Good morning, Kalamazoo.

A Kalamazoo educator from Western Michigan University, Anise K.

Strong-Morse, finished second on Jeopardy! on April 8 — winning $3000 and sharing a trip to Nepal when a goat ate her jeans, a quirky moment that helped her overcome early game setbacks. Her strong performance shifted the contest as she closed the gap with her competitors.

Kalamazoo Candle Company is moving into the former V&A Bootery space at 202 S.

Kalamazoo Mall to create The Marketplace, a new venue that will serve nonalcoholic cocktails, host live music and trivia nights, and offer a candle-making experience. The project, costing $860,000 and expected to open in September, will add about 20 jobs (with an $86,000 city loan approved on April 7) and support local entrepreneurs with booth space for vendors.

City commissioners approved a five-year lease on Monday, April 7 that spent $107,000 to replace a 2011 Chevy Tahoe and a 2015 Chevy Tahoe with a new GMC Sierra 2500 pickup truck and a new Tahoe SUV—officials said the lease costs nearly $900 per month per vehicle.

Today, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is hiring new public safety officers to fill 20—25 vacancies from its budgeted 268 positions; applications opened April 9 and remain open until April 23.

Hired candidates will be sponsored for training through police academy or fire and EMS programs and may earn bonuses through lateral transfers.

A list naming 32 Kalamazoo-area high school baseball players to watch this spring spotlights local talents expected to lead their teams in a competitive 2025 season — the list builds on last season’s key awards and strong team showings.

Western Michigan University's athletic department paid for 100 student tickets so the Lawson Lunatics can attend the Frozen Four in St. Louis today at 5 p.m. on ESPN2—students who cannot make the trip can join a watch party at Lawson Arena.

Smoldering Fires Production

7:30 p.m. — The Jolliffe Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a poignant story of dreams and reality through this compelling theatre performance.

Dance for Performance Workshop with Steven Iannacone

12-5:30 p.m. — The Space Dance Co. — Cost TBA — Immerse yourself in a transformative workshop led by an experienced dance instructor from iDANCE Chicago.

Craft Music | Anthems: Rock, Pop & More

8 p.m. — Bell's Eccentric Cafe — Ticket information available — Experience vibrant performances featuring popular rock and pop anthems.

ArtBreak: Sourced from the ‘Zoo Exhibition Tours

12-1 p.m. — Black Arts & Cultural Center — Free admission — Explore community art submissions during guided gallery walkthroughs at local cultural gems.

Act Casual Concert

7 PM — Bell's Eccentric Cafe — Tickets available at the door — Experience Detroit's funky fusion band with captivating performances and chill harmonies.

Hometown Card Show

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Admission details not specified — Explore collectible cards from local vendors and enthusiasts.

Easter Brunch Celebration

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Brick and Brine — Menu reservations recommended — Delight in classic brunch favorites with a Brick + Brine twist this Easter.

Shai-Li Concert

6 PM — The Clover Room — $10 — Enjoy a vibrant performance by The Situation and Shail-La.

Neil deGrasse Tyson: Science in Movies

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Check local listings for ticket prices — Explore the science behind your favorite films from Star Wars to The Martian.

WizardCon 2025

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo — $55 for all three days — Experience the charm of tabletop gaming with limited attendance for an intimate weekend.