All News
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kalamazoo 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.
City 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.
St. 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.
Community 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.
Woman 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.
Galesburg 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.
Plainwell 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.
Harding'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.
Mattawan 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.
Van 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.
New 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.
Schoolcraft 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.
Family 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.
Portage 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.
Woman 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.
Kalamazoo 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
Byron 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
Kalamazoo Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years in International Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly Victims
A Kalamazoo man sentenced to over 10 years in prison for international mail and wire fraud scheme that defrauded elderly victims of approximately $2 million between 2017 and 2022
Richland Township's House Speaker Matt Hall Pushes to Eliminate Michigan Property Tax, Claims $900 Savings Per Household
Richland Township's House Speaker Matt Hall is pushing to eliminate Michigan's state property tax, claiming it would save households $900 per year. Democrats question the funding plan.
Cass County Passes Resolution Demanding Transparency From Data Center Developers Before Approvals
Cass County commissioners pass resolution demanding transparency from municipalities on data center proposals, including disclosure on electricity, water usage, and financial liability
Comstock Park Explosion Victims Identified as Doug and Lucy Preston After Divorce Filing
Authorities identified the victims in the Comstock Park home explosion as Doug Preston, who died, and his wife Lucy Preston, who survived with fourth-degree burns. Court records show Lucy Preston filed for divorce in March, weeks before the blast.
Beacon 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.
Recall 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.
Kalamazoo Public Schools Implements AI Chatbot Program, Hosts Parent Seminars on Digital World Risks
Kalamazoo Public Schools has implemented Magic School AI, an AI chatbot program that protects student privacy while allowing personalized learning. The district is also hosting parent seminars on digital risks after reports of students using chatbots at home for emotional support and answering personal questions.
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
Oshtemo Township Recall Effort Targets Five Board Members Over Battery Storage Fight
A proposed 260-megawatt battery storage facility in Oshtemo Township has triggered a recall campaign targeting five Township Board members. Farm owners say the project threatens their bee-dependent pumpkin operation. The township has passed a moratorium while drafting new zoning rules.
Dowagiac Mayor Writes Open Letter to Hyperscale Data CEO Over Vague Expansion Plans
Dowagiac Mayor Patrick Bakeman released an open letter to Hyperscale Data CEO Will Horne over vague expansion announcements, citing lack of communication and transparency as the company plans to more than double its campus in the community.
Portage Unveils 2026-27 Budget: $10 Million Road Project, Water Sewer Hikes Without Millage Increase
Portage City Council unveils 2026-27 budget featuring $10 million road project and water sewer rate increases without millage hike
Section of US-131 to Honor Comstock Native Sgt. Gregory Kuhse
A section of US-131 in Kalamazoo County will be named after Comstock Township native Sgt. Gregory Kuhse, who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in 2015.
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.