Daily
Kalamazoo
Saturday, May 31st, 2025
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Builders are preparing a vacant lot at 7265 West Q Ave in Texas Township for a new Berries Pancake House that will use 3,695 square feet on the first floor for a restaurant with outdoor seating for 40 — the plans include a second-floor housing unit and approval by the planning commission on May 27. Developers will break ground within a month and take ownership in the fall — the project is part of a larger plan offering space for up to seven mixed-use buildings. MLive
- ➤ The founder of local coffee chain Water Street Coffee, Mark Smutek, died May 17 after a bout with Lewy body dementia — a paranoia episode linked to his illness caused him to disappear into the Kalamazoo River. WWMT
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ 42-year-old James Smith was sentenced to 20 years and 27-year-old Patrick Martin to four years in prison after federal officials linked them to a mass fentanyl poisoning event in Kalamazoo County that resulted in seven deaths on April 12 — Smith sold what he believed was cocaine but turned out to be fentanyl while Martin passed it to customers, triggering at least 18 overdoses in one day. WKZO
- ➤ During Memorial Day weekend, KDPS carried out targeted operations that led to the seizure of six firearms and the arrest of multiple suspects—including a 17-year-old—from an armed robbery on North Rose Street and various traffic stops on Portage, Stadium, East North, Bridge, and Gull Roads as well as in Michigamme Woods—KDPS said it will continue enforcement actions into the summer. WWMT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan piloted the Lunch with Littles program at Prairie Ridge Elementary in Kalamazoo, where adult volunteers share lunch with young students. The program, which started last year with 16 bigs and 18 littles, gave children an extra trusted support—organizers are seeking additional volunteers, especially males, to join. WWMT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Portage Mayor Patricia Randall broke ground on a project to build 42 affordable homes at Stanwood Crossings near Lake Center Elementary on May 29—AVB will begin construction of the first 12 homes in early July and plan to finish at least four by the end of the year. MLive
- ➤ City officials announced that Sarah Joshi will serve as the new City Manager of Parchment starting June 18th. Joshi brings experience from local government and transit — her appointment comes as the city prepares to redevelop the former mill site into a sustainable project. WKZO
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Yo-Yo Ma Concert
7-9 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Ticket costs vary — Experience the enchanting sounds of world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a captivating live performance.
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KIA Arts Fair 2025
3 PM – 5 PM — Bronson Park — Free entry — Experience over 130 fine artists showcasing unique creations at this vibrant two-day juried art show.
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Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets in Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Harry Potter on a giant screen with a live symphony orchestra performing the iconic score.
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Kenosha Kingfish vs. Kalamazoo Growlers
1:35-3:05 p.m. — Homer Stryker Field — Tickets available — Catch an exciting summer baseball matchup featuring local teams.
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UKC PREMIER Nationals Dog Show
8 AM – 2 PM — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — Dogs not in competition are asked to stay home as they prance, weave, and soar at this premier event showcasing the UKC's 'Total Dog' philosophy.
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Festival Fridays 2025
8 PM – 12 AM — Arcadia Creek Festival Place — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of community festivities in downtown Kalamazoo.
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Kalamazoo Klassic 2025
7:30-10:30 a.m. — Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts — Registration required — Celebrate community and inclusivity while achieving your fitness goals with 5K, 10K, and 15K options.
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Wausau Woodchucks vs. Kalamazoo Growlers
1:35-3:05 p.m. — Homer Stryker Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game between the Woodchucks and the Growlers in Kalamazoo.
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JB Pump Day – Kalamazoo
11 AM – 1 PM — Young Supply Company — Free entry — Enjoy complimentary inspections and oil changes for vacuum pumps while getting wear-and-tear replaced on JB pumps.
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Kalamazoo County Amateur Championship
Two-day tournament — Milham Park Golf Club — Registration required — Compete in a 36-hole individual stroke play championship with Open and Senior divisions.
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
The truth is found when people are free to pursue it.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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