Good morning, Kalamazoo.

The Farmers Market started its 2026 season Saturday, May 2 at 1204 Bank Street and is now managed by Gamsho Group (after 13 years with People’s Food Co-Op); one vendor said no changes are seen yet.

In April, new restaurants such as Pizzawala’s on W.

Michigan Ave, Brewster’s in Portage, Oya Sushi in Comstock Township, and Sweetgrass Moon Cafe (near Gun Lake Casino) opened, while Colonial Kitchen in Kalamazoo and Zeb’s Trading Co. in Texas Township closed.

Parchment High School held its 'Night in Vegas' prom yesterday at The Desenberg in downtown Kalamazoo, where around 120 students enjoyed casino games (roulette, blackjack) and danced the night away.

Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency and KRESA Foundation honored 93 learners at the 40th Annual Outstanding Achievement Awards on Thursday at Radisson Plaza Hotel, highlighting Career Connect achievements and naming Millennium Restaurant Group as Business Partner & Northside Ministerial Alliance as Community Partner.

WMU graduate Nicholas Deblecourt walked the stage at Miller Auditorium (1341 Theatre Drive) yesterday with a prosthetic leg after a car crash led to an amputation last summer.

The fourth-generation alum earned a recreation management degree and will apply for jobs once he can drive again in July.

Kalamazoo sophomore Charisma Edwards received a $40,000 scholarship during her seventh period anatomy class on Tuesday, April 28, as part of College Board’s BigFuture program (which gives scholarships monthly).

Her mom celebrated the moment from the back of the class.

City officials have started traffic control measures for road construction on West Centre Avenue between Oakland Drive and Shaver Road, as work includes resurfacing, a new sidewalk, and ADA improvements.

Eastbound traffic is shifted to the north side+preparations include a retaining wall near Portage Creek, with the project set to finish in August.

Michigan football secured commitment from local offensive tackle Jakari Lipsey from Loy Norrix, one of the top 2027 prospects in the area.

He pledged Saturday after a multi-day visit to Ann Arbor and will join other elite in-state recruits.

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.