Cheers Kalamazoo! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Judge denies Carlos Watts' request for self-representation in Heather Kelley case (wwmt.com) — A high-profile Kalamazoo County murder case tied to missing Portage mother Heather Kelley is moving toward trial after a judge refused boyfriend Carlos Watts Jr.'s bid to represent himself. Prosecutors outline extensive local evidence, from The Park Club in Kalamazoo to where Kelley's burned car was found, as they pursue an open murder charge despite her body never being recovered.
2. Kalamazoo city commission adopts moratorium to prevent data center development (wwmt.com) — Kalamazoo city commissioners have temporarily halted new data centers, crypto-mining operations, AI data hubs, and large battery storage projects for at least a year within city limits. The moratorium, prompted by interest in a local cannabis facility site, aligns Kalamazoo with nearby communities taking a pause to study the impacts of these energy‑intensive developments.
3. Michigan State hires WMU's Dan Bartholomae as AD (statenews.net) — Western Michigan University's athletic director Dan Bartholomae, who has led Broncos athletics from Kalamazoo since 2022, is leaving to become Michigan State's new AD. His tenure included a national hockey title, a football conference crown, and record fundraising, and he'll officially start in East Lansing on August 31.
4. Chicago-to-Detroit, Port Huron train line to see upgrades (thetimesherald.com) — Kalamazoo's rail corridor is in line for major federal investment, with $98 million earmarked to upgrade tracks between Dearborn and Kalamazoo as part of a $145 million Michigan rail package. Additional funds will rebuild key bridges and boost Amtrak capacity, though the announcement is wrapped in partisan debate over national rail priorities.
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Ok Kalamazoo! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
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