Good morning, Kalamazoo.

The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission is accepting nominations for the 2026 Historic Preservation Awards of Merit to recognize work preserving local historic sites.

Nominees must submit online by Tuesday, Mar. 31 & projects must be complete by Mar. 15 for awards presented in May.

Southwest Michigan First CEO Jonas Peterson will step down on March 26 for a new role (he led a period of historic growth during his tenure).

President Carla Sones will serve as interim CEO as the organization searches for his successor.

Kazoo 48 Hour Film Festival kicks off March 27 at 6 p.m. with teams given 48 hours to create a 1-6 minute film based on prompts (genre, dialogue, character, location, and prop) and prizes; submissions are due by March 29 with a screening on April 23 at GQT Kalamazoo 10.

Country singer Charley Crockett will perform at Warner Vineyards in Paw Paw on Saturday, June 27 with opening act Nat Myers — a portion of ticket sales will benefit the Last Prisoner Project.

Artist presale starts at 10 a.m. today, while tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

City commissioners approved a $426,000 contract to update Farmers Alley & Rose Street Plaza with new lighting, artwork, landscaping, and pavement design to enhance pedestrian connectivity in downtown; construction will begin in spring to link these areas with improvements already made in Bates Alley & Haymarket Alley.

Cascade Township approved a six-month moratorium on data center proposals to let a subcommittee study concerns over water usage, noise & environmental impacts; the board plans to adjust zoning rules for future projects.

A Vicksburg animal rescue on Portage Road was ordered closed on Feb.

25 for zoning violations following a local complaint about roaming dogs. Owner Amanda Schepeler is applying for a special land use permit and must confirm the closure within 15 days for a peaceful resolution.

Data from Cradle Kalamazoo shows that from 2022-2024, Kalamazoo County achieved the state's lowest infant mortality rates, with 4.5 overall and 7 for Black babies per 1,000 live births.

Partners work toward a goal of 3.0 and zero racial disparities by 2030.

Kalamazoo Growlers signed Cecil Fielder to a one-day coaching contract on July 31 at Homer Stryker Field (he will coach first base, set the lineup and meet fans including Jr. Growlers) as the team faces the Richmond Flying Mummies with a fireworks show to follow.

A $40,000 feasibility study by Discover Kalamazoo warns that county ice sports risk a shortage of ice sheet inventory, which may hurt both youth and adult programs and local economic activity.

Leaders recommend building a new three-sheet complex — combining a curling facility — or renovating Wings Event Center before its spring 2028 closure.

Stephen King's Misery

7:30–9:15 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — $45-$49, $20 student tickets — Experience the gripping tale of an author held captive by his obsessed fan in this thrilling live adaptation.

Arancini Cooking Class

4-8 p.m. — 4023 Douglas Ave, Kalamazoo, MI — Hands-on experience — Learn to craft delicious Sicilian arancini from scratch while exploring their rich history.

Live Music with Megan Dooley

7-9 p.m. — Zero: Non-Alcoholic Bar — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening of live music at a unique venue.

Zazzy Concert Experience

9 PM – 1 AM — Papa Pete's — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy a night of live funk music featuring Zazzy's remixes.

Welcome Little Sister: Community Efforts to Protect Local Woods

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Portage District Library — Free entry — Discover how the community came together to protect twelve acres of woods adjacent to Kleinstuck Preserve.

Giving Women Their Flowers

5:30-8 p.m. — The Desenberg — Celebrate Women’s History Month — An inspiring evening honoring women who lead, create, and uplift communities.

Crawlspace Sketch Comedy Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Crawlspace Comedy Theatre — $20 — Experience original sketch comedy with a unique Kalamazoo twist.

KDP Chocolate Milk Mile

6:00-6:25 p.m. — Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI — Entry required — Race 1 mile while enjoying 16 ounces of chocolate milk.

MYWAY Wrestling Individual State Championship Finals

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Cost info unavailable — Witness the excitement of state-level wrestling competition.

Margaritaville Night with K-Wings

7-8 p.m. — Wings Event Center — $3 beers, sodas, and dogs — Enjoy a tropical twist on K-Wings hockey while benefiting local parks.