Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Food manufacturer Kalsec broke ground on a new $12M spice grinding facility in Kalamazoo Township in early July; the sealed, climate-controlled building will replace a facility older than 60 years and allow year-round grinding while the township’s tax break cuts property taxes by half for 12 years—ensuring a safer work environment and reduced dust for local residents.

Bradford Gille, who spent one year at Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital in 2018 after prior violent behavior, was arraigned on terrorism and attempted murder charges for a Walmart stabbing that injured eleven people near Traverse City on Saturday—one victim remains in serious condition while seven others are in fair or good condition.

Ramona Park Beach in Portage was closed on July 29 after tests on July 28 found 765.6 E. coli per 100 milliliters, well above the safe level of 300—officials said the beach will remain closed until follow-up tests show safe levels.

The Landing Place, a renovated 80-room former hotel, will open by December in Portage as Michigan's largest family homeless shelter.

County leaders plan to offer 24/7 support services—job training, childcare assistance and healthcare coordination—to help families move from homelessness into safe housing.

Kalamazoo Township is replacing its aging Eastwood Fire Station by demolishing a church to build an $11M fire station + staff living quarters on one side and a public entrance with a community room on the other.

Officials plan to break ground in October and finish the facility by the end of 2026.

The Friendly Pickle opened on July 14 in Alamo Township and hosted over 450 players in its first two weeks—General Manager Kristy Visser said the eight indoor courts will soon support lessons, tournaments and youth programs.

It will hold free play from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 6 and a grand opening with food, music and pickleball on Aug. 15.

Parade of Homes Kalamazoo

6-7 p.m. — Home Builders Association — Ticket prices vary — Explore stunning homes and find inspiration for your next project.

Whack For Warmth Golf Outing Fundraiser

7 AM-4 PM — Cedar Creek Golf Course — All proceeds benefit heating assistance programs — Play for a cause at this engaging community golf outing.

Concerts in the Park

4-5 p.m. — Bronson Park — Free entry — Enjoy live summer music brought by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.

Festival Fridays: A Taste of Kalamazoo

6-10 p.m. — Arcadia Creek Festival Place — Free entry — Celebrate local food, music, and community at this vibrant summer festival series.

Dokidokon 2025

All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime and gaming culture with panels, special guests, and a pirate theme.

Dokidokon 2025

Aug 10-12 — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets from $10 — Dive into an anime and gaming convention with panels, concerts, and cosplay fun.

Read to Eleanor

3:30-5 p.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Central Library — Free — Spend quality time reading to a friendly therapy dog and take home a book.

Dokidokon 2025

All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime, gaming, and cosplay at a community-driven convention with a pirate theme.

Artful Evening with Leo Villareal

6-7 p.m. — Kalamazoo Institute of Arts — Free entry — Explore the career of an acclaimed light artist and visionary during this engaging virtual discussion.

Michigan Storm Chasers Beer Launch

2-5 p.m. — Latitude 42° Brewing Company Kalamazoo — Tickets required — Celebrate the release of a new Michigan-brewed beer with family-friendly fun and meet and greet activities.