Restaurant workers react to verdict, downtown Kalamazoo fire and other top stories

Below are the most important local news stories from the past week from News Channel 3.

Experts say Michigan Supreme Court ruling could close one in five restaurants

According to statistics from the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, one in five restaurants is at risk of closure due to a recent ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court.

The ruling would eliminate Michigan’s tip credit and instead pay waiters and bartenders a flat minimum wage.

Two men charged with kidnapping a woman and two children in Kalamazoo

Two men have been charged in the kidnapping of a Kalamazoo mother and her two children.

Deshawn Gladney, 29, and Jordan Watts, 32, were arraigned on multiple charges Friday after both were accused of kidnapping Doriesha Watts and her two children on Wednesday.

24-year-old motorcyclist dies after accident in Battle Creek

According to Battle Creek police, a 24-year-old Emmett Township man died in a motorcycle accident Saturday evening.

The motorcyclist was ejected from the vehicle after he struck a curb and left the road near the intersection of West Michigan Avenue and Limit Street around 9:45 p.m., police said.

Fire causes estimated $2.5 million in damage to Battle Creek production facility

The Battle Creek Fire Department (BCFD) is investigating a fire that broke out at a manufacturing facility Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighters responded to flames and thick black smoke rising from Advantage Sintered Metals on West Dickman Road near Armstrong Road around 4:30 p.m.

Fire breaks out in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo

A building fire closed two major streets in downtown Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo Public Safety was responded to a structure fire on East Michigan Avenue.

Howard Street railroad crossing reopens in one fell swoop – more frustrating for drivers

The railroad crossing at Howard Street and Stadium Drive is open again, but it is causing a lot of trouble for drivers.

Some told News Channel 3 they were even able to get some air while crossing the tracks.

Galesburg murderer leaves psychiatric hospital on the loose – victim’s family questions credibility

William Wolfe shot and killed Kailey and Virgil Walker in their Galesburg apartment in June 2021.

However, he was able to avoid a prison sentence because he was found not guilty due to insanity (NGRI).