Daily
Kalamazoo
Saturday, September 27th, 2025
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 27th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Zeigler Auto Group hosted the 43rd annual Drive for Life Foundation Gala in Kalamazoo on Thursday to raise over one million dollars for cancer research in Michigan—keynote speaker WMU hockey coach Pat Ferschweiler led the live and silent auctions benefiting the American Cancer Society and local nonprofits. WWMT
- ➤ Oshtemo Township and the Oshtemo Historical Society will host a fall celebration at the renovated 14-room Drake farmhouse tomorrow, Sept. 28, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Drake Farmstead Park—attendees will enjoy live music, guided tours, crafts and vendor displays that highlight the region's history. MLive
- ➤ On September 26, community leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $515M Kalamazoo Event Center that will host WMU basketball, hockey, concerts, and community events with seating for 6,500 to 8,000 fans—officials said the new venue will include athletic, academic, and team facilities and is expected to generate $52M in annual economic impact. The center is scheduled to open in fall and marks a major investment in downtown transformation. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Teachers picketed a Kalamazoo Public Schools board meeting last night — saying they have worked without a contract since the school year began and that low pay adds stress to their jobs. Superintendent Darrin Slade said he is meeting with union leaders to resolve the contract dispute soon. WKZO
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ MSU Extension Natural Resources Educator Julie Crick explained that Michigan forests show bright fall colors as green fades and yellow and red pigments appear. She said warm sunny days and cool nights boost autumn hues—while drought in some areas may cause leaves to lose color sooner. WWMT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city of Portage will launch its Mill and Fill Program Tuesday, September 30 to remove worn asphalt and overlay streets with two inches of new asphalt. Lakeland Asphalt Corporation will pave the roads until Friday, October 10—residents are asked to remove vehicles during the work. WKZO
- ➤ Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan lawmakers reached a deal to avert the shutdown — the new budget added nearly $2 billion for fixing the state’s crumbling roads and bridges. MLive
- ➤ A tentative state budget framework was reached after Governor Whitmer—along with House Speaker Hall and Senate Majority Leader Brinks—announced a deal that sets a 24% wholesale tax on marijuana sales. Lawmakers will hold final votes early next week to finalize Fiscal Year 2026 funding before the October 1 deadline. WKZO
- ➤ Michigan lawmakers agreed to shift gas tax revenue and some corporate income tax plus add a new 26% wholesale marijuana tax to secure an extra $1.5B each year for road repairs in the 2025-2026 budget. The compromise budget is expected to pass early next week, and the state government will avoid a shutdown by starting the new fiscal year on October 1. MLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Portage city officials plan to demolish the shuttered Chinese restaurant building at 7716 S Westnedge Ave and replace it with a 30-unit apartment complex— the site has also served as a gas station and auto repair shop. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Mustangs blanked Loy Norrix on Thursday night to clinch the SMAC title — finishing their season unbeaten. MLive
- ➤ Community members told the Kalamazoo Public School board that the 15-year-old Kalamazoo Central junior varsity football player who injured a Lakeshore player on the 18th should not have his future jeopardized after a viral video of his body slam spurred racial insults. The injured player suffered two broken vertebrae and is now recovering at home. WKZO
- ➤ Players from the WMU women's softball team led a camp for adults and children with physical and learning disabilities through the Beautiful Lives Project—marking their first softball partnership as participants learned basic skills in Kalamazoo last Friday. The camp provided a chance to build college-level sports experience for those involved. WWMT
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Goh Kurosawa Performance
2:30-4:30 p.m. — Bronson Park — Free entry — Enjoy a captivating concert featuring original songs and global melodies from musician Goh Kurosawa.
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Swan Lake Performance
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Varied pricing — Experience the timeless and majestic beauty of ballet in this breathtaking production of Swan Lake.
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Dokidokon 2025
Daytime — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 to $180 — Dive into a world of anime and gaming at Kalamazoo's beloved convention.
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Dokidokon 2025
All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 to $180 — Dive into a weekend of anime and gaming fun with panels, workshops, and cosplay gatherings.
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US National Under 18 vs. Western Michigan Broncos Mens Hockey (Exhibition)
6:00 PM — Lawson Ice Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch the future stars of hockey compete in an exciting exhibition match.
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Ferris State Bulldogs at Western Michigan Broncos Men's Hockey
3:30 AM – 11:00 PM — Lawson/Gable, Kalamazoo, MI — Competitive prices — Catch a thrilling hockey match between the Bulldogs and Broncos.
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Homegrown Bass Featuring Lowke and Tarrow
9 PM – 12 AM — Papa Pete's — $10 presale, $15 day of show — Experience a night of electrifying music with local talents at Papa Pete's.
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Live Music: Bourbon Brothers at Brewery Outré
6-9 p.m. — Brewery Outré — Free entry — Enjoy acoustic bluegrass tunes with cold brews in a lively atmosphere.
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Kalamazoo Wings Home Opener vs. Fort Wayne Komets
4:30-6 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Free 2025-26 K-Wings Magnet Schedule for the first 2,000 fans — Kick off the new season with an electric atmosphere against a longtime rival.
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150th Show on the Road: Kalamazoo
6-9 p.m. — Bell's Eccentric Cafe — Free entry — Celebrate 150 years of faith and renewal with an evening of joyous festivities.
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