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🌱 Patch AM: What changes are coming to Kalamazoo’s surveillance technology rules?

Coming up: Crawlspace Eviction Improv Comedy on the Kalamazoo Patch calendar

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Friday September 11th Patch AM
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Good morning Kalamazoo! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What changes are coming to Kalamazoo's surveillance technology rules?
  • Which Kalamazoo I-94 ramp will shut down for two days?
  • How WMU athletes are getting new tools for tough conversations

Also on today's calendar: Dynamic Bird Diversity of Sarett Nature Center and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: I'm a rock group with 4 members; one member was assassinated. What am I? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 79 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, warm and humid, temps: high: 84, low: 63.
  • Sunday: Pleasant with some sun, with a high of 77 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Kalamazoo commissioners seek broader oversight of surveillance technology (watershedvoice.com) — Kalamazoo city commissioners have delayed adopting a new rule that would force all automated license plate reader and other surveillance technology contracts to come before the City Commission, including Flock Safety deals. They'll revisit a broadened amendment on Sept. 21, after the city attorney rewrites it to cover more surveillance tools and potential misuse by non-police staff.
   

2. MDOT to close I-94 ramp in Kalamazoo for repairs Sept. 14-15 (annarbortimes.com) — Kalamazoo drivers should plan ahead for the closure of eastbound I-94 Exit 74B to northbound US-131 from Monday morning, Sept. 14, through Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 15. MDOT will detour traffic via Oakland Drive and westbound I-94 while crews complete joint repairs aimed at improving safety and ride quality on this busy local interchange.
   

3. Western Michigan University new student-athlete mental wellness program (wwmt.com) — Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo is rolling out a new Game Changer training to help student‑athletes manage conflict, communicate better, and support their mental wellness. Starting within WMU Athletics, the Moral Courage-based program will certify student mentors who then lead workshops for peers, with the first training set for Friday, Sept. 11 and plans to expand campuswide.
   

4. Siblings Cherish Their Solo Dance Journey Together (usfigureskating.org) — Kalamazoo will host the National Solo Dance Final from Sept. 16–19, bringing standout siblings Evan and Kirsten Bertz and other top skaters to town. Training in Delaware, the pair are fine‑tuning their programs and mental preparation, aiming to deliver their best performances while leaning on the close bond that has carried them through years of intense training.
   

5. Kalamazoo County ranks 10th in Michigan for Housing Choice Vouchers assisted units in 2025 (kalamazootimes.com) — Kalamazoo County now ranks 10th in Michigan for Housing Choice Voucher units, with 1,269 assisted homes available in 2025, up slightly from last year. The report explains how HUD vouchers work, what they cover, and where Kalamazoo stands compared with other counties, offering context for local renters relying on federal housing assistance.
   

📸 Around Kalamazoo

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Awe shucks.
    Thanks Twelve Baskets Food Pantry it's been a blessing volunteering since 2015. (Nextdoor Westnedge Hill)
  • Martha Bennekom,
    Hi everybody I'm not gonna keep posting pictures and videos all the time of Sassafras, but I wanted to post a picture of the heart on the back of her… (Nextdoor Southtown)
  • Carrols Corporation posted a job opening for Team Member in Kalamazoo. Apply here.
  • Teleperformance USA posted a job opening for Healthcare Customer Service Representative - Remote - TX, TN, PA, MI, FL Only 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: Mount Rushmore (Thank you J.J. W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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