Daily
Kalamazoo
Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kzoo Parks and Public Safety will host a free Bike Rodeo on Wednesday, May 13 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market where kids learn biking skills, get tune-ups, and see fire truck and police cruiser displays; online registration offers a prize drawing and free helmets. WKZO
- ➤ Binder Park Zoo welcomed its first Linne’s two-toed sloth baby in nearly 25 years, and community members can vote to name it with a $5 donation per vote until May 15 at noon. Proceeds will support animal care initiatives. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Portage’s Hayloft Barn Theatre reopened two years after a tornado damaged it on May 7, 2024. Built in 1902 in the Celery Flats Historical Area, the historic barn was restored with a $135,000 insurance-funded renovation that added support beams & steel braces. WKZO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kalamazoo Public Schools superintendent Darrin Slade earned the highest evaluation score after being graded on 34 standards during a trustees meeting last night. His review did not include an immediate pay raise — his contract may be reconsidered next month. WKZO
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Wildwood Off Main in Kalamazoo Township was condemned yesterday after officials found severely unsafe decks and stairways, leaving hundreds of residents in need of new housing. WKZO
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former WMU men’s basketball player Brady Swartz transfers to Oakland University after playing 25 games as a freshman, averaging 7.7 points + 4.6 rebounds. He will gain three to four years of immediate eligibility pending NCAA review. MLive
- ➤ Sophia Ciesla, after receiving doctor approval following three seasons sidelined by knee injuries, returned to help set personal records with the Essexville Garber girls track team. She will compete at the regional meet on May 15 and the Bay County Championship on May 20. MLive
- ➤ High school softball teams in our area compete in district tournaments with quarterfinals on May 26 and semifinals and finals on May 30. Winners advance to regional semifinals on June 6 (brackets cover divisions 1 to 4 across local venues). MLive
- ➤ Kalamazoo-area high school baseball districts released full brackets with quarterfinal games starting May 26 and semifinals and finals scheduled for May 29 to May 30. Winners advance to regional semifinals in early June. MLive
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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.
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Light Saber Kids Combat Discovery Class
10 AM - 11 PM — BSD Dance Studio — Free entry — Discover the basics of lightsaber combat in this exciting class for kids aged 8-13.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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