David Mitchell
Lead Editor
David Mitchell is the lead editor at The Kalamazoo Press, covering local government, public safety, and community affairs in Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan. With a background in journalism and public policy, David is dedicated to delivering accurate, timely reporting that keeps residents informed about the issues that matter most.
50 articles published on The Kalamazoo Press
Published Articles
Woman Arrested After Shooting on Butterfly Road in Oshtemo Township Hospitalizes 31-Year-Old Man
A 41-year-old woman was arrested after a shooting on Butterfly Road in Oshtemo Township early Saturday that hospitalized a 31-year-old man with non-life-threatening injuries.
Apr 5, 2026downtown KalamazooDowntown Kalamazoo Transformation Accelerates as $26.8 Million Parking Garage and Two Buildings Demolished
Downtown Kalamazoo is undergoing significant transformation with the approval of a $26.8 million parking garage that will provide 440 spaces, and the demolition of two buildings at 433 S. Rose St. and 116 W. Cedar Street. The parking garage will be built adjacent to a new county administration building, while the demolished buildings, one housing Fire Station No. 1 and the other formerly the Community Answering Service, are being cleared for future redevelopment.
Apr 5, 2026Delta Air LinesDelta Adds Fourth Daily Flight Between Kalamazoo and Detroit as Southwest Michigan Air Service Expands
Delta Air Lines adds fourth daily flight between Kalamazoo and Detroit, beginning June 7, as Southwest Michigan air service continues to expand alongside United Airlines' recent return.
Apr 4, 2026Oshtemo TownshipWoman Arrested After Shooting Man in Oshtemo Township Apartment Early Saturday
A 41-year-old woman is in custody after allegedly shooting a man at an Oshtemo Township apartment complex early Saturday morning. The 31-year-old victim was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg.
Apr 4, 2026tornado warningsSeven Tornado Warnings Swept Southwest Michigan, But Storms Never Touched Down — Residents Left Confused, Unscathed
Seven tornado warnings swept across Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Van Buren, and other Southwest Michigan counties Thursday evening, but not a single tornado formed and there was zero damage reported as storms stayed aloft.
Apr 4, 2026Battle Creek VA Medical Center Secures $14.5 Million Federal Grant for Major Infrastructure Upgrades Including HVAC Systems, Elevator Replacements and Safety Improvements
Battle Creek VA Medical Center receives $14.5 million federal grant through NRM Program for HVAC upgrades, elevator replacements, safety improvements, and sump pump installations as part of $4.8 billion Trump administration investment.
Apr 4, 2026KalamazooFatal Hit-and-Run Crash in Kalamazoo Leaves 51-Year-Old Man Dead, Vehicle Found in Galesburg
51-year-old Kalamazoo man Mark McBride killed in hit-and-run crash on South Westnedge Avenue, vehicle later recovered unoccupied in Galesburg; case submitted to Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office
Apr 4, 2026Comstock TownshipFour Comstock Township Board Members Face Renewed Recall Push After Voting to Recommend Revocation of Supervisor Ben Martin's Hard Cider Business License
Four Comstock Township board members face renewed recall pressure after voting to recommend revocation of supervisor Ben Martin's hard cider business license, reigniting a political dispute over a decades-old township ordinance that appears to bar elected officials from alcohol-related business interests.
Apr 4, 2026PortagePortage Dispensary Owner Faces $15,000 Fine and License Suspension After Transferring Products From Expired License Store
Portage dispensary Doja faces $15,000 fine and 14-day license suspension after transferring cannabis products from its sister store Lake Effect, which had an expired license at the time of the December transfer.
Apr 4, 2026tornado warningsSeven Tornado Warnings Sweep Southwest Michigan as Residents Witness Dramatic Storms Without Actual Tornadoes
Seven tornado warnings swept across Southwest Michigan including Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Vicksburg, and Schoolcraft, but no tornadoes actually touched down despite dramatic rotating clouds and 90 MPH winds.
Apr 4, 2026distracted drivingMichigan State Police Cracking Down on Distracted Driving on I-94 as Fatalities Rise Despite Cell Phone Ban
Michigan State Police increase patrols on I-94 as part of multi-state enforcement initiative targeting distracted driving, with fatal crashes rising despite state cell phone ban.
Apr 4, 2026Battle CreekBattle Creek Boil Water Advisory Canceled After Water Testing Clears System Following Main Break
Boil water advisory issued in Battle Creek after water main break affecting Cliff, Douglas, and Main Streets has been canceled after testing shows no coliform bacteria in the water supply.
