Good morning, Kalamazoo.

St. Michael Lutheran School’s parent group held a shoe drive on April 19 to collect unwanted shoes and donate them to micro-enterprise partners in developing nations—community members can drop off gently used or new shoes during school hours until May 9.

The drive aims to gather 100 bags of shoes and has collected 20 so far—helping keep shoes out of landfills.

Buddy is a three-year-old beagle at the SPCA of Southwest Michigan who loves a lap and is now looking for his forever home after being returned once due to a family issue—SPCA executive director Katie Timber said he is great with kids, cats, and other pets.

Two suspects have been charged in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old security guard Montine Wiley at an April 12 event outside Green Door Distilling in Kalamazoo—18-year-old Kaiden Cole is charged with open murder, felony firearm and carrying a concealed weapon while 22-year-old Damonte Jenkins-Gooden faces charges for tampering with evidence and felony firearm with a court hearing set for April 30.

Yesterday, April 19, pinball enthusiasts gathered at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center to celebrate Pinball at the 'Zoo’s 25th anniversary—featuring over 175 machines available for free play and a Stern Pro Circuit Tournament.

The three-day event also included an auction, vendor displays, and the debut of Stern’s new game King Kong: Myth of Terror Island.

Western Michigan University chose the name Golden Oaks for a new $110 million residence hall and The Valleys for its dorm complex at an April 17 meeting.

Construction on Golden Oaks started in December 2024 and it will open for first-year students in August 2026 with open common areas – designed to bring the outdoors in.

Maple Hill Subaru in Kalamazoo partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to give away 200 native trees to patrons on April 19; the trees (including northern red buds, northern oaks, sugar leaf maples, serviceberries and black tupelos) are native to West Michigan.

The dealership said it plans to order more trees for future Arbor Day events and marked its largest corporate donation to the Arbor Day Foundation in its history.

Kalamazoo area lawmakers—including Senator McCann, Representative Rogers, and Representative Wendzel—introduced bipartisan legislation to expand penalties for drivers who injure pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, postal workers, or others using vulnerable transportation devices. The proposal also updates the move over law so that drivers must slow down and change lanes when encountering any vehicle with flashing warning lights.

Nine major road construction projects in Kalamazoo County are underway or set to start this spring and summer as crews work on roads like Westnedge Avenue — which will remove a floodplain near the downtown arena site — Gull Road, and U.S. 131, with detours and lane closures planned and work running through November. Some projects began before today while others will start later, all supported by local, state and federal funds.

Senior outfielder Kamryn Stinnette hit Portage Northern's first home run of the season last Saturday to spark an 8-3 win over Buchanan and earn the MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette spring sports Athlete of the Week award—she received nearly 52 percent of the votes.

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.

USA Tae Kwon Do Championships 2025

9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. — Parchment High School — Pre-registration required — Open martial arts tournament welcoming all ages and ranks with sparring and poomse events.

Riverdance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Ticket info not provided — Experience a powerful reinvention of the iconic dance show with mesmerizing music and spectacular designs.

Kalamazoo Rock, Gem & Mineral Show

2-8 p.m. — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — $5 adults, kids under 12 free — Explore one of Michigan's largest gem and mineral showcases featuring 50 vendors.

2025 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon

10 AM – 2 PM — Bronson Park — Check website for entry fees — Celebrate health and community during this exciting marathon weekend!

WSDA Student Concert: Exploration of Emotions

1-4 p.m. — Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers — $15 — Celebrate the artistic expression of emotions through dance featuring students of all ages.

Charlie's PLACE Annual Mother and Son Dance

6-9 p.m. — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — $70 for couple ticket — A night of dinner and dancing for mothers and their sons to create unforgettable memories.

Sesame Street Live!

2-3:30 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a fun-filled show with Elmo, Cookie Monster, and more in an interactive experience for the whole family.