Hi Kalamazoo! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Patrick M.!
Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Kalamazoo Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Kalamazoo Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Kalamazoo.
1. Back-to-school rush renews calls to stop for buses amid thousands of illegal passes (wwmt.com) — With Kalamazoo Public Schools students back for their first full day, officials and parents are urging drivers to stop for school buses amid thousands of illegal passes statewide. KPS has equipped all 115 buses with stop-arm cameras, while Michigan State Police stress stopping at least 20 feet away when red lights flash to keep local children safe around bus stops.
2. Theater season preview: Kalamazoo Civic spotlights 'pieces of the past' (wmuk.org) — Kalamazoo Civic Theatre has unveiled a packed 2026–27 "Pieces of the Past" season, with classics like Anything Goes, The Wizard of Oz, Fences, and Les Misérables on local stages. Families can also look forward to youth-focused shows like Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr., Honk Jr., and Robin Hood, with season and FlexPass options available through the Civic's box office and website.
3. Kalamazoo man charged with multiple counts of arson after fires broke out across the city Friday night (fox17online.com) — Multiple fires set across Kalamazoo's northeast side have led to arson charges against 39-year-old Mikel Isaac, a city resident. Police say several properties, including vehicles and a memorial, were damaged over six hours, though no one was hurt. Isaac's bond is set at $100,000 cash or surety as the case moves through court.
4. Contaminants found at Arcadia Creek Festival Place (woodtv.com) — Contamination from metals and organic compounds has closed Kalamazoo's Arcadia Creek Festival Place, forcing upcoming festivals like Can-Am Peace Jam to relocate while a $3.6 million upgrade and remediation project proceeds. City officials say public health risks are low but are keeping grassy areas off-limits, aiming for partial cleanup this fall and preparing parts of the site for use in 2027.
5. Greensky Bluegrass Extend New Year's Run (jambands.com) — Kalamazoo fans of Greensky Bluegrass can mark their calendars for January 1 and 2, 2027, when the band returns home to play Wings Event Center. These hometown shows follow a busy national tour and New Year's Eve run in Chicago, with ticket pre-sales and general sales beginning this week for fans planning ahead.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
NEW: Like a shout-out or pic? Click the heart!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Kalamazoo Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.