Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Monday's high winds caused severe damage across Kalamazoo County - trees and power lines fell in the Vine neighborhood and Westnedge Hill, trapping residents and prompting first responders to extricate one person and close West Main Street at Old Nichols Road.

Grammy-winning jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner Jr. won a $300K award from Larry Bell (founder of Bell’s Brewery) and will perform at the Gilmore Piano Festival opening in Kalamazoo on Thursday, April 30.

Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College launched the Bronco Bound Guarantee to offer automatic WMU admission and scholarship consideration for students who complete an associate degree.

The program was unveiled at the WMU Football Spring Showcase and includes campus previews and a Tuition Toss Challenge at Waldo Stadium.

After decades in the making, crews broke ground Monday on a $13 million project to extend Runway 17-35 by 450 feet at the airport, improving safety.

Construction will finish by mid September with a commercial service closure from Sept. 12 to Sept. 19.

A report shows local leaders spent nearly $700,000 to expand shelter capacity by adding beds and renting hotel rooms for vulnerable residents; the effort cut emergency room visits by 80% and planning for next winter improvements has begun.

A week of downtown events is planned to close the ‘Design it!’ Phase of the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 project, offering business breakfasts, walking tours, workshops and public sessions for residents to share ideas that will shape future city policies.

Local voters can cast ballots for the Kalamazoo-area spring sports Athlete of the Week, which honors performances from April 20-25, until 9 a.m. Friday, May 1, with 42 athletes in the running.

Over 5,000 runners took part in the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon on Sunday in Kalamazoo; Samuel Darling won the full race in just over 2 hours 41 minutes & Kayleigh Hott finished as the fastest female in just over 3 hours, while Ryan Kachnowski won the half-marathon in 1 hour 11 minutes.

Carson Hocevar, a Portage native, earned his first NASCAR Cup win Sunday with a dramatic last-lap pass at Talladega—edging Chris Buescher by 0.114 seconds.

He celebrated with an unconventional lap that featured a burnout and a ride on his car roof.

2026 Kalamazoo Rock, Mineral, Gem, and Fossil Show

2-8 p.m. — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — $5 adults, kids under 12 free — Explore one of Michigan's largest showcase of minerals, gems, and jewelry from 50 vendors.

Future Islands Concert

Time unknown — Bell's Beer Garden — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic sound of Future Islands alongside Open Mike Eagle in a lively setting.

Emmy Kastner Book Release Event

5-6 p.m. — Bookbug & this is a bookstore — Free entry — Celebrate the release of a delightful picture book filled with ice cream and laughter.

38th Annual Vicksburg Hearty Hustle (5K)

1-3 p.m. — 501 E Hwy St, Vicksburg, MI — Registration fee required — Celebrate fitness and community at this beloved annual 5K walk/run event.

Connections Recovery Support Group

5:30-7 p.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with others on the recovery journey for peer support in mental health.

The Mountain Goats Live

8-11 p.m. — Bell's Eccentric Cafe — Tickets from $137 — Experience an unforgettable live performance by The Mountain Goats in Kalamazoo.