Daily
Kalamazoo
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ City officials approved a $140,000 contract to install a pump bicycle track at Verburg Park near the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail. Work will begin as weather permits and the track will feature curves, hills + recycled materials from local road projects. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Donut Den opened on March 14 at 2052 W. Centre Ave in Portage and is giving each customer one free doughnut for its grand opening week; the bakery offers over 20 flavors and a range of drinks (including coffee and hot chocolate) for locals to enjoy. MLive
- ➤ Jack in the Box is returning to Michigan this May as it opens a new Battle Creek restaurant at 2588 Capital Avenue SW; the fast-food chain plans five 24-hour stores, including locations in Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Kent counties. WKZO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Steve Burns, the original host of Blue's Clues, will appear at Miller Auditorium on June 3 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss his career and the show’s cultural impact — local radio host Stefani Bishop will moderate the event and fifty VIP tickets for a post-show meet-and-greet are available. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Global tensions have pushed Michigan's gas prices higher; in Kalamazoo, some stations now charge about $3.83 per gallon (including a Speedway on South Westnedge and a Marathon on Stadium Drive) as drivers adjust their routines and plans. WWMT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Teachers at the Career Connect Campus are still without a contract even though they received overdue raises in January, and KRESA has spent over $167K in taxpayer funds on attorneys amid stalled negotiations — the unresolved contract has affected hands-on learning and staff retention. WWMT
- ➤ Comstock Public Schools is asking voters to approve a $23.7M bond to repair roofs and install HVAC upgrades at Comstock Middle and Compass High schools on the May 5 ballot. The measure will keep the current 5.5 mill rate through 2031 if approved. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kalamazoo city approved a $165,900 design contract with Wightman and Associates Inc. to convert Kalamazoo Avenue to two-way traffic under its Streets for All project. The design will upgrade street lighting, sidewalks, and utilities this spring — boosting safety and walkability downtown. WWMT
- ➤ City officials met with Vine neighborhood parents to review three plans for a safer school crossing at Merrill and Howard after weeks of concerns over student safety. Work on the changes will start next year and extra patrols are in place for now — ensuring a safer approach. WKZO
- ➤ Kalamazoo city commission approved a resolution to recognize Guys who Give, a local fundraising group donating $100 quarterly to non-profits and raising over half a million dollars since 2017 (with 180 to 190 members). The group will meet May 13 at Revel and Roll on Stadium Drive at 6 p.m. WKZO
- ➤ City officials have moved up a road diet and updated crosswalk improvements near Maple Street Magnet and Winchell Elementary schools to 2027 after local parents urged quicker action. The projects will reduce a four-lane street to three lanes, add sidewalks, and update signage and lighting. MLive
- ➤ City officials are updating Milham Park this spring with a new quarter-mile bike path connecting park access and an MDOT site to improve safe routes for families and shoppers. The $516,528 project will also add bike racks and repair trails, with work scheduled to begin soon. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Western Michigan University’s Soccer Complex will receive upgrades including new stadium lighting + professional benches and shelters, thanks to a $2 million alumni gift. The project, part of a broader facility plan, will boost both teams’ game experiences. MLive
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Live Music with Megan Dooley
7-9 p.m. — Zero: Non-Alcoholic Bar — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening of live music at a unique venue.
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Zazzy Concert Experience
9 PM – 1 AM — Papa Pete's — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy a night of live funk music featuring Zazzy's remixes.
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Welcome Little Sister: Community Efforts to Protect Local Woods
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Portage District Library — Free entry — Discover how the community came together to protect twelve acres of woods adjacent to Kleinstuck Preserve.
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Giving Women Their Flowers
5:30-8 p.m. — The Desenberg — Celebrate Women’s History Month — An inspiring evening honoring women who lead, create, and uplift communities.
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Crawlspace Sketch Comedy Show
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Crawlspace Comedy Theatre — $20 — Experience original sketch comedy with a unique Kalamazoo twist.
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KDP Chocolate Milk Mile
6:00-6:25 p.m. — Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI — Entry required — Race 1 mile while enjoying 16 ounces of chocolate milk.
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MYWAY Wrestling Individual State Championship Finals
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Cost info unavailable — Witness the excitement of state-level wrestling competition.
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Margaritaville Night with K-Wings
7-8 p.m. — Wings Event Center — $3 beers, sodas, and dogs — Enjoy a tropical twist on K-Wings hockey while benefiting local parks.
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Dr. Seuss's The Cat In The Hat
2-5 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Tickets from $46.56 — Enjoy the classic tale of mischief with your family as the Cat in the Hat shakes up a rainy day.
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Easter Day Brunch
11 AM – 5 PM — The Backyard of Kalamazoo — $30 for adults, $18 for children under 12 — Celebrate Easter with a delightful brunch featuring both classic and indulgent offerings.
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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