Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo Balloon Fest begins this weekend and pilots will launch flights at dawn or before dusk if wind, cloud cover and lightning conditions meet safety guidelines (10 mph limit).

College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving is hosting a free Give Back Event on Saturday, Aug.

29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its warehouse at 2927 Millcork St, where local families can pick one piece of furniture—ranging from couches to tables—on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents on Monday, Aug.

17 voiced criticism of the homeless encampment removal on North Edwards Street, saying the action destroyed personal belongings and disrupted essential support. City officials acknowledged the need for a long-term, low-barrier shelter plan to prevent recurring cycles.

Five Kalamazoo-area high schools ranked among Michigan’s top 100 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools for 2026 released Aug.

18. Portage Central led the county at No. 65, with Gull Lake, Mattawan, Vicksburg and Plainwell also making the list.

Kalamazoo Charter Township is seeking a management partner to run Grand Prairie Golf Course — starting with the 2027 season.

The Request for Proposals is available on the township website for qualified professionals.

County Administrator Terrell Cole announced that recent testing found acceptable lead and copper levels at most jail water sites while two drinking fountains will be replaced within a few weeks as further testing is planned for October; inmates and staff continue using bottled water until repairs are complete.

Kalamazoo County officials are set to approve a 48-acre mixed-use housing project in Oshtemo Township that will add 444 units and raise the land’s taxable value significantly.

A public hearing is scheduled, and construction may begin this year (with affordable rental options planned).

A contaminated waterfront property in Saugatuck will be redeveloped into a 2.5-story building with commercial space + three rental apartments after a $1M state grant cleans up decades-old pollution.

Construction is set to finish in mid-2027.

Biggby Coffee Ice Cube Kalamazoo will reopen its renovated rink on Saturday, Aug.

22 at 5076 Sports Drive with a community open house (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) offering free skating and youth hockey classes, and fall adult leagues are planned after a $2 million renovation by Black Bear.

On Wednesday, Aug. 19, MSU introduced Dan Bartholomae as its new athletic director at the Breslin Center.

He thanked his WMU staff + Kalamazoo community for support during his record-setting tenure that saw 37 conference championships as he begins his dream job at MSU.

Martin's football team opens the season Aug.

27 against Blanchard Montabella after losing 12 seniors from its 13–0 championship run, with head coach Brad Blauvelt stating the young team—built on a new two-QB system and enhanced speed—is ready to meet challenges and prove doubters wrong.