Kalamazoo Archives

Kalamazoo City Commission approves $300,000 for winter shelter services, swears in 56th commission

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November 18, 2025

According to the agenda report, this year’s winter shelter system will include a mix of day shelter, overnight congregate shelter, hoteling for medically fragile residents, and coordinated access services. Ministry with Community will operate an 80-bed day/night congregate shelter, with the capacity to expand to 91 beds during Code Blue weather. Dignity in Motion will provide hoteling for medically fragile individuals and their pets, and Housing Resources Inc. will handle shelter coordination. Winter shelter operations are anticipated to begin December 1 and run through March 31, 2026.

Kalamazoo Planning Commission votes 7–0 against rezoning near Asylum Lake Preserve

By Maxwell Knauer

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Kalamazoo

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November 7, 2025

After nearly five hours of public comment and discussion, commissioners cited the lack of clarity from the applicant and potential environmental and traffic impacts as reasons for their decision.

Voters choose new and returning leaders across St. Joseph County and Kalamazoo

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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November 5, 2025

In St. Joseph County, Angel Johnston defeated 13-term incumbent Tom Lowry for Three Rivers mayor. Johnston received 63.48% of the vote (784 total), while Lowry took 34.57% (427). Write-in candidate Nathan Walden received 0.49% (six votes).

Kalamazoo Planning Commission to hear rezoning request near Asylum Lake Preserve

By Maxwell Knauer

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Kalamazoo

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November 5, 2025

The Community Commercial zoning being sought is a broad, high-intensity commercial category designed for corridors like Stadium Drive. While many business types are allowed by right, a car wash would require a Special Use Permit, according to Assistant City Planner Bobby Durkee. The permit process involves a separate public hearing and Planning Commission approval – one reason opponents see the rezoning as paving the way for the same Drive & Shine project rejected in prior years. According to the city’s staff report, planning staff are recommending the rezoning be approved, finding it consistent with the city’s master plan and future land use map. The Planning Commission will consider that recommendation Thursday before voting on its own recommendation to the City Commission.

A news magazine for the people, powered by the people

By Alek Haak-Frost

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News

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November 4, 2025

Watershed Voice has no owners, is free to all, and we intend to keep it that way. Our biggest fundraiser of the year, NewsMatch, is officially underway and we need your support to continue this valuable work.

Local food bank resource guide amid SNAP pause

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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October 31, 2025

The ongoing 2025 United States federal government shutdown began October 1 and has caused the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to warn states that “there may be insufficient funds to pay for November SNAP benefits” unless the impasse ends. In Michigan alone, approximately 1.4 million people — about 13 percent of households — rely on SNAP. Watershed Voice has compiled the following list of resources in St. Joseph, Cass, and Kalamazoo counties.

Watershed Voice full and final election preview

By Maxwell Knauer

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Local

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October 31, 2025

For those who have not yet turned in absentee ballots — you have until Monday to register for one at your clerk's office — or are planning to vote in-person on Election Day, Watershed Voice has compiled the following guide to races appearing on local ballots to provide readers with information about who is running.