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🌱 Patch AM: Why a downtown Kalamazoo venue owner just lost his court appeal

Spotted on the Kalamazoo calendar: The Night Before Christmas

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Cheers Kalamazoo! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a downtown Kalamazoo venue owner just lost his court appeal
  • How Kalamazoo homeowners can trim winter heating bills without freezing
  • Kalamazoo’s WMU community reflects on Jeff Thorne’s lasting football legacy

Also on today's calendar: The Night Before Christmas and 7 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Cold; morning snow showers, with a high of 27 and low of 12 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Cloudy, flurries; chilly, temps: high: 29, low: 13.
  • Saturday: Snow and flurries at times, with a high of 17 and low of 7 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Michigan Court of Appeals rules against Kalamazoo business owner (wmuk.org) — A Kalamazoo business owner has lost his appeal in a contract dispute, leaving him responsible for paying a default judgment tied to a canceled 2020 wedding at one of his downtown venues. The case stems from deposit refunds after COVID-related cancellations and follows a string of lawsuits involving his former event company, though no additional cases remain pending.
   

2. Experts offer advice on avoiding high energy bills this winter (wwmt.com) — Kalamazoo-area experts are sharing practical ways to keep your winter energy bills in check as electric and natural gas costs climb across West Michigan. Consumers Energy and Portage-based Temperature Pro explain how thermostat settings, fan direction, and more efficient furnaces can cut costs while keeping homes comfortable. Their tips are aimed at helping local households manage rising utility prices this season.
   

3. Former Broncos offensive coordinator Jeff Thorne passes away (wwmt.com) — Western Michigan football fans in Kalamazoo are mourning former Broncos offensive coordinator Jeff Thorne, who has died after a battle with stomach cancer. Thorne led WMU’s offense during the 2022 season, the final year of the Tim Lester era in Kalamazoo, and previously won a Division III national title as North Central College’s head coach. He was diagnosed earlier this year.
   

4. Four winter car maintenance tips experts say can save you money at the pump (fox17online.com) — Kalamazoo County drivers are paying about $2.85 a gallon as gas prices across Michigan sit near the bottom of the current price cycle, making now a smart time to fill up. Experts also share four simple winter car maintenance steps—like checking tire pressure and limiting warm-up idling—that can boost fuel efficiency and save you money through the cold months.
   

📸 Around Kalamazoo

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hi, i was on my way to work this morning down North Street and this puppy ran out in front of me.
    I stopped and put my flashers on and coerced the puppy off of the street. We waited 10 minutes in the flurries (with it also barking nonstop) hoping… (Nextdoor Westwood East)
  • Lost cat orange guy...
    his name is Ollie Never goes out but door left open by mistake...Last seen around 7am...found open door a 9am (Nextdoor Kalamazoo East Side)
  • Harvard Maintenance, Inc. posted a job opening for Janitorial Cleaner-32694 in Kalamazoo. Apply here.
  • Molly Maid posted a job opening for House Cleaner 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 could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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