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🌱 Patch AM: How new Kalamazoo bike lanes are changing daily commutes

Happening soon: Louie's Karaoke Night 9pm-1am on the Kalamazoo Patch calendar

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Saturday December 13th Patch AM
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Hey there, Kalamazoo! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new Kalamazoo bike lanes are changing daily commutes
  • Why retired Kalamazoo nurses say their health coverage is suddenly uncertain
  • Could a hidden leak quietly explode your Kalamazoo water bill?

Also on today's calendar: Lessons & Carols + Holiday Tea and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Kalamazoo-Portagefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Kalamazoo-Portagefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: A little snow, up to 1", with a high of 19 and low of 2 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy and very cold, temps: high: 24, low: 6.
  • Monday: Cloudy and very cold, with a high of 22 and low of 20 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Story Beat: Wheels of change (wmuk.org) — New bike lanes and a “More Than a Cyclist Kalamazoo” campaign are reshaping how people move around Kalamazoo and think about bike safety. A Kalamazoo College seminar, Wheels of Change, gets students exploring the city by bike while pushing for safer streets and better understanding between drivers and cyclists.
   

2. Retired Ascension Borgess nurses' health coverage uncertain after acquisition, union says (wwmt.com) — Retired nurses from the former Ascension Borgess, now Beacon Kalamazoo, are facing the loss of long-standing Medigap reimbursement benefits at the end of 2025, and their union says many feel left in limbo. Beacon Health System maintains that responsibility for those benefits stayed with Ascension under the acquisition agreement, leaving retirees caught between the two organizations as they seek clarity on future healthcare costs.
   

3. Kalamazoo official: Water leaks might result in larger water bills (wkzo.com) — If you live in Kalamazoo, a new city water policy could save you from massive surprise bills caused by hidden leaks. The Kalamazoo Water System will now forgive part of bills that suddenly spike 50% or more due to leaks, though property owners still must pay for repairs and face rising water rates ahead.
   

4. Family Health Center alerts patients of possible exposure following sterilization misstep (wwmt.com) — Patients who had dental work at Family Health Center’s Alcott Street clinic in Kalamazoo from Nov. 3–6 are being urged to get free blood tests after a possible sterilization equipment malfunction. Leaders say there’s no evidence of infection, but they’re working with Kalamazoo County and state health officials and tightening procedures to prevent any repeat issues.
   

5. Driver injured after slamming her vehicle into a light pole and a cement barrier in downtown Kalamazoo (wkzo.com) — A 57-year-old woman was critically injured Wednesday after a suspected medical emergency caused her SUV to leave South Rose Street and hit a light pole and cement barrier in downtown Kalamazoo. Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety crews nearby reached her quickly, performed life-saving measures, and got her to a hospital in critical but stable condition.
   

📸 Around Kalamazoo

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Just a seasonal note from me today.
    Last night I finally got the lights out for the Christmas tree. I started at the bottom of the tree to work my way up. (Oh forgot to mention that I… (Nextdoor Milwood)
  • Would your children like to see a real camel?
    Would they enjoy a petting zoo on a starry night? Milwood United Methodist Church is having a free Living Nativity on Saturday the 13th. The church… (Nextdoor Milwood)
  • Wendy's posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Kalamazoo. Apply here.
  • Flowserve Corporation posted a job opening for Shipping/Receiving Clerk 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 demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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