Good morning, Kalamazoo.

A Kalamazoo animal shelter is raising funds to invest $206,000 in a sewer line upgrade at its rescue center located at 1616 Construction Drive in Comstock Township after heavy laundry usage overwhelmed its septic system.

A $100,000 donation from the Zhang family is in place + matching funds are sought.

More than 150 elementary students at Woodward Elementary received new shoes on Monday as part of the First Day Shoe Fund, which aims to provide about 7,450 pairs to all 47 public schools this fall.

Two Men and a Truck donated boxes + delivery to support the program.

Local Kalamazoo apiarist Kerwin Skinner—known as Homeboy Honey on social media—is cultivating hundreds of thousands of bees in his childhood backyard while selling his honey at local farmer’s markets and teaching neighbors about the vital role bees play in our food system.

People’s Food Co-op regained control after an eight-month power struggle when a judge ruled two weeks ago, and its new store manager is working to restore finances and vendor ties at the northeast location.

A 21-day application period for a new board has begun as members rebuild trust.

Community groups can apply for grant funding from the Kalamazoo County board until Oct.

28 for special projects receiving $25,000+ to $100,000; winners will be chosen in November and programs will start Jan. 1.

City officials are renovating Arcadia Creek Festival Place on Water Street with work set to begin this winter due to rising costs and environmental challenges — the plan aims to reopen the northern part for public and festival use next spring and summer as funding is secured.

The City of Kalamazoo was named a 2026 Child Care Champion during a ceremony last week in East Lansing — recognizing its support for small business child care providers through training, grants and regional planning.

Officials said the award highlights the city’s commitment to affordable, high-quality care.

Sturgis Hospital closed permanently on June 19 after years of financial struggles, forcing nearby facilities to manage extra patients and leaving residents to travel farther for care & affecting local jobs.