Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Forrest Wells Baker, born in the One Well parking lot a year ago, is celebrated today at One Well Brewing with the re-release of Special Delivery—a beer updated with a touch of vanilla that will be served from 3 to 11 p.m. as community members gather to honor his remarkable beginning.

A 33-year-old man, Kareem Jabbar Steele from Port Huron, received a 20 to 40-year sentence for second-degree murder after pleading no contest to a January 26 shooting on Krom Street and Prouty Street that killed McEhrlich Jones — he received nearly two years credit for time served.

A Port Huron man named Kareem Jabbar Steele pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Kalamazoo resident McEhrlich Jones, 75, who was shot on Jan.

26, 2022 and died six months later, and he was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday, Aug. 11.

Kalamazoo Public Safety identified Ivan Perez, the 23-year-old man who died in a two-car crash at about 2 a.m. on August 9 on Riverview Drive and East Paterson Street — he was trapped in a burning vehicle as authorities search for the driver and passenger who fled the scene.

Parents shopped for back-to-school supplies at Meijer and other stores as sales and smaller supply lists helped ease budget concerns amid ongoing cost pressures, with the National Retail Federation showing a lower average spending than last year.

Finance professor Ross said tariffs and leftover stock may force prices higher gradually—leading to a phased rise in costs over time.

Kalamazoo city commissioners have planned a search for a new city manager that may finish by Halloween.

The process begins next week with applications and preliminary screening in early October—finalist interviews will occur mid-October and a final decision is expected around October 20th—with a salary of $220,000 to $250,000 for a candidate with a public administration degree and ten years of local government experience.

Hundreds of Michigan high school football teams began practice Monday to sharpen skills and build team chemistry after a long summer apart — local Kalamazoo teams participated as they prepared for their first games on Aug.

28th.

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.

Branden Mann Live Music Event

6-9 p.m. — Brewery Outré — No cover — Enjoy original tunes and crowd-favorite covers from a lineup of Kalamazoo musicians.

August Vintage Mart at Factory Cafe

10 AM – 5 PM — Factory Coffee — Free entry — Explore vintage goods and handcrafted treasures from local vendors while enjoying cafe drinks.

Stevie Wonder Tribute by The Andrew Fisher Quartet

4-5 p.m. — Bronson Park — Free entry — Experience a heartfelt tribute to Stevie Wonder with The Andrew Fisher Quartet in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Read to Eleanor

3:30 – 5:00 PM — Kalamazoo Public Library - Alma Powell Branch — Free — Spend a cozy afternoon reading to Eleanor, a friendly therapy dog, and take home a book!

Dungeons & Dragons Game Night

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Washington Square Branch — Registration required — Enjoy a night of adventure whether you're a beginner or an experienced player.

Family Storytime at Oshtemo Library

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Oshtemo Branch — Free — Enjoy a delightful half hour of books, songs, stories, and interactive playtime for families.

Dokidokon 2025

All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets start at $10 — Celebrate anime, gaming, and cosplay with a heart at a pirate-themed convention.

Brush the Block Mural Festival

10 a.m. — Discover Kalamazoo — Free entry — Celebrate creativity as artists transform the city with stunning murals over six days.