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Hi Kalamazoo, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Beacon Health backs a 2026 marathon, a Puppy Bowl watch party, Pink Ice, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
What’s new for 2026: Beacon Health System was named the foundational sponsor for the 2026 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon. Race weekend will take place April 25 and 26 and include a health expo — see the full event lineup.
A journey steeped in heritage: A family-founded Yemeni coffee shop in Kalamazoo, Mocha House, honors the Abdullah brothers’ parents and their American dream. Opened in October 2025, it serves traditional coffees and matcha to neighbors — read the full story.
Facilities priorities and funding questions: Kalamazoo County’s facilities plan outlines 11 projects costing millions, from a sheriff’s office and jail overhaul within five years to expanding Animal Services. A new administration building is underway — see what’s planned countywide.
Tree protections influence project: Construction of a west side youth sports facility in Kalamazoo is still on schedule, even after a variance denial, with the project aiming to open sometime next year — see the variances at issue.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Adorable gridiron clash awaits: Burdick’s Bar & Grille in downtown Kalamazoo will host a Puppy Bowl watch party on Sunday, February 8. The game starts at 2 PM. Local pup Dan from the SPCA of Southwest Michigan, named for Lions coach Dan Campbell, plays for Team Ruff. Get all the details.
Milestone for campus food aid: Feeding Broncos, a student-led group at Western Michigan University, celebrates its first anniversary with a community dinner today from 5 to 6 p.m. They have served 5,028 free meals since February 2025 and will honor volunteers who contributed 15 or more service hours. Get all the details.
Treasure hunt, upgraded: From vintage furniture and better-brand finds to baby gear and books, Second Impressions Upscale Thrift Store keeps the good stuff rotating fast, and each purchase supports local students. Ideal for a quick 20-minute browse when the urge to refresh a room or closet hits.
Sushi night, sorted: From nigiri and classic sashimi to ramen and inventive rolls, Sushi AI makes weeknights easier without the fuss. Fresh, satisfying, and low-key after work, it’s the kind of dinner that turns the couch into a reward… and your evening into something a little more delicious.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
✈ Open Cockpits @ Air Zoo | Friday (2/6) at 9:00 AM – If your inner eight-year-old still makes airplane noises, the Air Zoo is handing you the cockpit. Climb into historic aircraft for that pilot’s eye view, included with admission, plus photos, bragging rights, and nostalgia. Some are look-don’t-touch, so bring your patience, not your license.
♻ The Winter Swap Meet @ Kalamazoo County Expo Center | Friday (2/6) at 2:00 PM – West Michigan’s longest-running auto swap meet is back, with hard-to-find parts, tables for sellers, and a model car display your kids and your inner 12-year-old will love. If your project has outlasted three winters, this is your stop, first Saturday in February.
🌶 Chili Cook Off @ Red Arrow Riders | Saturday (2/7) at 1:00 PM – Red Arrow Riders are stirring the pot with the 11th annual chili throwdown at VFW 1527. Cook, taste, and vote on any style, from sweet to eyebrow-singeing, beans or no beans. Five bucks to enter, bar-plaque bragging rights to win, grandma’s recipe or Pinterest allowed.
🏮 Lantern Lit Trails @ Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center | Saturday (2/7) at 6:00 PM – Wolf Lake’s nature trails are lighting up for a free, one-mile lantern and candle loop, an easy winter stroll that makes you look outdoorsy without the frostbite. Sip hot cocoa, linger by the bonfire, and call it date night, cardio, or both.
🎻 Sibelius & Dugan @ Miller Auditorium | Saturday (2/7) at 7:00 PM – Kalamazoo Symphony is sitting side by side with the Junior Symphony for Sibelius’ Second, proof the kids are alright, and in tune. Peter Dugan of NPR’s From the Top debuts a world-premiere jazz-tinged piano concerto with his brother, with Bacewicz opening, and Koehler steering.
❄ Winter Gala 2026 @ Air Zoo | Saturday (2/7) at 7:00 PM – Break out the formalwear you only trust for weddings and head to the Air Zoo for a Winter Gala of dancing, drinks, appetizers, and awards with actual heart. It’s a big fundraiser, so your ticket, twirl, and toast support our LGBTQIA+ neighbors. Glitter with purpose.
🏒 Pink Ice @ Wings Event Center | Saturday (2/7) at 7:00 PM – Back for its 25th year, Pink Ice turns the rink rosy and the vibes heartfelt, Kalamazoo-style. Cheer on the K-Wings, honor survivors, and bid on jerseys benefiting breast cancer support, then call it a Valentine’s date you can actually feel good about.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Kalamazoo report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 25°F – Low: 20°F – Precip: 60%
Snow likely between 7am and 4pm, then snow likely and a chance of freezing drizzle. Cloudy, with a high near 25. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Snow likely and a chance of freezing drizzle. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 36°F – Low: 3°F – Precip: 63%
Snow likely before noon, then snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. West northwest wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Later: A slight chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 3. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
This house is wild
Set in Mattawan, this home blends inviting interiors with resort-style outdoor living. A living room with fireplace and a granite kitchen open to a composite deck over the heated 20×40 pool. The main level features a primary suite, two additional bedrooms, a bath, central air, two garages including a workshop, WiFi controls and backup generator, and a hot tub.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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