Daily
Kalamazoo
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kalamazoo officials released the latest homeless count from last January that recorded 791 people living in shelters or on the streets—a nearly 20% increase from the previous year, with about 140 being placed in hotels during a cold week and notable racial differences observed. WKZO
- ➤ On Oct 6, rain fell hard as a shelter lottery forced people to leave a local emergency shelter, leaving many to sleep outdoors—among them 42-year-old Nick Hawkins who had his legs amputated a year and a half ago and said he felt abandoned. MLive
- ➤ Kalamazoo has opened its Downtown Vitality Survey—which runs until Oct. 31—to gather residents' views on accessibility, walkability, and safety before major downtown investments in 2026. The city and Western Michigan University's TRCLC will use these responses to guide upcoming improvements. WWMT
- ➤ Ground was broken on the permanent home for the Portage Farmer's Market, which will have three open-air pavilions, 50 vendor stalls, ADA-friendly walkways, a performance space, picnic areas and a space for food trucks — the project is funded by a state grant, a philanthropic gift and city funds. Construction will begin this fall and the market will open next spring. WWMT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Western Michigan University has received the federal GEAR UP grant from the U.S. Department of Education to provide $1.9 million per year over the next seven years for students in Bangor, Bloomingdale, Comstock, Kalamazoo Public Schools, and the Parchment School District — the program will launch this academic year for 6th and 7th grade students and follow them into college with a work plan due by November 1. WKZO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Kalamazoo County commission nearly finished working on the 2026 budget after a public hearing last night, where judges requested an extra $311,000 and Commissioner Kevin Catlin had raised $126,000 so far. They approved a tax levy at 7.8617 mills to cover increased costs, and final budget approvals will be made in two weeks after the administrator reviews the board’s suggestions. WKZO
- ➤ Residents in Pavilion Township oppose a proposed zoning change that would allow data centers near Kalamazoo—neighbors have met, formed a Facebook group, and raised concerns over higher energy and water usage and low job growth while township officials will review the proposal in November. MLive
- ➤ Following a deadly attack at a local church, Michigan lawmakers introduced the bipartisan Pray Safe Act—designed to give houses of worship access to safety training and grants, and to help protect congregants amid rising violence. Lawmakers said the legislation will apply to all faith-based organizations. WWMT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Black Bear Sports Group purchased Wings West in Texas Township and will conduct a feasibility study before reopening the ice rink next year—local officials hope this step will help stop a drop in available rinks after past equipment failures reduced capacity from six to maybe four. The plan aims to secure ice for local hockey, tournaments, and community events. WKZO
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Haunted Halloween Tour
5-9 p.m. — Henderson Castle Apple Orchard — $12 per person, kids 10 & under half off — Experience a spooky family adventure with playful zombies, face painting, and Halloween treats.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.
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