“Meet the Media: Talk Back” will be held in the Van Deusen Room at the Kalamazoo Public Library downtown branch. It will feature a panel of SWMJC members — all journalists and editors from Michigan media outlets — seeking to answer questions and hear from residents about community development issues important to them.
Founded in 2000 as a geographic affiliate of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, WPACF connects donors with opportunities to support local projects and programs. Over the years, the foundation has funded scholarships for White Pigeon Community Schools, supported the township library’s OVIE Bookmobile and Summertime Tunes concert series, and backed initiatives such as Wahbememe Park and the Everett F. Gray Stadium.
Submissions from eligible first, second, third and fourth graders will be accepted through Friday, September 26.
The search was prompted by the retirement of Joel Mishler, who had served as Athletic Director since July 2022 and retired effective June 30, 2025.
General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 11-16, and free for children 10 and under. Parking is free with courtesy carts to transport attendees from their parking spots to the fairgrounds.
Jordan was placed on paid administrative leave on Friday, August 15, after the board received reports he had allegedly made homophobic and anti-Muslim comments. His termination comes just two months after he began his duties as Cass County administrator.
United Way is calling on community members, local businesses, and civic leaders to support the effort. Contributions will go directly toward construction of the facility.
Newton, who began his tenure on July 22, 2024, was evaluated on fiscal management, leadership, institutional performance, external and internal relations, personal qualities, and relations with the board.
Gerry Bundle of Cassopolis writes, "We now publicly appeal to SMC’s Board of Trustees to reconsider, and to expand the Presidential Search Committee toward representing the unrepresented with a sense of resolve over resistance."
Rev. Nicole Smith of Three Rivers writes, "Sadly, with the fracturing we are experiencing in American society the 'common good' has suffered terribly. Now we are wired and trained to think only of things that benefit us as individuals, with no consideration of the ripple effect such behavior has on our communities and society at large. In secular language we call this selfishness, in the Church, we call it Sin. Thankfully there is a place where community and individualism come together in a healthy way that promotes the 'common good.' That place is the local library, if you are lucky enough to have one in your town."
A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR
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