Daily
Kalamazoo
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Grammy-winning jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner Jr. received the largest financial award for a jazz artist at a New York City ceremony on Oct. 8 — the $300,000 prize will support his musical career and help him prepare for performances at the 2026 Gilmore Piano Festival. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kalamazoo Public Schools reported that reading scores in elementary and middle schools improved on statewide tests while high school results were mixed. Gains in elementary levels ranged from nearly half a percent to 13 percent and early benchmark tests show the trend is continuing. WKZO
- ➤ Kalamazoo Public Schools will visit the homes of about 100 families with high absenteeism this weekend to discuss student attendance and offer support. Superintendent Darrin Slade said the monthly Knock-to-Talk program has helped lower truancy and will continue to reach out to parents. WKZO
- ➤ Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) joined the Kalamazoo Arts Council (KAC) in a capital campaign to upgrade the 100-year-old Chenery Auditorium at the Community Education Center, with the district planning to add $500,000 in bond funding for the renovations. The auditorium, known for its excellent acoustics and hosting local and famous acts, will soon support more cultural events for both schools and the community. WKZO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ YWCA Kalamazoo said it will cut its services by about 20% after the state budget did not replace missing federal VOCA funds—leaving the group without state support for programs that help survivors of violence and reduce infant mortality. The organization is urging local donors to offer recurring contributions to maintain emergency services as government funding falls short. WWMT
- ➤ On October 7th, 2025, the Kalamazoo County Board of commissioners approved over $1.25 million in new Homes for All Housing Millage allocations to support affordable and supportive housing projects across the county—$300,000 will go to Healthy House for a fire-suppression system, $500,000 will fund the Edison Community Partners Kal Recovery project, and $450,000 will boost Hope thru Navigation’s Tiny Houses of Hope Phase II. WWMT
- ➤ About 120 Michigan National Guard soldiers from Kalamazoo will depart soon for a year-long posting at the Southern border under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s orders + they will work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They are part of the 1430th Engineer Company + this unit has been deployed six times since 2020. WWMT
- ➤ Capt. Charles G. Gibson Jr., a Michigan soldier declared missing in the Korean War in 1950, had his remains identified by scientists and flown home by military officials on Oct. 11. His military funeral was held on Oct. 16 at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Kalamazoo County — a day that would have marked his 103rd birthday. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Football Fever returns for the 2025 season as polls are open until Tuesday, Oct. 21 to vote on the Game of the Week contenders—Kalamazoo Central at Loy Norrix, Otsego at Plainwell, or Kalamazoo United at Schoolcraft. News Channel 3 will cover the game live on Friday, Oct. 24 on the home team's turf. WWMT
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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.
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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.
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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.
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safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training
1-5 p.m. — YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo — Free — Learn valuable skills to engage individuals at risk of suicide and connect them with support.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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