Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo County is holding a community resource fair today at the Northside Association for Community Development from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to help residents avoid foreclosure from unpaid taxes—officials said they will visit several local neighborhoods over the next four months.

Books-A-Million opened its new 15,000 sq ft store in Kalamazoo on Oct.12 and created 35 jobs — the shop sells books, games, puzzles, music and collectibles and will host a grand opening celebration with games, snacks and balloon animals on Nov.1.

Gas prices in Michigan dropped to $2.92 per gallon, the lowest rate recorded in 2025—declining 17 cents this week and 37 cents from last year.

Triple-A Michigan said counties vary, with Grand Rapids and Flint at $2.84 per gallon while Kalamazoo County averages $2.95.

Village officials in Vicksburg announced that Burg Days of Summer draws up to 4,500 visitors downtown and boosts local business sales by 40 to 50% on Wednesdays while attracting 3,000 guests from surrounding areas.

They plan to expand the event schedule with Christmas in the Burg on Dec. 13, an IceBurg festival in February and a town birthday celebration in May—efforts aimed at sustaining the community’s economic recovery.

Kalamazoo Public Schools switched from Styrofoam to biodegradable lunch trays on Monday, Oct.

13—an effort to reduce landfill waste. The district will offset the higher cost per tray by buying bulk condiments, officials said.

Gov. Whitmer signed a bill that instructs MDHHS to request a waiver to continue the insurer tax bringing in $630 million and to qualify Michigan for $1.75 billion in federal matching funds.

The legislation aims to maintain Medicaid access for residents amid a changing federal landscape.

Kalamazoo County approved $12 million in contracts to build The Landing Place, Michigan’s largest transitional family shelter with 80 rooms, and renovations are set to finish by year-end so families can move in soon.

Family Promise Inc.—a nonprofit focused on aiding family homelessness—will operate the facility using a low-barrier, trauma-informed approach.

Bronson Healthcare officials said they are negotiating reimbursement rates with UnitedHealthcare and urged patients to verify their coverage details, as Bronson hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient sites could become out-of-network starting Jan.

1, 2026 (if a new agreement is not reached). They remain hopeful of reaching a fair resolution that maintains patient care (as announced in their release).

Four Kalamazoo high school hockey teams lost their home rink when Wings West closed in September and will hold early-morning practices at Wings Event Center and Lawson Ice Arena—teams now face shortened locker room facilities and shifted game schedules.

Stakeholders will conduct a $40K feasibility study to decide how to meet the community’s future ice needs as uncertainty grows over long-term rink availability.

Western Michigan’s defense and a standout Big Ten transfer quarterback drove a homecoming shutout win over Ball State on Saturday, September 27 at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo—coach Lance Taylor noted the player’s impact on the game.

Mattawan senior quarterback Nolan Jominy set a career record by throwing four touchdowns — accounting for 366 yards — in Friday’s game against St. Joseph even though his team lost 39-37; his performance helped the team reach 476 total yards of offense.

Kalamazoo-area high school football players shined in Week 7 of the 2025 season with major wins and standout individual efforts — community members are invited to vote for the Player of the Week among 30 candidates.

The WMU women’s track team held a 5K run over the weekend during homecoming and drew over 150 runners—this revived event, once paused, benefited the team, and the coach said they hope it grows in future editions.

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.

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.

Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Michigan Broncos Football

1-4 p.m. — Waldo Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling college football showdown between rival teams in Kalamazoo.

MAC-SBC Challenge: Coastal Carolina vs. Western Michigan Basketball

6 PM — Read Fieldhouse, Kalamazoo, MI — Ticket pricing varies — Catch an exciting matchup as the Broncos take on the Chanticleers in college basketball action.