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

WMU students get a shot at $100K to turn big ideas into real businesses

Western Michigan University students are invited to pitch innovative business ideas in the new Cultivate 269 competition, where two winners will share $100,000 in seed funding and receive mentorship to help launch their ventures.

New complex at Burdick and Vine will mark the intersection of needed housing and healthy living

Jamauri Bogan is partnering with Bronson Healthcare to build an 85-unit, mixed-use residential complex that helps address the critical shortage of housing in Kalamazoo County.

Tsunami Lab to build a new generation of owners before Kalamazoo businesses wash away

Thanks to Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, a wave of help is coming to address a potential 'Silver Tsunami' of mostly Baby Boomer-owned small business closures in Kalamazoo — the program aims to help preserve jobs, wealth, and legacy.

For some Kalamazoo residents, public transit means freedom beyond their front door

Public transit services like Metro Connect help Kalamazoo residents with disabilities and mobility limitations maintain independence, access essential services, and stay connected to their community.

Efforts underway to address dire need for emergency family shelter in Kalamazoo

HOPE Thru Navigation was awarded a $100,000 by the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners to operate an overnight emergency shelter for families for the next three months.

Kalamazoo BETA program empowers Black entrepreneurs with training and capital

The Black Entrepreneurship Training Academy will launch its sixth annual spring session in Kalamazoo, offering cohort-based business training, mentorship, and grant funding to support the growth of BIPOC entrepreneurs.

Advocates work with Kalamazoo church to shelter the unhoused from sub-freezing temperatures

As extreme cold hit Kalamazoo, St. Luke's Episcopal Church and local advocates opened an emergency warming shelter, underscoring both community compassion and gaps in services for the unhoused.

Small batches, big ambitions — how a Kalamazoo company became a go-to for beverage startups nationwide

From cold brew to dog water, Kalamazoo's Good Trade Depot, a small batch canning company, is redefining contract manufacturing.

Metro Transit boosts service on busy routes during holiday shopping season

Metro Transit is adding extra weekday bus service on three high-ridership routes from Dec. 15 through 28 to improve reliability during icy conditions and meet increased holiday shopping demand in Kalamazoo.

A 70-unit senior living project is on track to open in 2026 in Kalamazoo’s Northside Neighborhood

The Legacy Senior Living complex is expected by its proponents to hasten the transformation of the Northside.

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