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

Breaking camp in Kalamazoo: So where will the homeless go?

There are many pieces to the puzzle that is addressing homelessness. As winter quickly approaches and the City of Kalamazoo closes the camp at Ampersee and Hotop, officials and outreach workers address what's next for those without shelter. 

Kalamazoo’s Milwood Neighborhood gets ready for Fall fun

In one of Kalamazoo's largest neighborhoods, Fall is a busy time. Find out what's happening in Milwood over the next few weeks.

Developers of new $18M Kalamazoo project say it takes many partners to build more affordable housing

To increase the amount of affordable housing in Kalamazoo County will take the work of many, including philanthropic organizations and individuals who can partner with private developers as they did in the Harrison Circle Apartments at North Harrison and East Ransom streets in the River’s Edge District, the developers of that project say.

Eastside Sunrise Plaza becomes sign of East Main Street revitalization

The first visible part of revitalization efforts in the 1600 block of East Main Street is in place and ready to be celebrated by the public.

Haymarket Plaza is set to be downtown Kalamazoo’s newest gathering place

Thursday, Sept. 16 there was a celebration of the completion of the Warner Building and dedicated the Haymarket Plaza, a 7,000-square-foot open area designed to accommodate entertainment, food trucks, and outdoor seating for food and beverages designed to attract downtown residents, workers, and visitors.

Kalamazoo family reclaims a blighted corner to open a business that makes your mouth water

An underused piece of property is now the home of Bone Yard Café Bar-B-Que & Specialty Dogs where Ricky and Yvonne Thrash and their family sell barbecue spare ribs, rib tips, French fries, specialty hot dogs, and side dishes.

Fifty years will be celebrated with 50 acts of kindness Kalamazoo’s Family Health Center leaders say

The Family Health Center provides primary, preventive, and supplemental health services, including dental and mental health care, to more than 50,000 active patients in Kalamazoo County. This year, Family Health Center is saying "thank you" for 50 years of support and expansion.

Dozens of micro-businesses receive major support in Kalamazoo grant program

A boxing academy, a guitar shop, a visual artist, a lawn care/landscaping service, a coffee shop, a chiropractor, and a carpentry shop were among the 90 small businesses in 16 Kalamazoo neighborhoods to receive shares of $450,000 made available in the second annual Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grant program.

… And if you cannot afford an attorney, Kalamazoo Defender has a plan

The 2-year-old nonprofit organization of attorneys in Kalamazoo takes a holistic approach to criminal defense to help defendants in the criminal justice system. It hopes the work is the start of a process to get people who are accused of crimes get on a track out of the system.

Good things can happen when dogs lead the way at Kalamazoo’s Fairmount Dog Park

Regulars at Fairmount Dog Park in Kalamazoo say it's a place where you become friends – just by having a common ground, which is the park.  

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