Good morning, Kalamazoo.

More than 80 veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam are set to fly to Washington, D.C. on May 16 to tour memorials before returning for a free homecoming at Air Zoo in Portage at 8 p.m. Public participants are encouraged to bring thank-you cards + signs.

Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center broke ground on the Suzanne UD Parish Therapy Arena today to expand equine-assisted services for people with disabilities.

Construction is underway to support mental health and hippotherapy programs (a rising need in Kalamazoo County).

On April 29, The Landing Place, a new $8M 77-room homeless shelter for families, opened at 1912 E.

Kilgore Service Road, serving as transitional housing as families begin moving in this week + the project was supported by county, city, and local foundations.

Parchment High School held its 'Night in Vegas' prom on Saturday, May 2 at The Desenberg in downtown Kalamazoo.

About 120 students enjoyed a casino theme with fake chips and lively festivities (including a speakeasy setting) during the evening.

Voters approved school bond proposals in Galesburg-Augusta and Vicksburg and renewed the millage in Mattawan for facility upgrades, technology, and transportation; however, Comstock voters rejected a $23.7 million plan for school safety and improvements.

Eagle Creek Renewable Energy agreed to pay the state $25 million for a 2019 sediment spill that covered 30 miles of the Kalamazoo River at Morrow Dam.

State officials said mismanagement during spillway gate repairs caused the incident + the settlement aims to improve the waterway.

Township officials will hold a public hearing on May 27 at Gull Lake Middle School at 6:30 p.m. to finish collecting comments on Consumers Energy’s Liberty Farms Solar project—a 1,200-acre site planned to deliver 220 megawatts of renewable energy and stir local concerns about farmland use.

The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department said mosquito and tick activity is rising today due to warm, damp weather — conditions that have helped Lyme disease cases triple in five years.

Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid bites.

Local residents are encouraged to plant native red and orange tubular flowers — a magnet for ruby-throated hummingbirds — along with columbine and beebalm to boost nectar sources as the birds migrate north through our region.

Kalamazoo-area sports fans can vote on the top underclassman spring athlete from 40 candidates representing teams across the region—voting closes at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 10.

Michigan football recently landed a commitment from Jakari Lipsey, a 6-foot-5 offensive lineman from Kalamazoo Loy Norrix who ranks No. 115 overall and No. 3 in state for the 2027 class.

His decision boosts the team’s in-state recruiting drive ahead of upcoming practices.

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.