Daily
Kalamazoo
Friday, February 13th, 2026
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Old Skool Bar opens today at 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall with arcade games, pool tables, a DJ booth, and a menu that blends fine dining techniques with bar fare. Owner James Flora and chef William Kennedy welcome locals for live music and dishes from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. MLive
- ➤ The original owner is returning to reopen Antique Kitchen in Portage with former employees now part of ongoing renovations (the restaurant closed Jan. 25 and has operated since 1971), and it is expected to welcome customers by Sunday, Mar. 1. WKZO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Fort Custer National Cemetery preserves the memory of the 'Forgotten 26' – German POWs who worked during WWII and were buried after a truck accident on Oct. 31 in Blissfield; an annual ceremony on Germany’s National Day of Mourning honors their legacy. WWMT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ WMU Board of Trustees renamed its new $110 million dorm to Valley Oaks during a board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 12. The residence hall — set to open this fall for over 1,000 first-year students across 688 units — features mass timber construction and modern design. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kalamazoo lawmaker Julie Rogers plans to introduce House Bill 5524 next week to help small businesses affected by long road construction by offering up to $15,000 per year (based on revenue drop and traffic disruption). The proposal aims to protect businesses from severe financial impacts during extended projects. WKZO
- ➤ Kalamazoo roads are suffering rapid pothole damage as repeated freeze — thaw cycles weaken the asphalt, and residents are encouraged to report damage to local authorities for prompt repairs. WWMT
- ➤ Portage residents are receiving new trash and recycling carts as the city transitions to a single-hauler system, with carts arriving this week for Zone B and starting Feb. 16 for Zone A (no action is needed by residents). Trash and recycling collection will begin on March 2. WWMT
- ➤ WMU's Board of Trustees voted on Thursday to begin transferring management of Asylum Lake Preserve to Kalamazoo County. The MOU will let both parties negotiate a formal agreement that supports ongoing research and conservation (continuing its use by WMU faculty and students). WWMT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Oshtemo Township Planning Commission will vote tonight on a revised plan for a 48-acre development along West Main Street. The proposal by Ferlito Group includes a Kroger store, gas station, restaurants, a coffee shop, apartments, and 329 single-family homes. WKZO
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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