Apr 4, 2026Kalamazoo TownshipKalamazoo Township Breaks Ground on $45-Million Community Campus as Police Station and Board Chambers Move to New Location on Douglas Avenue
Kalamazoo Township breaks ground on $45-million community campus on Douglas Avenue, bringing township offices, board chambers, and police station to new 100,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open before 2028 election.
Apr 4, 2026Battle CreekBattle Creek Man Dies After Suspected Medical Emergency Causes Fatal Crash on M-37
A 42-year-old man from Bedford Township died Thursday afternoon after a suspected medical emergency caused his vehicle to crash into a tree on M-37 near Marvin Street in Battle Creek.
Apr 4, 2026Battle Creek VABattle Creek VA Medical Center Unveils $14.5 Million in Federal Funding for Major Facility Upgrades Including HVAC, Elevators, and Security Improvements
Battle Creek VA Medical Center receives $14.5 million in federal funding from the Veterans Health Administration's Non-Recurring Maintenance Program to upgrade HVAC systems, replace elevators, improve building safety, and install additional sump pumps across campus facilities.
Apr 4, 2026downtownKalamazoo County Approves $26.8 Million Downtown Parking Garage as City Updates Parking System
Kalamazoo County approves $26.8 million parking garage at 440 N. Church St. while city implements new paid parking zones downtown with grace period for drivers.
Apr 4, 2026Beacon Health Brings Services In-House as Contractor Lays Off 262 Workers Across Southwest Michigan
Beacon Health System ends contract with Compass Group USA, bringing nutritional, environmental and transport services in-house at multiple Southwest Michigan facilities, resulting in 262 layoffs effective July 1, 2026.
Apr 4, 2026tornadoesGovernor Whitmer Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration After Deadly March 6 Tornadoes Kill Four in Southwest Michigan
Governor Whitmer has requested a federal disaster declaration after four tornadoes killed four people across Southwest Michigan in the worst tornado event in nearly five decades.
Apr 4, 2026Van Buren CountyRichland Man Charged with Multiple Felonies After Attempting to Cloud Title of Van Buren County Property He Failed to Purchase
A Richland man faces felony charges for filing multiple liens that clouded the title of a Van Buren County property he failed to purchase after the deal fell through.
Apr 4, 2026Battle CreekBoil Water Advisory Canceled in Battle Creek After Water Main Break and Follow-Up Testing
The City of Battle Creek canceled a boil water advisory after follow-up testing confirmed no coliform bacteria was present in the water supply affected by a water main break.
Apr 4, 2026Van Buren CountyVan Buren County Man Charged With Fraud for Filing Multiple Liens Against Property He Couldn't Buy
A 40-year-old Richland man faces felony charges after filing multiple liens against a Van Buren County property he failed to purchase, clouding the title and complicating the sale.
Apr 4, 2026child abuseFormer Legg Middle School Teacher Faces Felony Charges for Allegedly Using AI to Create Nude Images of Female Students
Former Legg Middle School teacher Keith Johnson, previously convicted in Calhoun County for voyeurism, faces new felony charges in Branch County for allegedly using AI to create nude images of female students.
Apr 4, 2026KalamazooOrganized Candy Theft Ring Targets Two Kalamazoo County Strip Malls as Parents and Children Accused of Stealing, Reselling Boxes for Up to $90 Each
Law enforcement in Kalamazoo County is investigating 31 cases of organized candy theft involving children and their parents allegedly stealing candy from strip malls and reselling the stolen goods for up to $90 per box. Oshtemo Township has passed a new ordinance requiring sellers to obtain a license or be registered charitable organizations, closing a legal loophole that prevented law enforcement from taking action.
Apr 4, 2026Kalamazoo CountyKalamazoo County Voters Face Seven Critical Proposals at May 5 Special Election as Schools, Trash System, and More Put to the Public
Kalamazoo County voters face seven critical proposals at the May 5 special election, including three school millage renewals, three bond proposals, and an ordinance amendment affecting Portage's trash system.
Apr 4, 2026Beacon HealthBeacon Health Lays Off 262 Workers as Locally-Owned System Brings Hospital Services In-House
Beacon Health System is laying off 262 workers across Southwest Michigan facilities including Kalamazoo, Allegan, Dowagiac, and Plainwell as the locally-owned health system brings nutritional, environmental, and transport services in-house, ending its contract with Compass Group USA.
