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
Parchment Woman Joan Rescued After 48-Inch Tree Crashes Into Home During Storms
Joan was trapped for hours in her Parchment home after a 48-inch tree crashed through it during July 3 storms. Rescuers worked past midnight to free her. She was hospitalized with serious injuries and is now recovering.
Jul 7, 2026Comstock TownshipComstock Township: Robert Morris Park Could Close After Death Threats Against Staff
Robert Morris Park in Comstock Township may close through the Fourth of July weekend after parks director Katie Bush cites death threats and escalating violence against staff. The parks commission authorized emergency security hiring and gave Bush authority to shut the park if needed.
Jul 7, 2026homicideOshtemo: Woman Killed, Man Arrested After Fight Over Handgun at Colonial Manor Mobile Home Park
A woman died and a man was arrested for homicide after a fight over a handgun at the Colonial Manor Mobile Home Park in Oshtemo Township on Sunday afternoon.
Jul 7, 2026PortagePortage: Northbound Westnedge Avenue Closes for Five Weeks Starting Monday
Northbound Westnedge Avenue in Portage closes Monday for five weeks of road construction. Drivers must detour via Shaver Road until August 8.
Jul 7, 2026KalamazooKalamazoo Man Charged With Five Counts of Assault With Intent to Murder in String of Knife Attacks
Darius Dagonne Williams, 45, was arraigned Monday on five counts of assault with intent to murder and three counts of assault with intent to rob after three knife attacks in Kalamazoo that sent five people to the hospital.
Jul 6, 2026SchoolcraftSchoolcraft, Michigan: Fourth of July Parade Returns to Main Street After Police Shortage Canceled 2025 Event
Schoolcraft, Michigan brought back its Fourth of July parade on July 4, 2026 after a police officer shortage canceled the event in 2025. Local businesses doubled staff and residents returned to Main Street for the tradition.
Jul 6, 2026OtsegoOtsego, Michigan: Council Member Hired as Fire Cadet for Department She Voted to Create Sparks Conflict of Interest Debate
Otsego City Council member Tina Goede was hired as a Fire Cadet for the department she voted to create. The move sparked a conflict of interest debate at a 3-to-1 council vote.
Jul 1, 2026MattawanMattawan Wildcats Fall to Detroit Catholic Central in Division 1 State Baseball Semifinal
The Mattawan Wildcats baseball team ended their season with a 6-1 loss to Detroit Catholic Central in the Division 1 state semifinal. The Wildcats finished 29-9 after a deep playoff run that included pitching standout Kaden Jominy, a Cornell commit and MLive Dream Team selection.
Jun 29, 2026Matt HallRichland Township’s Matt Hall Faces 22,000-Job Warning Over Hospital Cost-Cutting Bills
Richland Township's Matt Hall faces warnings of 22,000 job losses from hospital lobbyists after advancing bills to cut hospital costs by 10% and create a state pricing board.
Jun 29, 2026Chris MooreVicksburg: Tech Entrepreneur Chris Moore Invests $53 Million in Hometown Paper Mill Revival, Next Phase Coming Soon
Vicksburg native and tech entrepreneur Chris Moore has invested $53 million over eight years toward reviving the former Fox River paper mill. Remediation is complete and a next-phase announcement is expected within months, though total costs have risen to $120 million.
Jun 29, 2026comstock townshipComstock 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.
Jun 29, 2026data centersTexas 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.
Jun 28, 2026Telonn HortonKalamazoo: 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.
Jun 28, 2026Biggby Coffee Ice CubeKalamazoo: 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.
Jun 25, 2026Joy FongPortage: 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.
Jun 24, 2026Kevin CatlinKalamazoo 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.
Jun 24, 2026Oshtemo TownshipOshtemo 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.
Jun 23, 2026PortagePortage 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.
Jun 23, 2026KalamazooKalamazoo: 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.
Jun 23, 2026OtsegoOtsego 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.
Jun 23, 2026PlainwellPlainwell: 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.
Jun 23, 2026MattawanMattawan 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.
Jun 22, 2026Richland TownshipRichland 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.
Jun 22, 2026VicksburgVicksburg, 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.
Jun 22, 2026brownfieldParchment 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.
Jun 22, 2026Mi Bella GuatemalaComstock 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.
Jun 22, 2026OshtemoOshtemo: 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.
Jun 21, 2026PortagePortage 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.
Jun 21, 2026I-94Kalamazoo: 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.
Jun 21, 2026RichlandRichland 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.
Jun 21, 2026housingGalesburg, Michigan: County Approves Brownfield Plan for 52-Unit Housing Development Near Blake Boulevard
Kalamazoo County approved a brownfield tax incentive for a 52-unit housing development in Galesburg with a 7-0-1 vote. The project includes income-restricted rentals and market-rate homes near Blake Boulevard.
Jun 21, 2026Comstock TownshipComstock Township Report Reveals Hostile Workplace Claims Before Superintendent’s $412K Payout
A 2025 internal investigation found merit in former Comstock Township Superintendent Scott Hess’ claims of a hostile work environment and age discrimination, just months before he requested a contract buyout. The township board later fired him without cause and approved a $412,429.94 payout, which is now being challenged in court.
Jun 20, 2026Oshtemo TownshipOshtemo Township: 38-Year-Old Man Killed in Early Morning Pedestrian Crash at Main Street and Drake Road
A 38-year-old man died Saturday morning after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of W Main Street and N Drake Road in Oshtemo Township. The driver stopped at the scene. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office is investigating.
