Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of March.
Good morning, Kalamazoo.
A recent survey shows that even though Kalamazoo saw double-digit drops in crime, only 34% of residents feel safe—down from 46% in 2021.
City and county officials say they have invested millions to reduce gun violence and will expand efforts to boost public confidence.
Kalamazoo police arrested a 43-year-old man on March 16 for allegedly setting fire to the blankets and belongings of a homeless person sleeping outside the public library — officers quickly extinguished the flames before further damage occurred.
An 18-year-old Kalamazoo man was arrested by Calhoun County Sheriff’s deputies after a high-speed chase on I-94 near Albion—he refused a traffic stop, exceeded 150 mph, and was found with a fraudulent driver’s license leading to multiple charges.
A 43-year-old man was arrested after an alleged arson attack on the 300 block of South Rose Street on March 16th — he set fire to blankets used by a homeless person sleeping outside the library, which damaged a nearby commercial building while the victim extinguished the flames.
The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre is showing the Tony Award-winning musical Parade, directed by Mike Artis, with performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday March 23 at 2:00 p.m — the production stars Jordan Bruner as Leo Frank and tackles themes of racial injustice and intolerance. The theatre will later present Dancing at Lughnasa from March 28 to April 6, The Seussification of A Midsummer Night's Dream from April 25 to May 4, and The Wedding Singer from May 2 to May 18 as well as hosting theatre camps from March 31 to April 4 and another camp starting June 9.
Kalamazoo officials voted 5-1 on March 13 to block beer and wine sales at a proposed 7-Eleven/Speedway at the shuttered Walgreens on 918 Riverview Drive—jeopardizing plans to update the store.
Special Olympics Michigan athletes returned Monday from Italy with five medals—four gold and one silver—after competing with over 1,500 athletes from 98 delegations in winter sports.
The team, which includes Max Gilbert from Kalamazoo, trained with the U.S. delegation for over a year and saw Jeremiah Stumpfig win two gold and one silver in cross country skiing while Christina Danieli earned two gold in alpine skiing.
Spring Gala Celebration of Asian Culture
The Spring Gala features performances showcasing Asian culture, artistry, and community spirit, hosted by Western Michigan University’s Asian Initiatives.
RESPECT on Tour - A Celebration of Aretha Franklin
7:30-9 p.m. | Miller Auditorium | $39-$59 | Experience an electrifying tribute to the Queen of Soul with all your favorite Aretha Franklin hits.
49 Winchester
7-11 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Tickets on sale Nov. 22 — 49 Winchester joins Dwight Yoakam and The Mavericks for an exciting night of music.
Prokofiev's Romeo & Juliet
8 p.m. | Miller Auditorium | Cost info not provided | Experience the timeless tale of love and tragedy brought to life through Prokofiev's stunning score.
Kalamazoo Winter Market
8 AM – 1 PM — Kalamazoo Winter Market — Free entry — Explore a vibrant gathering of local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and unique crafts.
Open House Tour
12-2 p.m. — 4125 Grand Prairie Rd, Kalamazoo, MI — $524,900 — Explore this beautifully updated Colonial home with spacious interiors and a stunning backyard.
Hadestown Musical Performance
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Miller Auditorium | $46-$186 | Experience the Tony Award-winning musical that intertwines mythic tales through enchanting melodies.
2025 USA Hockey 14U Tier II National Championships
April 2-6 — Wings West — Check website for more details — Over 40 teams compete for the national title in a celebration of youth hockey.
Weekend to Remember - Kalamazoo
12:00 AM — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Varies — A faith-based marriage conference helping couples choose oneness and strengthen their bond.
Spring Model Train Show & Sale
10 AM – 3 PM — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — Admission info not provided — Discover over 150 vendor tables filled with model railroading supplies and collectibles.
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