Good morning, Kalamazoo.

The former Country Inn & Suites Hotel in Kalamazoo has been transformed into a transitional family shelter called the Landing Place, with 77 bedrooms and 200 applications already received.

An $8 million investment by local groups will help address the county’s need for more family support.

Crane Orchards in Fennville installed wind turbines to mix warmer air and keep its fruit crops safe from early spring freezes.

The turbines cover between 10 and 15 acres and help maintain safe temperatures for both crops and visitors at the orchard.

On Wednesday morning, AAA reported drivers in Michigan paid an average of $4.25 per gallon (above the national average of $4.22) while some Kalamazoo stations posted prices as high as $4.29.

The rising cost, partly due to local refinery issues, means a round trip from Grand Rapids to Detroit costs about $49.82.

Charisma Edwards of Loy Norrix High School received a $40,000 BigFuture Scholarship in her seventh period anatomy class on Tuesday, April 28.

The award, given for completing key college planning steps, surprised her and her mother and shows the school’s focus on college readiness.

City crews have largely cleared roads after Monday night’s high wind event — some closures remain as workers clear debris and advise residents to avoid downed power lines.

Residents, businesses and private nonprofits affected by the March tornadoes can now apply for SBA low-interest disaster loans, with funds available to repair or replace damaged property.

Loan Outreach Centers in Cass at Cass District Library, in St. Joseph at HG Real Estate and in Branch at Branch District Library are operating until mid-May, with deadlines of June 29 for physical damage and Jan. 28 for economic injury applications.

The Davies Project now provides free rides for children with serious conditions, pregnant people and NICU families in Kalamazoo County as part of its new pilot program launched after local leaders reached out — the service is actively recruiting volunteer drivers to ease missed appointments.

The latest Kalamazoo-area baseball rankings show teams like Gull Lake, which won 7+ of its last 8 games, and Decatur posting strong results while upcoming conference series in May may shift the standings.

Portage native Carson Hocevar won his first NASCAR Cup race at Talladega on Sunday, Apr.

26, finishing with a victory lap that included photos with pit crews + a tribute to his grandpa. He will race again at Michigan International Speedway on June 7.

Local softball power rankings show Paw Paw remains unbeaten after sweeping Sturgis Tuesday while Mendon continues a 12-game winning streak, outscoring opponents significantly.

Teams such as Parchment (with an eight-game run), Three Rivers, and South Haven are pushing hard as the season unfolds.

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.

Light Saber Kids Combat Discovery Class

10 AM - 11 PM — BSD Dance Studio — Free entry — Discover the basics of lightsaber combat in this exciting class for kids aged 8-13.