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🌱 Patch AM: Why Kalamazoo’s Northside encampment sparked hours of tense public comment

Also check out Gull Lake Distilling Company – Galesburg on the Kalamazoo Patch calendar

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
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Hey hey Kalamazoo! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Kalamazoo's Northside encampment sparked hours of tense public comment
  • Why Kalamazoo County Jail is still relying on bottled water
  • How a coin flip got Comstock Township's government working again

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Clouds yielding to sun, with a high of 81 and low of 53 degrees.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 79, low: 59.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 79 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Public opposed to homeless encampment removal on Kalamazoo's northside (wkzo.com) — Kalamazoo city commissioners faced hours of heated public comment after police cleared a homeless encampment on North Edwards Street, where residents had been given 72 hours to leave. While no tickets or arrests were made, several commissioners pushed ideas like a no-barrier shelter, storage for belongings, and new task forces as the city prepares for a broader housing discussion on September 10.
   

2. High metal levels persist in Kalamazoo County Jail water (woodtv.com) — High levels of lead and copper are still showing up at two drinking fountains inside the Kalamazoo County Jail, keeping inmates and staff on bottled water that's costing about $15,000 a month. County officials say they're replacing the fountains, flushing the system again, and will retest before giving another update in early October, stressing that inmate health remains a top priority.
   

3. Coin flip helps determine new township trustee after 4 resign in a week (mlive.com) — After four Comstock Township trustees abruptly resigned, the Kalamazoo County Election Commission stepped in and, after a failed motion and even a coin flip, temporarily appointed resident Bill Korb. His appointment restores the board's quorum so township business and services for residents can resume while officials work on a longer-term replacement.
   

4. Kalamazoo leaders rethink contracts after Flock protest (woodtv.com) — Kalamazoo city commissioners have voted to require commission review of all contracts involving Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers, even when costs fall below the usual $100,000 threshold. The unanimous change, prompted by public concern and a motion from Vice Mayor Drew Duncan, adds ALPR contracts to a special exception list and increases transparency around surveillance spending.
   

5. Kalamazoo-area train conductor opens up about the hidden toll behind tragedies on tracks (wwmt.com) — Recent deaths on Kalamazoo train tracks have pushed local conductors to speak out about the emotional toll and daily near-misses they experience along the city's busy rail corridor. A union leader and Ministry with Community are urging better tracking of close calls, stronger safety measures, and compassionate responses that address homelessness, addiction, and infrastructure around downtown and Western Michigan University.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Curious about how Oshtemo grew from a small community centered around a church, school, and grocery store into the township we know today?
    Join us on Sunday, August 23 at 2 p.m. at Oshtemo Township Hall for a fascinating presentation by Keith Howard of the Kalamazoo Public Library. … (Nextdoor )
  • Just wanted to let everyone know regarding the intact male blue and white Pitbull Terrier that was running loose in Westwood ie.
    Coolidge Ave , Drake Rd. Douglas Ave. area wearing the harness and dragging a leash has been captured safely and taken to KCASE. If there's anyone… (Nextdoor Westwood East)
  • 4M Building Solutions posted a job opening for General Cleaner in Kalamazoo. Apply here.
  • Summit Polymers, Inc. posted a job opening for Material Handler - 2nd Shift 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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