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
Pedestrian struck by SUV at M-89 and Cross Oaks Mall Drive in Plainwell; eastbound lanes closed
The Allegan County Sheriff's Office confirmed a pedestrian was hit by an eastbound SUV in Plainwell Thursday night. The victim was transported to the hospital and the Crash Reconstruction Team responded to the scene.
Oct 11, 2026three-riversThree Rivers Gym Reopens as TRAC After Beacon Health and Fitness Closes
Local couple Brock and Autumn Yost took over the Beacon Health and Fitness facility in Three Rivers one week before its scheduled closure, reopening it as the Three Rivers Athletic Club on October 1 with membership rates staying the same.
Oct 7, 2026businessKalamazoo Athletic Wellness Opens Mattawan Location With Massage Therapy and Personal Training
Kalamazoo Athletic Wellness has officially opened a new location at 24466 Red Arrow Highway in Mattawan, adding massage therapy, personal training, and membership packages to the rural community.
Oct 6, 2026Paw PawPaw Paw's St. Julian Winery Opens Seventh Tasting Room in Gaylord
St. Julian Winery & Distillery, the family-owned company based in Paw Paw, has opened its seventh tasting room in Northern Michigan's Gaylord. The winery, founded in 1921, is offering free wine tastings through October 14 to mark the grand opening.
Oct 5, 2026SchoolcraftSchoolcraft Village votes on chicken ordinance at Monday night council meeting
The Village of Schoolcraft is holding a public hearing today on a draft ordinance that would allow residents to keep up to eight backyard chickens, a measure residents have lobbied for since 2025.
Oct 5, 2026Oshtemo TownshipOshtemo Township Board Leans Toward Holding Millage Rates Steady in 2027 Budget, Weighs Capital Project Trims
Oshtemo Township's board is working through its 2027 budget, leaning toward keeping general and police millage rates flat while trimming capital projects, and discussing a gradual move toward a township police department.
Oct 5, 2026PortagePortage Homeowner Charged With Open Murder After Stabbing Burglary Suspect
A 54-year-old Portage man was arrested on an open murder charge after fatally stabbing a man who allegedly tried to break into his vehicle in the early morning hours of September 30.
Oct 4, 2026environmentMichigan Commits $89 Million to Detroit and Kalamazoo River Cleanup
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the "Reclaim the Rivers" initiative, directing $89 million toward cleaning up contaminated sediment and restoring habitat along the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers.
Oct 3, 2026HastingsBarry County Commission on Aging Opens New 16,800-Square-Foot Activity Center in Hastings
The Barry County Commission on Aging celebrated the grand opening of a new 16,800-square-foot Activity and Resource Center in Hastings, nearly doubling exercise space and expanding adult day services for those with memory issues.
Oct 2, 2026SturgisSturgis City Commission Investigation Finds Mayor Perez Violated City Charter in Dispute Over City Manager's Departure
An external investigation released by the Sturgis City Commission found that Mayor Frank Perez violated the city charter and misrepresented other commissioners' positions regarding City Manager Andrew Kuk's removal. The report was released unanimously after a closed session at the September 23 meeting.
Oct 2, 2026Comstock ParkComstock Park voters to decide Nov. 3 on non-homestead millage
Comstock Park Public Schools will ask voters Nov. 3 to approve a four-year non-homestead operating millage that would preserve the full 18 mills authorized under state law on commercial and non-residential property.
Oct 2, 2026RichlandFarm worker dies after head caught between tailgate and bed of silage truck in Richland
A 34-year-old farm equipment operator died Sunday in Richland, Kalamazoo County, after his head was caught between the tailgate and bed of a silage truck while performing preventative maintenance. MIOSHA is investigating, and the death is the 38th workplace fatality recorded to the agency in 2026.
Oct 1, 2026GalesburgDriver in Custody After Hit-and-Run Crash Injures Bicyclist in Galesburg
A driver was arrested after a hit-and-run crash injured a bicyclist on West Michigan Avenue in Galesburg on Tuesday night. Investigators believe speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
Sep 24, 2026PlainwellPlainwell'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.
Sep 20, 2026three-riversThree 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.
Sep 19, 2026MattawanKalamazoo 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.
Sep 19, 2026Paw PawPaw 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.
Sep 19, 2026Schoolcraft TownshipAppeals 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.
Sep 18, 2026VicksburgTwo 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.
Sep 18, 2026Oshtemo TownshipMost 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.
Sep 16, 2026portagePortage 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.
Sep 15, 2026crimeFamily 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, 2026HastingsFour 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, 2026SturgisSturgis 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, 2026Comstock TownshipFourth 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, 2026Richland TownshipWoman 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, 2026PlainwellMotorcyclist 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, 2026Three RiversThree 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, 2026MattawanMattawan'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, 2026Paw PawPaw 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, 2026Schoolcraft TownshipInjuries 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, 2026Oshtemo TownshipCounty 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, 2026portagePortage 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, 2026Kalamazoo GazetteKalamazoo Gazette to end print editions Dec. 6 as MLive goes fully digital
MLive Media Group says the Kalamazoo Gazette and seven other Michigan newspapers will cease to be printed after December 6, marking a full transition to digital publishing while keeping the newsroom staff in place.
