Author

Al Jones

Al Jones

Al Jones is a freelance writer who has worked for many years as a reporter, editor, and columnist. He is the Project Editor for On the Ground Kalamazoo.

Al Jones's Latest Articles

COVID vaccinations work … when people are willing to get them, Kalamazoo Health officials say

The rate of vaccinations has slowed in Kalamazoo County over the last six weeks. The demand for COVID-19 inoculations has dropped from a peak of 3,000 to 3,500 per clinic during the winter months and early spring, a Kalamazoo County health officials says to 30 to 40 shots per clinic presently.

Ninety small businesses will land $5,000 in second Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants program

DeMargeo White was one of 100 who received a Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grant last year and it helped his business move from a part-time gig to a full-time enterprise. This year another 90 businesses will have the opportunity for the same type of cash infusion for their work.

WMU says $550M gift will help more students graduate, have better careers, and live happier lives

What do anonymous donors want WMU to do with their historic $550 million gift? At its core, the donors' belief is that inclusive education empowers people and communities to create a bright future for all, says WMU President Edward Montgomery.

Kalamazoo hospital offers a way to help out when a shooting or major injury occurs

You may know how to perform CPR, but do you know how to Stop the Bleed? A training program with the potential of saving lives is being offered nationally and in Kalamazoo by Bronson teaches people how to respond when faced with traumatic injuries.

OutFront Kalamazoo’s Host Home program designed to help LGBTQ youth avoid homelessness

When young people are kicked out of their homes after they come out to their parents they are vulnerable to many traumatic experiences. OutFront Kalamazoo's Host Homes program is designed to help them.

Kalamazoo Public Safety asks for the community’s help to stop gun violence

What would happen if people decided they won’t tolerate gun violence any longer and work with the police to provide investigators with information to convict those involved? Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officials say that is what it will take to curb unrelenting gun violence.

Ongoing efforts result in full occupancy in Kalamazoo’s Washington Square area

Three new businesses have opened in recent weeks in the area along Portage Street, southeast of downtown Kalamazoo, and another is soon to open. It's all part of the ongoing evolution of Washington Square in Kalamazoo.

Cultural business district hopes to help Northside residents benefit from new development

Boutiques, a roller rink, more owner-occupied housing, converting old homes into art centers or a museum, and the establishment of a Black History Museum are all part of a plan for Kalamzoo's Northside that residents hope will help direct development in a way that benefits the neighborhood.

Summertime is back on the schedule in downtown Kalamazoo

Imagine the parade standing still and the observers walking by. That's the plan for the 2021 socially distanced Do-Dah Parade in downtown Kalamazoo as part of the traditional kickoff for summer in the city.

Mountain Home Cemetery: A link to Kalamazoo’s history and the many people who made it what it is

At Mountain Home Cemetery grave markers in gothic revival style and tree stump replicas, globes, and towering obelisks signify the final resting place of Kalamazoo's rich and famous as well as the little known but also important residents. 

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