Apr 3, 2026Former Coldwater Teacher Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges After Allegedly Using AI to Create Nude Photos of Female Students
Former Legg Middle School teacher Keith Johnson arrested on multiple felony charges for allegedly using AI to create nude photos of female students, building on prior Calhoun County voyeurism case.
Apr 3, 2026StrykerStryker Manufacturing Network Returns to Full Operations After Iranian Cyberattack, Production Moving Toward Peak Capacity
Stryker Corporation's global manufacturing network returns to full operations after March cyberattack from Iranian-linked Handala group, with production moving toward peak capacity and patient care remaining the company's top priority.
Apr 3, 2026Battle Creek Promotes From Within for New Assistant City Manager and Fire Chief Following Extended Interim Period
Battle Creek promotes longtime employees Marcie Gillette and Bush McCarthy to assistant city manager and fire chief, respectively, following an 18-month interim leadership period and reflecting the city's commitment to investing in experienced public servants.
Apr 3, 2026ComstockRecall Campaign Revived in Comstock as Four Officials Face Fallout from Supervisor's Liquor License Vote
Comstock Township clerk and four trustees face renewed recall campaign after voting to recommend revoking supervisor Ben Martin's liquor license for his hard cider business, reigniting the debate over whether elected officials should have any involvement in alcohol production and sales.
Apr 3, 2026cannabisPortage Dispensary Owner Ordered to Pay $15,000 Fine After Selling Products from Expired License
Portage dispensary owner LE Battle Creek ordered to pay $15,000 fine and temporarily suspended for 14 days after transferring and selling cannabis products from an expired Lake Effect license in violation of Michigan retail laws.
Apr 3, 2026cannabisPortage Dispensary Owner Ordered to Pay $15,000 Fine After Selling Products from Expired License
A Portage-area cannabis dispensary has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine and accept a 14-day license suspension after selling products from a sister store with an expired license.
Apr 3, 2026Michigan Declares Energy Emergency as Gas Prices Spike 30 Percent Amid Iran War, Tariffs
Published article on Michigan's energy emergency declaration as gas prices spike 30 percent to $3.89 per gallon amid Iran war and tariffs. Executive Order 2026-4 will save drivers 10-20 cents per gallon by easing fuel blend restrictions. URL: https://thekalamazoopress.com/news/michigan-declares-energy-emergency-as-gas-prices-spike-30-percent-amid-iran-war-tariffs
Apr 3, 2026chronic absenteeismRural Southwest Michigan Schools Battle Chronic Absenteeism as Poverty, Transportation Issues Leave Students Behind
Rural Southwest Michigan school districts battle chronic absenteeism rates that have soared in recent years. New administrators in Van Buren County are implementing research-backed strategies to connect with families and improve school climate, but systemic issues like poverty, inadequate transportation, and homelessness continue to keep students from attending class.
Apr 3, 2026tornadoesGovernor Whitmer Requests Federal Disaster Declaration After Deadly March 6 Tornadoes Kill Four in Southwest Michigan
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer requests federal disaster declaration after deadly March 6 tornadoes kill four in Southwest Michigan, including a 12-year-old in Cass County and three adults in Union City
Apr 3, 2026Barry CountyTragic Drowning at Head Lake Leaves 63-Year-Old Barry County Angler Dead After Fishing Boat Capsizes
A 63-year-old man died Wednesday afternoon after his fishing boat capsized on Head Lake in Hope Township, Barry County. The Barry County Sheriff's Office Road Patrol and Marine Division responded to the scene and, with the help of a nearby resident's paddle boat, pulled the victim's body to shore.
Apr 3, 2026KalamazooKalamazoo Family Mourns After Hit-and-Run Victim Mark McBride Found Dead on South Westnedge Avenue
Mark Allen McBride, 51, died after being struck in a hit-and-run on South Westnedge Avenue on March 25. The suspect vehicle was found unoccupied in Galesburg, and the case has been submitted to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office.
Apr 3, 2026Battle CreekBattle Creek Promotes Veteran Staff to Key Roles as City Ends 18-Month Interim Period
Battle Creek promotes veteran city employees Marcie Gillette and Bush McCarthy to assistant city manager and fire chief positions, ending an 18-month interim period as the city invests in internal leadership talent.
