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🌱 Patch AM: How new state funding could protect Kalamazoo firefighters from cancer risks

Also check out CHAMPS and YEP Closed for Holiday Break on the Kalamazoo Patch calendar

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Sunday December 21st Patch AM
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Greetings Kalamazoo! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new state funding could protect Kalamazoo firefighters from cancer risks
  • Which local star just joined the 1,000-point club Friday night?
  • Kalamazoo community mourns influential educator and philanthropist Timothy Light

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Low clouds, breezy and colder, with a high of 29 and low of 22 degrees.
  • Monday: Drizzle; watch for ice early, temps: high: 40, low: 36.
  • Tuesday: Cloudy, with a high of 45 and low of 31 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New firefighting gear will reduce Kalamazoo first responders' cancer risk (mlive.com) — Kalamazoo Public Safety firefighters are getting a second set of turnout gear, funded by $500,000 in the new state budget, to cut their elevated cancer risk. The extra gear lets crews thoroughly clean contaminated equipment while staying ready to respond. Local leaders say the investment honors firefighters lost or battling cancer after years of service.
   

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

2. Johnson hits 1,000 career points; Plainwell boys, Battle Creek Central girls claim victory (wwmt.com) — High school hoops fans around Kalamazoo saw a milestone Friday as Portage Central’s Ben Johnson scored his 1,000th career point in a dominant win over Lakeview. Plainwell’s boys edged Vicksburg, while Battle Creek Central’s girls used clutch free throws to top Portage Northern in a tight game at the Igloo.
   

3. Timothy Light, former WMU and K-College provost and Upjohn descendant, dies at 87 (mlive.com) — Kalamazoo is mourning Timothy Light, a former provost at both Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College and a major local philanthropist, who died Dec. 14 at 87. Light’s leadership, generosity, and advocacy for arts and Chinese studies helped shape WMU, K-College, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and education programs that still benefit local students and families.
   

4. Great horned owl recovering after being tied up in bag, discarded on side of road (wwmt.com) — An animal rescue story with a Kalamazoo dateline details how a great horned owl, found tied in a feed bag along a South Haven Township roadside, is now recovering after intensive care. Rehab experts report her foot is healing and she’s perching again, though blindness means she’ll likely serve as an educational ambassador instead of returning to the wild.
   

📸 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!

    Monday December 22
  • CHAMPS and YEP Closed for Holiday Break
    Eastside Neighborhood Association Building , 1301 East Main Street , Kalamazoo
    8:00 am
    • Wednesday December 24
  • Dievkalpojums/Church Service
    Kalamazoo Latvian Association , 122 Cherry Hill St , Kalamazoo
    5:00 pm

📣 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

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • PLEASE HELP!!!
    My 8month old cat Theo got out last night about 1130pm with my other cat Kira. Kira was next to the house this morning but I can’t find Theo! East… (Nextdoor Kalamazoo East Side)
  • I have a large trash bag full of hot wheels tracks/little boy toys for free for someone in need for christmas.
    I'd say 95% are complete sets but the others can still be used. You must pick up. I also have an almost brand new Spiderman coat, I believe it is a 4… (Nextdoor Country Trails)
  • Workbox Staffing posted a job opening for 1st shift - Material Handler/Forklift in Kalamazoo. Apply here.
  • AtWork Group posted a job opening for Assembly line worker 2nd and 3rd 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: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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