Plainwell
GOVERNMENT
Island City Festival brings a wave of fun to Plainwell
PLAINWELL, Mich. — Grab your sunglasses and hawaiian shirts - the Island City Festival has arrived in Plainwell. Bluegrass festival: Niles Bluegrass Festival returns for its 21st year. From Friday to Sunday, guests can find food trucks, bingo sessions, vendors, dueling pianos and more, according to organizers. Island City...
Michigan Bill May Cap Rent and Save Renters A Lot of Money
As a person who rents right now, I'm looking for any break to save myself a few bucks. Thankfully, Michigan is far more affordable than a lot of other states in the rest of the country... but it's still not great. Recent statistics say for a person to live comfortably...
Portage has spent $2M on tornado cleanup so far — some say it’s not enough
PORTAGE, MI — The May 7 tornado cost the city of Portage about $5.2 million so far, said City Manager Pat McGinnis. That includes about $3.2 million in damage to city-owned property like parks, telephone poles and trees, and about $2 million in cleanup efforts, including moving crews and overtime.
Kalamazoo's free homebuyer "pop-up shop" aims to connect 100 with local experts
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A free homebuyer "pop-up shop" is coming to Kalamazoo Saturday. Hosted by the Northside Association for Community Development, participants can attend the event to learn more about buying a home. Rent: Michigan bill could cap soaring rents, aligning with six other states and D.C. The goal...
58-unit housing development gets final approval in Portage
PORTAGE, MI -- Portage’s City Council approved final plans for a 58-unit residential community called Oakland Commons during its Tuesday, May 25 meeting. The new neighborhood is a 12.6-acre site at 9581 Oakland Drive, just north of the Oakland Drive and Shaver Road intersection and south of where Oakland Drive intersects with Vanderbilt Avenue. It includes a mix of multi- and single-family homes:
New sober housing coming to Kalamazoo, removing barriers for those in recovery
KALAMAZOO, MI — A new sober living opportunity for men in recovery will break ground this summer. Being built by area nonprofit Reach Sober Living, Inc., the 3,220 square-foot, four-unit residential living space at 1109 Engleman Ave. expects to open in early 2025 on Kalamazoo’s east side. If...
Kalamazoo County removes invasive species to control flooding and protect ecosystems
Invasive species can clog drains that control water levels and water flow between lakes. Here, phragmites reed grass is encroaching on the drain canal that feeds into Long Lake from Austin Lake in Portage. A pilot project aims to remove invasive species growing near four drains that help regulate water...
Exploring Michigan: Barn Theater School prepares to open 78th season
AUGUSTA, Mich. — When it comes to professional theater, a barn in Michigan's countryside may be one of the more unassuming venues. Community is at the core of the Barn Theatre in Augusta, Michigan. Located between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, it's the oldest continually operated summer stock theater in the state.
Portage utility rates will increase this summer
PORTAGE, MI -- Portage residents will see water and wastewater rates increase this summer. Portage’s City Council approved the 2024-2025 budget during its Tuesday, May 28 meeting. The budget includes $103 million in expenditures and $104 million in revenue -- including money the city receives by providing water and wastewater services.
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