Apr 3, 2026Kalamazoo TownshipTownship Government Shake-Up as Kalamazoo Township Names New Treasurer and Comstock DDA Board Resigns Amid Controversy
Kalamazoo Township appoints new treasurer Clara Robinson following investigation that found former treasurer Sherine Miller patently incompetent, while Comstock Township's Downtown Development Authority loses five volunteers in dispute with Supervisor Ben Martin who also faces recall pressure over alcohol business ownership.
Apr 3, 2026Bronson ParkBronson Park Mound Receives Major Renovation as Kalamazoo Partners with Gun Lake Tribe to Honor 1,000-Year-Old Native American Site
Kalamazoo partners with Gun Lake Tribe to restore 1,000-year-old Native American mound in Bronson Park with native plants, grandmother and grandfather stones, and commemorative signage in landmark preservation project.
Apr 3, 2026KalamazooFatal Hit-and-Run in Kalamazoo Vine Neighborhood Triggers Community Concerns Over Speeding as Investigation Moves Forward
51-year-old Kalamazoo man Mark Allen McBride died in a hit-and-run crash on South Westnedge Avenue, sparking community concerns about dangerous speeding. The suspect vehicle was recovered in Galesburg, but the driver has not yet been identified.
Apr 3, 2026Van Buren CountyStolen Walnut Trees Cut Van Buren County Property Owner's Yard Short as Police Seek Suspect
Walnut trees stolen from Hartford Township property while owner was away, police seek suspect
Apr 3, 2026Van Buren CountyRichland Man Charged with Filing Fraudulent Liens on Van Buren County Property He Tried to Buy
A 40-year-old Richland man is charged with felony real estate fraud after filing multiple liens on a Van Buren County property he tried to buy but didn't purchase according to the agreed terms.
Apr 3, 2026Van Buren CountyRichland Man Charged with Filing Fraudulent Liens on Van Buren County Property He Tried to Buy
A 40-year-old Richland man faces felony charges after filing multiple liens on a Van Buren County property he failed to purchase, clouding the property title and preventing legitimate buyers from closing the sale.
Apr 3, 2026Nearly $14.5 Million Announced for Battle Creek VA Medical Center Campus Upgrades
Congressman Bill Huizenga announces nearly $14.5 million in federal funding for critical infrastructure upgrades at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, including HVAC improvements, elevator replacements, and building safety enhancements as part of the VA's record Non-Recurring Maintenance allocation.
Apr 3, 2026fraudRichland Man Charged with Filing Fraudulent Liens on Van Buren County Property He Tried to Buy
Richland man charged with filing fraudulent liens on Van Buren County property he failed to complete
Apr 3, 2026downtown KalamazooDowntown Kalamazoo Parking Overhaul Takes Effect with New Kiosks, Rate Changes, and Shift to High-Demand Zones
Downtown Kalamazoo implements new paid parking system with kiosks, two pricing zones, and shift to high-demand areas as part of City's Parking Blueprint recommendations.
Apr 3, 2026I-94Kalamazoo County Drivers Face Summer Traffic Headaches as $13.4 Million I-94, US-131 Interchange Project Begins
Kalamazoo County drivers face summer traffic disruptions as MDOT begins a $13.4 million I-94 and US-131 interchange improvement project that includes adding an auxiliary lane and widening ramps through September 2026.
Apr 3, 2026rural educationRural Southwest Michigan Schools Battle Chronic Absenteeism Crisis as Poverty, Transportation, Homelessness Hit Students Hard
New administrators at rural Van Buren County schools tackle chronic absenteeism crisis driven by poverty, transportation gaps, and homelessness affecting students across Southwest Michigan
Apr 3, 2026Beacon HealthBeacon Health System Brings Services In-House, Lays Off 262 TouchPoint Workers Across Southwest Michigan
Beacon Health System is bringing nutritional, environmental and transport services in-house across Southwest Michigan facilities, resulting in layoffs of 262 TouchPoint workers. The company is encouraging current employees to apply for available positions.
Apr 2, 2026Native AmericanKalamazoo to Honor Ancient Native American Mound in Bronson Park with Native Plants, Commemorative Stones as Restoration Project Begins
Restoration project begins on ancient 1,000-year-old Native American mound in Bronson Park as Gun Lake Tribe, City of Kalamazoo, and Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones collaborate to honor sacred Indigenous site with native plants and commemorative stones.
Apr 2, 2026