Daily
Kalamazoo
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Zap Zone welcomed over 3,000 visitors during its grand opening on Monday, Feb. 16 at The Crossroads mall in Portage. The two-story facility (the former Sears) offered arcade games, laser tag and go-karts and added 140 new jobs. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Wendy’s announced it will shutter 5-6% of its U.S. restaurants in the first half of 2026, including a location in Kalamazoo County — now shuttered. The chain revealed the plan in late 2025 as it shifts focus to everyday value to compete with rivals. MLive
- ➤ Francesca's boutique clothing retailer filed for bankruptcy in early February and will close its Portage mall store at The Crossroads on Feb. 25 as it offers merchandise up to 70%-off while shutting down all its Michigan locations. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Collectors and dealers gathered Sunday at the Expo Center for the seasonal Kalamazoo Record and CD Show, where thousands of records and vintage equipment were available. This 30-year event drew nearly 500 attendees, and organizer Rodney Branham offered new collectors advice on the best records to buy. WWMT
- ➤ Over 1,500 works by young artists selected by art teachers will be shown this weekend at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, featuring art by elementary+middle school students from seven districts; admission is free starting Saturday. WKZO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Grouper Acquisition Company LLC announced that its plant in Comstock Township will close on March 31, eliminating 160 jobs that include engineers, materials technicians, and quality control roles — the decision was detailed in a WARN notice filed with the state. MLive
- ➤ Triple-A Michigan reported the state's average gas price is $2.98 a gallon, up 15 cents from last week. Kalamazoo County's average reached $3.06 while prices in other areas range from $2.50 to $3.11 after a high of $3.03 on Feb. 12. WKZO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Deveta Gardner has led the Kalamazoo Central High School cheer team since 1990 and mentors athletes who have become assistant coaches. The longtime coach inspires students with lessons in accountability and diversity and continues to guide the team in the gym and beyond. WWMT
- ➤ AI is creating distrust in classrooms as Kalamazoo College faculty work on clear standards (including efforts by educational tech specialist Josh Moon) while warning that unregulated use may hinder authentic learning. WWMT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A significant winter storm is forecast to hit southern Michigan Tuesday night and continue through Wednesday, bringing rain and potential freezing rain that could cause hazardous travel for residents. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kara Durrette, a Kalamazoo parent, said her son Dawson’s severe food allergies went into remission after completing a four-year tolerance induction program at California’s Food Allergy Institute last December+ The program eased years of fear, letting him try new foods and join everyday activities. WWMT
- ➤ During American Heart Month, local transplant recipient Wendy Fleckenstein reflects on her near-five-year journey since her June 2021 heart transplant. She values every moment to honor her donor (a 16-year-old boy) and prepares for her next heart catheter in June while working closely with the American Heart Association. WWMT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ The Root Beer Stand reopened for its 96th season Monday, Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Milwood + Westnedge after weeks of winter chill, offering a full menu as customers enjoyed warming 50’s and partly cloudy skies. WWMT
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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