Good morning, Kalamazoo.

The 81st annual Ultimate Boat Show is underway at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids from Feb.

11 to Feb. 15 — showcasing over 429 boats from more than 80 manufacturers and featuring local vendor D and R Sports Center as buyers explore new and classic models ahead of spring.

Portage Public Safety officers responded last Monday after a woman screamed in a parking lot and helped a couple deliver their baby at 8:10 p.m. They transported the family to the hospital where the newborn, weighing 7 lb+12 oz, received care before returning home.

The Root Beer Stand, a beloved local hot dog spot, will open for its 96th season on Monday, Feb.

16, and will serve customers Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. + Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. at both locations.

The new fast-food restaurant Raising Cane’s will open Tuesday morning in Portage, where the city has set temporary traffic rules to ease congestion at a busy intersection.

Drivers must queue in the far right lane at the drive-thru and follow posted routes upon departure.

The new $100-million Career and Technical Center near Wings Event Center held an open house last night and started enrollment for its second year.

It will host more enrollment events in local schools + career fairs in the coming months to strengthen job placement.

A local mom invented EcoDryer to quickly dry and sanitize winter gear for elementary kids during heavy snow days + classroom lesson plans show students how to spark creative ideas.

The invention has helped over 500,000 children and will expand with future partnerships in Indiana.

Governor Whitmer signed bipartisan bills in Delta Township that ban cell phones in public K-12 classrooms this fall; schools may allow exceptions (for academic use, medical needs, and emergencies) while private schools remain unaffected.

Holland installed North America's first snowmelt system nearly 40 years ago to heat downtown streets and sidewalks — its success has led nearby communities, including Kalamazoo, to adopt similar systems.

Local officials say this approach benefits businesses and the environment while reducing the need for salt and plowing.

Beacon Health System has named Gregory Piper as president of Beacon Allegan, a critical access hospital in Southwest Michigan & he has served as interim president since November 2025; the 25-year veteran will continue delivering quality care for local rural communities.

British influencer Josh Clarke said on Monday that a Michigan hospital accessed his private record after he was treated for a torn ligament during his trip.

He claims staff entered his room and asked for selfies while he was in pain.

Portage city officials announced today that the first two homes in the new Stanwood Crossings neighborhood are under contract as part of an affordable housing project for working families.

The project offers homes at 75% of construction cost — made possible by county and federal grants.

Today at 6:00 p.m. at Oshtemo Township Hall, officials will introduce a revised plan for West Main Villages featuring a 99,000 sqft Kroger, a gas station, eight apartment buildings, and 329 dwelling units — a change from earlier retail and duplex designs.

The update aims to meet growing housing needs.

Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special

6:30-7:45 p.m. — The Civic Auditorium — $34 — Experience timeless music by Queen and The Beatles in a romantic candlelit setting.

Story Corner

10-11 a.m. — Kalamazoo Nature Center — Included with admission — Enjoy a delightful story time featuring nature-themed picture books followed by a gentle hike for little explorers.

SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition

2-3 p.m. — Kalamazoo Civic Theatre — Tickets available — Dive into an undersea adventure as SpongeBob and friends save Bikini Bottom from disaster.

K-Wings vs. Indy Fuel Hockey Match

7–9 p.m. — Wings Event Center — $3 beers, sodas, and hot dogs — Start your weekend with a win at $3 Friday as the K-Wings take on the Indy Fuel.

Member Meetup at Wax Wings Brewing Company

4-6 p.m. — Wax Wings Brewing Company — $1 donation per beer — Celebrate the debut of Exhibit Ale brewed in collaboration with Wax Wings while supporting the KIA.

Kalamazoo Nature Center Guided Hike

2-3 p.m. — Kalamazoo Nature Center — Free entry — Explore the beautiful trails of KNC with a guided hike through nature's hidden gems.

Great Lakes Gift Show

March 2-4 — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — Cost varies — Discover a fantastic collection of unique companies and name brands at Michigan's premier gift and boutique show.

Great Lakes Gift Show Kalamazoo

5 PM – 5 PM — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — Check for entry costs — Discover the latest trends and products in the gift and toy industry.

Stephen King's Misery

7:30–9:15 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — $45-$49, $20 student tickets — Experience the gripping tale of an author held captive by his obsessed fan in this thrilling live adaptation.

Arancini Cooking Class

4-8 p.m. — 4023 Douglas Ave, Kalamazoo, MI — Hands-on experience — Learn to craft delicious Sicilian arancini from scratch while exploring their rich history.