Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How did Kalamazoo students outperform the state in math this year?
Be sure to catch Foot Care Clinic on the Kalamazoo Patch calendar
Hello Kalamazoo! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How did Kalamazoo students outperform the state in math this year?
- Need to watch today’s Kalamazoo County Board meeting? Here’s the workaround.
- How much more will Kalamazoo families pay for water next year?
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Kalamazoo? Post it to Kalamazoo photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Find out what's happening in Kalamazoo-Portagefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Kalamazoo-Portagefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Wednesday: Areas of morning fog, with a high of 37 and low of 30 degrees.
- Thursday: Windy with rain, temps: high: 42, low: 20.
- Friday: Colder, with a high of 24 and low of 21 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Kalamazoo Public Schools making progress on state math tests (wkzo.com) — Kalamazoo Public Schools just reported strong gains on state math tests, with seven of eight grade levels improving and elementary and middle schoolers beating state averages. Superintendent Darrin Slade says the district is pushing advanced math skills to prepare students for future science and technology jobs, while targeting extra help for eighth graders, the only group not yet showing progress. 
2. Kalamazoo County Board meeting moves livestream due to technical problems (kalamazootimes.com) — If you’re planning to watch today’s Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners meeting, you’ll need to use a special alternative livestream link because of technical problems with the usual YouTube feed. County officials say the meeting is still fully accessible online and are directing residents to the backup stream until normal service is restored.
3. See how much your Kalamazoo water, sewer bills will go up in 2026 (mlive.com) — Kalamazoo residents will see drinking water and sewer bills rise in 2026, with rates increasing 5% and 9% to fund major system upgrades. City customers will pay about $69 a month, supporting odor control, sludge-drying improvements, and continued lead line replacements while shutoffs and payment assistance programs continue.
4. KDPS addresses misinformation on man's death in Kalamazoo, says no foul play suspected (wwmt.com) — Kalamazoo police say a 60-year-old man found on Stockbridge Avenue on Dec. 15 died by suicide and that no foul play or assault is suspected, countering rumors circulating locally. KDPS emphasizes the man acted alone and was not hanging from a tree, and reminds residents that 24/7 crisis help is available through Gryphon Place and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
5. Donor gives Kalamazoo County $23.3M to kickstart housing plan (woodtv.com) — An anonymous donor is giving $23.3 million over three years to launch Kalamazoo County’s “Keys to Kalamazoo” housing framework, aimed at reducing housing instability and expanding access. County commissioners just approved the investment, which will support vouchers, shelter coordination, construction gap funding at The Landing Place, and better data systems to track local housing needs and results.
📸 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
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Foot Care Clinic
Comstock Community Center , 6330 King Hwy , Kalamazoo
9:00 am - Pārrunu grupa “Aka”
Kalamazoo Latvian Association , 122 Cherry Hill St , Kalamazoo
11:00 am - Dievkalpojums/Church Service
Kalamazoo Latvian Association , 122 Cherry Hill St , Kalamazoo
10:00 am - CHAMPS and YEP Closed for Holiday Break
Eastside Neighborhood Association Building , 1301 East Main Street , Kalamazoo
8:00 am - Dievkalpojums/Church Service
Kalamazoo Latvian Association , 122 Cherry Hill St , Kalamazoo
5:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Sunday December 21
Monday December 22
Wednesday December 24
📣 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!
🗓 Events Nearby
- CHAMPS and YEP Holiday Party
SunnySide United Methodist Church , 2800 Gull road , Kalamazoo
8:00 am - Wednesday Wigglers
Richland Community Library , 8951 Park St , Richland
10:15 am - Author Visit: Colleen Cambridge
Parchment Community Library , 401 S Riverview Dr , Parchment
11:00 am - Card Groups: Euchre
Richland Area Community Center , 9400 E CD Ave , Richland
12:00 pm - MS Boys Basketball vs. Allegan (Away)
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools Galesburg, MI 49053
5:00 pm - Wrestling vs. Climax-Scotts (Home)
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools Galesburg, MI 49053
6:00 pm - Workshop Wednesday: Gizmos
Voss Media Board Game Cafe , 180 W Michigan Ave Suite D , Galesburg
6:00 pm
Wednesday December 17
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Hi everyone!
I have always dropped my clothing and items at goodwill, but have heard lately it can be way more beneficial at the homeless shelters, I was curious… (Nextdoor Gull Run) - Good Morning,
I have recently seen a few posts for someone asking for items, and now cannot find them. I am hoping the person(s) that were asking see this. 1-… (Nextdoor Comstock Northwest)
- Parker-Hannifin, Corporation posted a job opening for Material Handler- Aftermarket- 2nd shift in Kalamazoo. Apply here.
- Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate 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: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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