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:
Also on today's calendar: Kalamazoo County Workshop: Michigan Works! Orientation and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Kalamazoo city commission to start taking public comment by phone (wkzo.com) — Kalamazoo residents can now offer public comment to the city commission by phone during the regular meeting's comment period, restoring a remote option first used during the pandemic. Callers must give their name, say if they live in the city, and follow simple audio guidelines, while in-person and phone comments are limited to three minutes.
2. Kalamazoo Promise to expand to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (wwmt.com) — Kalamazoo Public Schools students will soon have more college choices, as the Kalamazoo Promise scholarship is adding Historically Black Colleges and Universities to its list of eligible schools starting in fall 2027. The change means local graduates can pursue culturally affirming HBCU experiences without sacrificing the full-tuition support many already rely on.
3. Kalamazoo County commissioners move 2027 budget towards final approval (wwmt.com) — Kalamazoo County leaders are closing in on final approval of the 2027 budget, which includes a proposed 4.74% property tax rate increase and new childcare millage funding. Commissioners will take the decisive vote Oct. 20, as they also plan for the end of federal COVID-era ARPA dollars that have supported many local programs.
4. Kalamazoo County authorities investigating another report of inmates left in van (woodtv.com) — Kalamazoo County officials are investigating a recent incident where three inmates were left unattended for 13 minutes in a locked transport van, despite policies requiring staff presence. The review follows a more serious 2025 case that led to protocol changes, and the sheriff's office says it will determine any violations and discipline after completing interviews and video review.
5. 'A burden': Support for store bottle returns drops among retailers (wwmt.com) — Changes to Michigan's 50-year-old bottle return law could hit close to home for Kalamazoo-area residents, as Portage retailers push to move or end in-store returns. Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, which relies on donated returnables for up to $30,000 a year, warns losing deposits would sharply cut funds for local spay and neuter services.
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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: "What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly?" — Stationary (Thank you David H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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