Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Today, the County Expo Center in Kalamazoo hosts a Senior Expo and Veterans Stand Down—featuring more than 140 exhibitors that offer tools on healthcare, caregiving, housing, and financial guidance, along with free veteran services like meals and haircuts.

The county board is set to approve funding from the senior millage to help older adults stay in their homes, and the event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Five Lakes Coffee on West Main Street was hit twice by drivers and saw its exit sign run over in November, leaving baristas worried for customers—MDOT will work with local police to improve traffic safety.

Jackson High School seniors with a 2.9 or higher GPA will be directly admitted to Albion College under the Direct Admit Program if they complete an online form for conditional admission, with spring 2026 marking their graduation.

The program also includes several schools in Jackson County and Kalamazoo area — a change that aims to simplify college access.

City of Portage announced that it will plant 250 new trees this fall to help reforest tornado-hit areas in Celery Flats and Lexington Green.

The project is funded by a Michigan grant, local dollars and community donations — and the trees are expected to take root by next year.

The City of Kalamazoo is asking residents for input on its new Safety Action Plan—focusing on intersections, sidewalks, lighting and bus stops—through a survey open until Oct 24; the feedback will guide city efforts to make streets safer.

Today, Kalamazoo commissioners are meeting in closed session to review resumes of candidates for the new city manager position after receiving 45 applications—ensuring confidentiality as most applicants requested.

Vice Mayor Jeanne Hess said finalists will be revealed tonight or tomorrow, with community meet and greets on October 14 and formal interviews on October 15 before a final decision is made next Monday.

Kalamazoo County will hold a public hearing today on its 2026 budget proposal—County officials will review the state budget's impact on revenue, address a $248,000 shortfall, and discuss a proposed millage increase that may add over $4.67 million to homeowners' bills next year.

A poll was launched to select the best performer from Week 6 of Kalamazoo-area high school football—Schoolcraft’s Evans Feller scored a touchdown in the rivalry game at Constantine where Schoolcraft won 32-14 on Sept.

12.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

LuFuki and Divine Providence

7-8:30 p.m. — Dalton Theatre — Cost Info — Experience a unique blend of music and spirituality with composer LuFuki Ismaeel Dhul-Qarnayn.

Dokidokon 2025

Oct 24-26 — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 — Dive into a weekend of anime and gaming fun with themed events and community spirit.

Iowa Heartlanders at Kalamazoo Wings

4:30-6:00 p.m. — Wings Event Center — $3 beers, sodas, and hot dogs — Kick off your weekend with an exciting night of hard-hitting hockey action and unbeatable value.

Chunky Knit Pumpkins Crafting

2-4 p.m. — Schultz Sweets — Cost info not specified — Create your own cozy fall decor with chunky knit pumpkins while enjoying sweet treats.

Murder Mystery Dinner

6-9 p.m. — One Well Brewing — $60 ticket includes pizza and appetizers — Test your true crime skills in a fun evening of mystery and case cracking.