Sep 6, 2026HastingsCity of Hastings sues 3M over alleged PFOA contamination of public drinking water wells
The City of Hastings filed a civil lawsuit in late August 2026 against 3M, accusing the company of contaminating five of its public drinking water wells with PFOA, a "forever chemical," through decades of air emissions from its Cottage Grove facility.
Sep 4, 2026St. Joseph CountySt. Joseph County Corrections Deputy Arrested, Placed on Paid Administrative Leave
A St. Joseph County corrections deputy was arrested Aug. 4 and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail. The Three Rivers Police Department is leading the criminal investigation, while the sheriff's office has placed the deputy on paid administrative leave pending review.
Sep 3, 2026Comstock TownshipCommunity rallies to repair Eastwood Little League after extensive vandalism in Comstock Township
Vandals caused extensive damage to the Eastwood Little League complex in Comstock Township, including a hole in a dugout roof, destroyed picnic tables, and graffiti with racial and homophobic slurs. Local businesses and residents are stepping in to help with repairs.
Sep 3, 2026Richland TownshipWoman Killed After Single-Vehicle Crash on North 35th Street in Richland Township
A woman was pronounced dead after her vehicle struck a tree on North 35th Street near Greer Drive early Sunday morning. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.
Sep 3, 2026water qualityGalesburg says treated water meets standard after state flags PFOS in wells
Illinois EPA found elevated PFOS in Galesburg's raw well water, but the city says treated drinking water meets the 4 ppt standard. Three over-limit wells are not in use, and new PFAS-free wells are planned for 2027.
Sep 2, 2026PlainwellPlainwell Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Ready-Mix Concrete Plant
Neighbors in Plainwell raised concerns about noise, dust, and traffic at a Monday city council meeting regarding a proposed ready-mix concrete plant at the corner of 8th Street and Miller Road. The council tabled approval and will reconsider the plans on Sept. 14.
Sep 1, 2026Three RiversHarding's Friendly Market in Three Rivers to close Sept. 10, leaving city with only big-box grocers
Harding's Friendly Market at 808 W. Michigan Ave. in Three Rivers will close on Sept. 10, ending decades of local grocery shopping in the community. City officials called it the last non-big-box store to leave Three Rivers.
Sep 1, 2026MattawanMattawan Breaks Ground on $9.5 Million Middle School Renovation and Addition
Mattawan Consolidated Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 17 for a $9.5 million renovation and expansion of Mattawan Middle School. The project, nearly 50 years after the school's original groundbreaking in 1976, will bring a new front office and secure vestibule, a rebuilt cafeteria, kitchen and servery, and added security features across the building.
Sep 1, 2026Paw PawVan Buren County Voters Approve Key Millages, Reject Paw Paw Township Operating Increase
Paw Paw Township voters said no to an extra-voted operating millage increase on August 4, but approved their senior services millage renewal and library millage renewal. County-wide, the public safety millage, ambulance millage, and conservation district millage were all renewed.
Sep 1, 2026Paw PawNew butterfly mural brings vibrancy to downtown Paw Paw
Destination Paw Paw and the Paw Paw Downtown Development Authority recently celebrated the completion of a new interactive butterfly mural in downtown Paw Paw, created by local artist Breanna Wood. The project, funded by an anonymous donor, is part of a broader public art effort that will include a community scavenger hunt.
Aug 31, 2026Schoolcraft TownshipSchoolcraft Township Now Requires Short-Term Rental Licenses
Schoolcraft Township has approved a new ordinance requiring all current and future short-term rental owners to obtain a license, with fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 for violations.
Aug 31, 2026crimeFamily of Oshtemo Man Killed in Stabbing Seeks Answers After Suspect Released From Custody
Weeks after the fatal stabbing of 34-year-old Eric Phillips in Oshtemo Township, his family is seeking answers after learning the man arrested in connection with his death is no longer in custody. Chief Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Getting explained how self-defense claims can lead to a case being temporarily denied before charges are authorized.
Aug 25, 2026PortagePortage City Council to Interview Three City Manager Finalists Tuesday
The Portage City Council will hold open finalist interviews on Tuesday, August 25, for the city's next manager. Three candidates advanced from a first round of four, and residents are invited to a community reception to meet them.
Aug 24, 2026crimeWoman Shot and Killed Early Saturday in Kalamazoo Northside
A 30-year-old woman was shot and killed early Saturday morning in the city's Northside neighborhood. Officers responded to gunshots near Florence Street and Cobb Avenue around 2:17 a.m. and found the victim had been transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Aug 24, 2026Kalamazoo Joins Growing List of Michigan Cities Offering Group Discounts Through Solarize Program as Residents Fight Rising Energy Bills
Kalamazoo residents join growing list of Michigan communities using Solarize program to get 5-15 percent discounts on residential solar installations as federal incentives end and utility rates rise
Mar 31, 2026Byron Township Firefighters Hit After Firetruck Struck at Emergency Scene on M-6, Department Urges Community to Drive Safely
Byron Township Fire Department firetruck struck at emergency scene on M-6, department urges community to drive safely after third incident in month
Mar 27, 2026