portage Zhang Farmers Market Opens 2026 Season at New Permanent Location
Portage Zhang Farmers Market kicks off 2026 season at traditional City Hall location before moving to new $3.25 million permanent pavilion on May 31, featuring 50 vendor stalls and expanded space for food trucks and live music.
Rx Kids Expands to Dozen More West Michigan Communities This Summer
Rx Kids, a cash assistance program for pregnant women and new mothers, is expanding to 20 new communities across Michigan this summer including Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Jackson, and Calhoun counties. The program provides $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly during infancy with no strings attached.
Four Injured After Deer Collision on M-40 in Cass County
Four people including two children were hospitalized after a vehicle hit a herd of deer on M-40 in Porter Township, Cass County. The 65-year-old driver and three passengers were all taken to Beacon Hospital in Three Rivers for injuries.
Landing Place Shelter Opens in Kalamazoo County With 200 Families Waiting
Kalamazoo County opens The Landing Place, a $8 million transitional family shelter with 77 rooms that will serve as one of Michigan's largest homeless family centers.
Kalamazoo Approves Massive Downtown Mural for New Parking Garage
Kalamazoo County Commissioners approved a massive 40-foot mural by local artist Patrick Hershberger for a new downtown parking garage on Church Street. The design features faces of community leaders and nature elements.
Kalamazoo Farmers Market Opens Under New Management After 13 Years With People's Food Co-op
The Kalamazoo Farmers Market opened its 2026 season with new operators Gamsho Group taking over from People's Food Co-op after 13 years, promising to maintain core services while adding new benefits for veterans and tribal members.
Kalamazoo Township Demolishes Church to Build $11M Fire Station With Community Room, Expanded Bays
Kalamazoo Township demolishes a shuttered church to make way for a $11M fire station that will feature expanded truck bays, updated living quarters, and a community room funded through state grants and a special assessment.