Daily
Kalamazoo
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The city invites residents to join the Design It! Downtown series from April 28 through May 4, featuring hands-on workshops, walking audits, panel discussions, and open houses — all designed to shape downtown's future. WWMT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Colonial Kitchen closed its doors Monday, April 13 after 53 years of service. Owner Irene Davis said slow winter business and rising costs led her to close the restaurant at (330 N. Drake Road). MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A quirky house nicknamed the concrete castle was built in 1880 and moved by truck in 1999 to its current location on Sprinkle Road in Portage. The vacant commercial property holds local memories and continues to spark curiosity among community members. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kalamazoo Astronomical Society is hosting Dr. David Levy (who discovered 23 comets and wrote 34 books) for a lecture on May 1 at 7 p.m. in room 1104 at Rood Hall at Western Michigan University; the event will be streamed live on Zoom with free admission and required registration. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After weeks of heavy rain caused flooding in northside yards, county crews will install a conveyance swale along West Prouty Street later in 2026 to move stormwater into a state ditch + eventually into the Kalamazoo River at no cost to homeowners. WWMT
- ➤ Engineers will start a $335K evaluation of Spring Valley Dam after a sinkhole was found at a local park a year ago — the city is funding preventative maintenance through its water department and park visitors may see only occasional survey teams through the summer. WWMT
- ➤ City crews addressed flooding damage from last week’s heavy rains on Monday and will return today to pump out flooded basements and yards — City Manager Malcolm Hankins said water levels on the Kalamazoo River are expected to drop as light rain is forecast. WKZO
- ➤ Officials from MDOT urge drivers to slow down near work zones as construction ramps up statewide amid recent flooding and rising worker presence, reminding everyone to drive safely during Work Zone Awareness Week. WWMT
- ➤ County officials at Kalamazoo County Jail said water remains safe for showers, handwashing, and food preparation while bottled water is provided with each meal (upgrades include flushing, repairing the water softener, and additional filtration) as new test results are expected this week from MDHHS. WWMT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Michigan State Police will hold the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at all 31 posts to collect unused or expired pills to help prevent misuse (and protect the environment). WKZO
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Western Michigan University seeks proposals for Lawson Ice Arena’s future usage before it will close in August 2027 + submissions are accepted until 5 p.m. on May 31, with proposals possibly outlining plans to keep ice sports available to the community. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Apr. 21, the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association released state rankings and Paw Paw moved from (4) to first place in Division 2 as updates in Divisions 1, 3, and 4 took effect. MLive
- ➤ Jordan Harrison, Ann Arbor Player of the Year, announced his commitment to Kalamazoo College via social media Monday evening. He led his team to district + regional titles this season while averaging 25 playoff points. MLive
- ➤ Junior Natalia Icaza-Mastache of Portage Northern turned a broken leg into a breakout spring by hitting .379 with eight extra-base hits and a 3.134 ERA while earning Athlete of the Week from 36% of 10,195 votes. Coach Randall Hebner praised her strong leadership as she moved from outfield to infield. MLive
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Good Night, Oscar
7:30-9:45 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — Ticket prices range from $20-$52 — Experience the witty and poignant tale of Oscar Levant on a late-night talk show in the 1950s.
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Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon 2026
7 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Bronson Park — Registration required — Celebrate health and community at the annual marathon in Kalamazoo.
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2026 Kalamazoo Rock, Mineral, Gem, and Fossil Show
2-8 p.m. — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — $5 adults, kids under 12 free — Explore one of Michigan's largest showcase of minerals, gems, and jewelry from 50 vendors.
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Future Islands Concert
Time unknown — Bell's Beer Garden — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic sound of Future Islands alongside Open Mike Eagle in a lively setting.
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Emmy Kastner Book Release Event
5-6 p.m. — Bookbug & this is a bookstore — Free entry — Celebrate the release of a delightful picture book filled with ice cream and laughter.
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38th Annual Vicksburg Hearty Hustle (5K)
1-3 p.m. — 501 E Hwy St, Vicksburg, MI — Registration fee required — Celebrate fitness and community at this beloved annual 5K walk/run event.
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Connections Recovery Support Group
5:30-7 p.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with others on the recovery journey for peer support in mental health.
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The Mountain Goats Live
8-11 p.m. — Bell's Eccentric Cafe — Tickets from $137 — Experience an unforgettable live performance by The Mountain Goats in Kalamazoo.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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