In The News

National Geographic: Battle Creek brewer, others toast clean water

National Geographic Thursday, May 16, 2013

National Geographic reports that inside Arcadia Ales’ brewery, the air is pungent with fermenting beer, and Tim Suprise is talking water. The founder and president of the Battle Creek, microbrewery recently signed on to Brewers for Clean Water, a Natural Resources Defense Council program that launched in mid-April. Twenty-two craft breweries have already joined the campaign, which is the first of its kind nationwide. So far, most of the brewers are located in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Excerpt: Surrounded by giant sacks of malt and wooden barrels, a glass of beer appropriately in hand, Suprise told a group of journalists he’s sending a simple message: "You can’t have a sustainable culture or society without our most precious resource, and that’s water."

The story says at the new brewery, Suprise's goal is to cut water use by 25 to 30 percent, mostly by recycling wastewater. Historically, water left over after making beer was dumped down the drain, where it ended up at local water-treatment plants.

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: National Geographic

MLive: Owners vow to bring back La Mexicana Market

MLive Thursday, May 16, 2013

La Mexicana Market, owned by Francisco and Carmen Vargas, was the site of an electrical fire in October 2012 after 14 years in business. The building was declared a total loss, and the fire put 10 people out of work. Now the owners are working to restore the business in the Edison neighborhood, reports MLive.

Excerpt: The owners’ son, Javier, who owns Mi Pueblo restaurant at 3420 Gull Road, says the family hopes to reopen the market before the end of the year. "We want to rebuild at the same location, with a grocer, a taco stand, the butcher shop and popsicles," Javier said. "The community is really supporting us. When we burnt down we had hundreds drop by, hugging my Mom and Dad. Even now, I get random phone calls. They ask us when we are rebuilding."

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: MLive

Kalamazoo Gazette: Why they like living downtown

Kalamazoo Gazette Thursday, May 16, 2013

There's a lot to like when it comes to living downtown six residents recently told the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Excerpt: "I like the activity, the interaction of people everyday," businessman and Life Story Building co-owner Herb Ayres said. "The proximity to the services a person uses everyday is great too. Things like, restaurants, Keystone bank, Urban hair salon, The Fitness Spot just a few of the businesses I frequent without getting into a car."

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

MLive: Global Prize awarded for social justice leadership

MLive Thursday, May 16, 2013

Activists from all over the world traveled to Kalamazoo College recently for the first-ever Global Prize for Collaborative Social Justice Leadership. MLive reports the three winners are: The Dalia Association, a Palestinian-led community foundation working for self-determination; Language Partners, a prisoner-created bilingual education program that works in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; and Building Power for Restaurant Workers, a wage-justice project founded by workers displaced by the bombing of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: MLive

Kalamazooans rally around the Beer City USA vote

Facebook Thursday, May 09, 2013

Beer City USA voting has begun and list of reasons to vote for Kalamazoo are popping up all over. Kalamazoo and 21 other communities across the nation are competing for the title that organizers say is as much about community pride as it is about beer.

Discover Kalamazoo is one of those encouraging people to vote and it says many local businesses and individuals have banded together to ask Kalamazoo residents and fans to rally and vote in the spirit of community pride.

"While we need the support of the whole community for this title, this contest isn’t just about winning Beer City USA," Discover Kalamazoo president and CEO Greg Ayers says. "This is about harnessing the passion and pride that our residents have for our community. This is about uplifting our friends and neighbors, sharing our local history and coming together to tell the world about our love for Kalamazoo and its rapidly expanding craft beer scene."

A get out the vote event is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9 at Wild Bull.

Social media to promote the vote has been created:

• Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/Beer4Kzoo

• Twitter: @Beer4Kzoo

• Hashtag: #Beer4Kzoo

• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/discoverkzoo/beer4kzoo/

And a web site is here.

Finally, for those undecided the most complete list we have seen posted by Buster Bronco on the site where supporters can vote:

