The latest from Southwest Michigan.
AT&T Donates $60,000 to Kalamazoo Organizations to Combat Digital Divide
Three Kalamazoo area organizations received a total of $60,000 in AT&T contributions to help expand internet access to those who need it. According to a news release, Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries, Western Michigan University, and Portage Community Center each received a $20,000 check to help with the digital divide. “Too many Michiganders face challenges in life due to digital divide barriers, particularly those in underserved communities,” Tim Weststrate with AT&T Michigan said. “Not only is access to connectivity vital to bridging the digital divide, but it is also critical in success in both the classroom and workplace.”
Downtown Kalamazoo’s Wild Bull Night Club to Reopen in February
A popular downtown Kalamazoo restaurant, bar, and dance club is officially reopening its doors next month. The Wild Bull announced their grand reopening on Friday, February 2 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., according to an Instagram post. The Wild Bull is known for their dance floor and, of course, their mechanical bull.
Bell’s Brewery Investing $2.6M in Automation to Boost Variety Pack Production Fivefold
Bell’s Brewery Inc. is betting on automation equipment to help it churn out more variety packs of its popular beers. At its Comstock Township brewery east of Kalamazoo, Bell’s is investing $2.6 million to boost packaging automation capacity, along with an additional $500,000 project to reduce waste at the production facility. The investments come just months after the company wrapped up an 18-month expansion project that doubled the brewery’s canning capacity.
Beloved Silver Beach Carousel Undergoing $50,000 Renovation Project
There’s new activity inside the Silver Beach Carousel, as renovations are underway at the longstanding St. Joseph attraction. Silver Beach Carousel Society President Suz Schalon said that she expects the repairs to wrap up by January 31 – just in time for the carousel to be open for Ice Fest on February 2-4.
New Apartments, Child Care Center Built by Former WMU Football Player
Zone 32, a mixed-use development at 815 N. Pitcher Street in the Kalamazoo Northside neighborhood, is ready for residents to move in. After months of construction, the housing units are open, as well as a new child care center through a partnership with the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo. The man behind the project is former Western Michigan University running back Jamauri Bogan, who played for the school from 2014 to 2018. Bogan, owner of Bogan Developments, said the project has been a “labor of love.” He decided to create Zone 32 after noticing a need for more affordable housing and community resources in the Northside.
Southwestern Michigan College Receives $2M Grant to Support Affordable Nursing Programs
Two local colleges are working to bring affordable nursing programs to Southwest Michigan students with the help of a $2 million grant from the state’s Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. Using the grant, Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) will partner with Andrews University to support bachelor’s students at SMC’s Dowagiac campus. The grant will help make career advancements more affordable for nursing graduates, said Dr. Melissa Kennedy, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Services.
W.K. Kellogg Co Expansion in Battle Creek Will Retain 170, Create 43 High-wage Jobs, Boost State’s Agribusiness Industry
W.K. Kellogg Co leaders recently decided to retain cereal plant production volume at its Battle Creek facility following the separation of the former Kellogg Company into two separate entities, Kellanova and W.K. Kellogg Co. This decision will allow the company to drive efficiency through investment in more modern technology, as well as train employees in high performing work systems, making them more competitive in their manufacturing network. These changes will result in the retention of approximately 170 jobs in Battle Creek and — along with the partnership and support of the state and city of Battle Creek — help to position the cereal plant for future investment and potential growth.