Jun 20, 2026PortagePortage Residents Face Zoning Overhaul at Tuesday Public Hearing as City Seeks to Modernize 1960s-Era Rules
The Portage City Council will hold a public hearing June 23 on a new Unified Development Ordinance that would replace 1960s-era zoning rules with smaller lots, more housing types, and incentives to preserve green space. A state grant helped fund the overhaul.
Jun 20, 2026housingKalamazoo Wildwood Off Main Tenants Plan 16-Hour Livestream to Teach Renters Their Rights After Condemnation Chaos
Kalamazoo Township tenants at the condemned Wildwood Off Main apartment complex are planning a 16-hour livestream to educate other renters on their rights. Property owner Peter Slaugh says repairs are underway after KABA approved permits, but no timeline has been set for completion.
Jun 20, 2026property taxSchoolcraft Township Tax Errors Leave Homeowners Facing Six-Figure Shocks as State Investigation Continues
Schoolcraft Township homeowners face property tax jumps of thousands of dollars after the former assessor failed to update tax rolls for homes built since 2020. The Michigan Department of Treasury is investigating.
Jun 20, 2026PlainwellPlainwell Car Crash Ruptures Gas Main, Forces School Closures and Evacuations
A car crash in Plainwell ruptured a gas main early Monday, forcing school closures and evacuating residents within two blocks of the intersection of Main Street and Starr Road.
Jun 19, 2026MattawanMattawan Names Nate Engels as New Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
Nate Engels, a 28-year Mattawan schools veteran and longtime community member, has been hired as the new varsity boys basketball coach, replacing Josh Brown.
Jun 19, 2026Richland TownshipRichland Township Names Physician Assistant Patrick Doran as New Fire Chief
Richland Township appointed Deputy Fire Chief Patrick C. Doran as the new fire chief. Doran works full-time as a physician assistant and brings 38 years of emergency services experience to the role.
Jun 19, 2026VicksburgVicksburg Baseball Coach Brian Deal Retires After Leading Bulldogs to State Semifinals in Final Season
Hall of Fame coach Brian Deal retires after 28 seasons with Vicksburg baseball, leading the Bulldogs to the Division 2 state semifinals and a school-record 30 wins in his final year.
Jun 19, 2026Parchment PanthersParchment Softball Earns SAC-Valley Division Title and Multiple All-Conference Honors in 2026
The Parchment Panthers softball team shared the 2026 SAC-Valley Conference division title with Kalamazoo Christian. Five Panthers earned all-conference honors.
Jun 18, 2026Scott HessComstock Township Pays $412,000 to Fired Superintendent as Lawsuit Challenges Payout
Comstock Township approved a $412,000 payout to fired Superintendent Scott Hess after a 4-3 board vote. A resident has filed a lawsuit to block the payment, citing a salary discrepancy and lack of transparency. A court hearing is set for August 1.
Jun 18, 2026Texas TownshipTexas Township: Berries Pancake House Coming to Texas Corners With Second-Floor Housing
Berries Pancake House plans a new Texas Township location at Texas Corners with second-floor housing. Bosch Architecture is developing the mixed-use project, which will cost around $1 million to build.
Jun 18, 2026Oshtemo TownshipOshtemo Township Votes Down Revised Kroger Development Plan Amid 'Bait and Switch' Claims
Oshtemo Township planning commissioners voted unanimously to reject a revised West Main Villages development plan that would have added a Kroger grocery store and gas station. Residents and officials said the changes背离 the original mixed-use vision.
Jun 18, 2026zoningPortage Residents Face Vote on Zoning Overhaul That Could Reshape Neighborhoods
Portage City Council will hold a public hearing June 23 on proposed residential zoning updates that could allow smaller lots, narrower streets, and more housing types across the city.
Jun 18, 2026KalamazooKalamazoo: 52-Year-Old Man Killed in Train-Pedestrian Crash Near Church Street
A 52-year-old man died in a train-pedestrian crash in Kalamazoo on Wednesday morning. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety closed Church Street and Rose Street for investigation.
Jun 18, 2026Oshtemo TownshipOshtemo Township: New Ordinance Targets 'Candy Kids' Stealing and Reselling Looted Goods
Oshtemo Township updated its street sales ordinance to crack down on children stealing candy from stores and reselling it in parking lots. The new rules require permits for all sellers and allow police to issue fines starting at $75.
Jun 17, 2026Camden NoePortage Central: Michigan State Offers 4-Star Camden Noe, Michigan's No. 5 Recruit
Portage Central running back Camden Noe, Michigan's No. 5 recruit in the Class of 2028, received a scholarship offer from Michigan State. The four-star prospect now holds 13 Division I offers.
Jun 17, 2026Boys & Girls ClubsKalamazoo: Boys & Girls Clubs Opens First Permanent Home as Costs Rise to $12 Million
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo opened its first owned facility at 847 Portage St. The $12 million building, originally budgeted at $9 million, marks the end of 70 years of borrowed space for the nonprofit.
Jun 17, 2026SchoolcraftSchoolcraft Schools Shut Down After Stolen Jeep Crash and Cornfield Suspect Hunt
Schoolcraft Community Schools closed Monday after a stolen Jeep crash and a multi-agency search for two suspects who fled into a cornfield near campus. Erick R. Kibler and Miranda Paige Hagaman were arrested and charged.
Jun 17, 2026