38 reasons to vote for Kalamazoo:
ANNUAL BEER EVENTS
1. Santacon Kalamazoo - http://www.santaconkalamazoo.com/
2. Kalamazoo Beer Week - billed as the largest beer week in Michigan - http://www.kalamazoobeerweek.com/
MICRO-BREWERIES AND BREWPUBS
3. Olde Peninsula Brewpub and Restaurant - http://oldepenkazoo.com/
4. Bilbos Pizza and Brewpub - http://www.bilbospizza.com/
5. Arcadia Ales - http://www.arcadiaales.com/index.php/blog/item/4-arcadia-brewing-company-bringing-jobs-to-west-michigan.html
6. Boatyard Brewing Company - http://boatyardbrewing.com/
7. Gonzo's Bigg Dogg Brewery - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gonzos-Bigg-Dogg-Brewery/132180910282558
8. Rupert's Brew House - https://twitter.com/RupeyKzooBrew
9. American Brewers Inc. http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2013/05/nearby_church_complicates_loca.html
10. Bell's Brewery http://bellsbeer.com/ and Eccentric Café http://www.bellsbeer.com/eccentric-cafe/
LARGE BEER STORES
11. Megabev - http://www.megabev.com/store/cat/55/Beer -- bills itself as the largest beverage store in Michigan
12. Drake Party Center - http://www.drakespartycenter.com/
13. The Den Partystore - https://www.facebook.com/TheDenPartyStore
14. Tiffany's Wine & Spirit Shoppe - http://www.aatiffany.com/
15. Bacchus Wine and Spirits - https://www.facebook.com/kzoobacchus
BARS, TAVERNS, PUBS, TAPHOUSES, AND SALOONS (not a complete list of all the bars in town)
16. The Y Bar - http://theybar.com/
17. Wild Bull Saloon & Steakpit - http://wildbull.co/
18. Wayside West - http://waysidewest.com/
19. UP AND UNDER - http://www.theuandu.com/
20. University Roadhouse - http://www.universityroadhouse.com/
21. Shakespeare's Pub - http://shakespearespub.com/
22. Ouzos Pub & European Grill - http://www.ouzoskalamazoo.com/
23. OLD DOG TAVERN - https://www.facebook.com/olddogtavern
24. Old Burdick's - http://www.oldburdicks.com/
25. O'Duffy's Pub - http://oduffyspub.com/
26. Monaco Bay Piano Bar and Grill - http://monacobay.co/
27. Main St. Pub - http://www.mainstpub.com/
28. Louie's Trophy House Grill - https://www.facebook.com/LouiesTrophyHouse
29. The Loft - http://www.millenniumrestaurants.com/loft/
30. The Library Kitchen & Taphouse - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Library-Kitchen-Taphouse/153586994670425
31. Kalamazoo Beer Exchange - http://kalamazoobeerexchange.com/
32. Home Bar - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Bar/108914772527968
33. The Grotto at Capone's - http://www.thegrottoatcapones.com/
34. Green Top Tavern - http://greentoptavern.com/
35. The Gatsby Nightclub - http://thegatsby.co/
36. Fletcher's Pub - http://www.fletcherspub.com/
37. Central City Tap House - http://www.millenniumrestaurants.com/central-city-tap-house/
38. The 411 Club - http://www.the411club.com/411club/

MLive: 2013 Kalamazoo Marathon a success

MLive Thursday, May 09, 2013

The 34th Borgess Run for the Health of It -- the umbrella for the Kalamazoo Marathon, half marathon, 5-k run, 5-k walk and the Kids Fun Run together drew 6,545 participants, reports MLive. That broke down to just shy of 700 runners from all 50 states in the marathon. Almost 2,400 took part in the 5k run and more than 2,600 ran the half marathon. Nearly 850 participated in the 5k walk.

Excerpt: “I think the other big thing, changes we had in the half marathon and marathon course, people liked running on the south side of the lake in Spring Valley and then had a little bit better street to run on,” Race Director Blaine Lam said. Mother Nature played its part on the sunny Sunday as well. When the marathon kicked off the day of running at 8 a.m., temperatures were in the low-60s and a slight breeze made it feel a little cooler. By early afternoon, temps had climbed into the upper-60s. “We were so lucky,” Lam said. “You know, it’s the luck of the draw.”

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: MLive

Kalamazoo Gazette: WMU to host Malaysian Midwest Games International 2013

Kalamazoo Gazette Thursday, May 09, 2013

More than 1,500 Malaysian students will be spending Memorial Day weekend at Western Michigan University this year, when the university hosts the Malaysian Midwest Games International 2013, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. This is the third time WMU has hosted the games, an annual sporting event sponsored by members of Malaysian student organizations at Midwest universities.

More than 60 Malaysian students are currently enrolled at WMU. The 2013 games are expected to draw about 1,500 Malaysian students from across the U.S. and Canada to Kalamazoo.

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

Detroit Free Press: Bell's Brewery to open two new Michigan locations

Detroit Free Press Thursday, May 09, 2013

More good news for Michigan’s growing legion of craft-beer fanatics: Bell’s, the beloved Kalamazoo-based beer brewer famous for its seasonal Oberon Ale, is planning to open new locations in Grand Rapids and Escanaba, reports the Detroit Free Press. "We think it will be a great opportunity to share Michigan’s beer culture and passion with visitors to our state," said Laura Bell, Bell’s Marketing Director.

