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🌱 Patch AM: How will new surveillance towers change safety at KPS events?

Also check out Dievkalpojums/Church Service on the Kalamazoo Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 23rd Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, Kalamazoo? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will new surveillance towers change safety at KPS events?
  • How Kalamazoo County just saved housing vouchers for 53 families
  • Which downtown Kalamazoo brownfields are about to be transformed?

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Fog in the morning; cloudy, with a high of 42 and low of 27 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Cloudy with afternoon mist, temps: high: 40, low: 36.
  • Thursday: Cloudy with areas of drizzle, with a high of 41 and low of 37 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Kalamazoo Public Schools beefing up security (wkzo.com) — Kalamazoo Public Schools are adding two portable surveillance towers to boost security at events on district campuses, with live access available to local law enforcement by permission. Officials stress the $123,000 units won’t use facial or license plate recognition and will follow existing privacy policies while providing lighting, cameras, and deterrence at busy school gatherings.
   

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

2. AUDIO: Kalamazoo County providing funding for housing vouchers after federal cut (wkzo.com) — Kalamazoo County is using $66,000 in unallocated ARPA funds to temporarily restore housing vouchers that were suddenly cut, protecting about 53 local families from losing their homes. Integrated Services of Kalamazoo and Mayor Dave Anderson are administering the program while county leaders search for a longer-term funding solution with local partners.
   

3. Kalamazoo ‘brownfields' to be reconstructed downtown (woodtv.com) — More than $96 million in private investment is headed to downtown Kalamazoo to transform three contaminated brownfield sites into new housing, commercial space, and a boutique hotel. The Transformational Brownfield Plan promises hundreds of local units, new jobs, and fresh amenities along Porter Street and Kalamazoo Avenue, aiming to revitalize the city’s core.
   

4. Kalamazoo salon owner faces financial uncertainty after car crash damages business (wwmt.com) — A Kalamazoo-area lash and brow salon is temporarily closed after a car crashed through its front just days before Christmas, leaving the owner facing serious financial uncertainty. No one was seriously hurt, but insurance and repair timelines remain unclear, and lash and brow services are paused while a neighboring nail salon stays open. The owner has launched a GoFundMe to support staff during the shutdown.
   

5. City of Kalamazoo, Amtrak working on uneven Howard Street railroad crossing (wwmt.com) — If you drive Howard Street near Stadium Drive, the City of Kalamazoo says that jarring “speed hump” at the railroad tracks came from Amtrak raising a rail about nine inches. State regulators have ordered the railroad to lower the track, but design work is still underway and the fix may not arrive until mid-to-late 2026, so drivers should stay cautious.
   

📸 Around Kalamazoo

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Kalamazoo

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Wednesday December 24
  • Dievkalpojums/Church Service
    Kalamazoo Latvian Association , 122 Cherry Hill St , Kalamazoo
    5:00 pm

📣 Kalamazoo Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I have a request....
    Maybe a challenge. When I was growing up, far before social media, we knew our neighbors. I made it a practise to introduce myself and my family… (Nextdoor Downtown Kalamazoo)
  • Hi, folks!
    I'm looking for some recommendations and would highly appreciate you giving me one. What is the best option to get to Chicago Airport (ORD) from… (Nextdoor Stadium Dr)
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Activities Assistant Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $20-$37/Hr in Kalamazoo. Apply here.
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member 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 find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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