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🌱 Patch AM: Want to speak at Kalamazoo’s meeting without going downtown?

Make time for Kalamazoo Farmers Market on the Kalamazoo Patch calendar

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Wednesday October 7th Patch AM
Wednesday October 7th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

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:

  • Want to speak at Kalamazoo's meeting without going downtown?
  • How Kalamazoo Promise's big HBCU expansion could change local students' futures
  • How will Kalamazoo County's 2027 budget and tax hike affect you?

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!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 74 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 68, low: 43.
  • Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 69 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Kalamazoo

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Kalamazoo

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Kalamazoo Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Pancakes, fire trucks, and fun are back!
    The Oshtemo Fire Department's fourth annual Fire Prevention Day is happening Saturday, October 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at 7275 W. Main Street. Bring… (Nextdoor )
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Underdog, a dog who went missing in Kalamazoo, MI, has been safely reunited with their family after 10 hours, 11 minutes. More details here https:/… (Nextdoor Downtown Kalamazoo)
  • FAMILY HEALTH CARE CENTER of KALAMAZOO posted a job opening for Dental Care Coordinator in Kalamazoo. Apply here.
  • Pratt Industries, Inc. posted a job opening for Forklift Operator in Kalamazoo. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Kalamazoo here.

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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