Kalamazoo Gazette: Marathon runner plans to honor father, friend

Kalamazoo Gazette Thursday, May 02, 2013

When Rachel Hoffman lines up for the start of Kalamazoo Marathon on Sunday she will be running in memory of her father who died hours after she crossed the finish line at the Kalamazoo half marathon last year, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. She's also running for her friend Breeana Dixit who introduced Hoffman to running, helped her recover her spirits after her father's death and who was killed when she was hit by a car as she attempted to cross West Michigan Avenue.

Excerpt: She will keep Dixit and her father on her mind, "the two people who have so very much influenced me with my running, my self-esteem, everything," Hoffman said. "It's going to be a big weight to carry on my shoulders. But at the same time, these are two people who taught me to never back down from a challenge." Hoffman said she will run to honor them because they can't be here to run and she can.

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

MLive: Few changes ahead for Zoetis employees

MLive Thursday, May 02, 2013

MLive reports signage and new business cards may be the most drastic changes local employees who used to work for Pfizer Inc.’s animal health unit will see this year. Pfizer Inc. spun off the unit into the standalone Zoetis Inc. in February. Some 700 research and development employees and 300 manufacturing employees in Kalamazoo will continue to perform their jobs as before. They also will continue to be crucial in providing farmers and pet owners with drugs that keep animals healthy, the company’s new chief executive officer Juan Ramon Alaix told MLive.

Excerpt: "We are highly dependent on Kalamazoo to generate growth," he said. "It is in Kalamazoo where most of our products are developed. Our teams there need stability; R&D requires several years of investment and persistence. Stability and people are key factors for us in Kalamazoo."

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: MLive

B.C. Enquirer: Police support early education

Battle Creek Enquirer Thursday, May 02, 2013

Law enforcement and legislators read to children in Battle Creek recently. It was part of a push to promote early education, reports the Battle Creek Enquirer. The Michigan chapter of the national nonprofit group Fight Crime: Invest in Kids sponsored the event at Ann J. Kellogg Elementary School to indicate its support for Gov. Rick Snyder’s planned $130 million increase over two years for the Great Start Readiness Program, an early education program.

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: Battle Creek Enquirer

ABC Channel 57: Dredging to begin at Silver Beach

ABC Channel 57 Thursday, May 02, 2013

The Army Corps of Engineers says the contractor who will be dredging the St. Joseph River in St. Joseph Michigan is setting up its equipment and could begin the project soon, reports Channel 57. Pipes will help move 62,000 cubic yards of material out of the outer portion of the St. Joseph Harbor. Work is expected to wrap up in early June.

Excerpt: "We have hopes that we'll get started today (April 29) and we feel this process will take one to two weeks,” said Larry LaValley, St. Joseph Harbor Master. LaValley says it hasn't been an easy route for commercial ships in this area for some time now.

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: ABC Channel 57

MLive: Runners support Boston victims

MLive Thursday, April 25, 2013

Wearing sneakers and "Runners for Boston" shirts, runners flooded downtown Kalamazo streets to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings recently. Gazelle Sports joined running stores around the nation, who hosted charity events. More than 1,000 people attended the local event, raising about $14,000.

Excerpt: "Running will help us overcome this tragedy," said Rob Lillie, general manager of Gazelle Sports in Kalamazoo. "We (as a nation) are going to raise enough the money to take care the of the victim medical bills. This was a positive experience off of a negative experience."

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: MLive

MLive: Celebration! Cinemas to add food, drink

MLive Thursday, April 25, 2013

Sometime later this year Celebration! Cinema in Portage expects to begin serving beer, wine and mixed drinks along with food to those coming to see a movie, reports MLive.

Kenyon Shane, vice president for Celebration! Cinema, told the Portage City Council recently that the movie theater will offer both fresh, prepared food such as gourmet pizza along with mixed drinks, wine and beer on tap. The Portage theater will offer primarily hand-held food and adult beverages for movie watching with a limited seating for those items in the lobby.

Excerpt: "This is our fourth (liquor) license and there have been no violations, no problems," he said. "We had a theater open recently in Lansing and it has been successful."

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: MLive

Kalamazoo Gazette: Hotel room stays rose during 2012

Kalamazoo Gazette Thursday, April 25, 2013

A survey of the number of hotel rooms sold (occupied overnight) in Kalamazoo County during 2012 indicates sales were up 2.9 percent from calendar year 2011, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. Room taxes collected during the year were up 2.4 percent, said Greg Ayers, president of Discover Kalamazoo, the area’s convention and visitors organization.

Excerpt: "One of the things that was reported last year is we had more rooms occupied -- sold -- than at any other time in the history of Kalamazoo County," Ayers said. That represents more than 16,000 additional room nights sold in 2012 than in 2011. Visitors paid for a total of about 578,000 room nights in 2012, he said.

For more, please read the rest of the story.

Source: Kalamazoo Gazette