Good morning, Kalamazoo.

One year after the EF2 tornado hit Portage on May 7, homes, businesses and public spaces suffered severe damage with 12 injuries and $50 million in damages, though parts of the community are rebuilding.

The city held a reflection event at Celery Flats Pavilion on May 7—featuring remarks by city leaders and a tree-seeding giveaway as a symbol of renewal—that brought neighbors together during the ongoing recovery.

A year after an EF2 tornado struck Portage in May 2024, the Zemlick family is still repairing their home that lost its garage and shattered windows—plans to rebuild the garage in June aim to help the family's recovery while they remain grateful to be safe.

Kalamazoo Bike Week will begin Saturday, May 10 with Bikes in the Zoo on the Kalamazoo Mall from noon to 4 p.m.—the event will feature live music by Hopie Jo at 12:30 p.m. and Sophia McIntosh and the Sages at 2 p.m., vintage bikes, e-bikes, fitness activities and a Bike Bus ride starting at 10 a.m. at Centerpoint City Church or Oakwood Plaza. It is the first event of a week-long series held during National Bike Month.

The 33rd Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will be held Saturday in Kalamazoo County and is organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers through Letter Carrier Branch 246; it gathers over 90,000 pounds of food each year for Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes — Salvation Army and Christian Neighbors. Donors should leave unopened food near their mailbox Saturday morning as mail carriers and volunteers handle the donations rain or shine.

KDPS firefighters responded at 5:22 p.m. on May 5th to a structure fire at a vacant two-story residence in Kalamazoo—quickly controlling the blaze while no injuries or damage to nearby properties were reported and the cause remains under investigation.

A Van Buren County man claimed a $5.46 million jackpot on April 23 after buying his winning Lotto 47 ticket at the Speedway gas station at 3908 South Westnedge Avenue in Kalamazoo.

He chose annual payments of about $182,000 over 30 years to care for his family—while the gas station will receive a $5,000 bonus commission.

The Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency announced the launch of its new $100M Career Connect Campus at 3500 Vanrick Drive on May 22, which will serve more than 1,300 county students with 21 high-demand courses offered in 22 labs and 17 studios — the center is funded by a 2019 countywide millage and an anonymous grant.

Brandi Janes, the new county emergency manager with Hurricane Katrina experience, stepped in to lead the tornado response in Portage on May 7 when her colleagues were at a conference, and county officials improved disaster planning following the storm.

The county board moved the emergency management office into a new administrative structure in September to boost coordination among public health, public safety, and public works.

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.

Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations

May 13-15 — Miller Auditorium — ASL interpreted performance available — Experience the electrifying journey of The Temptations from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Kalamazoo Future Forward Career and Resource Expo

12-4 p.m. — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Free entry — Connect with top employers and explore new career paths at this resource-filled expo.

Founders Brewing Dinner Pairing

6:30-9 p.m. — The Backyard of Kalamazoo — Ticketed event — Enjoy a delightful pairing of craft beers and gourmet cuisine inspired by Michigan flavors.

Girls Night - The Musical

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Tickets required — Experience a hilarious journey of friendship through 80s and 90s hits in this acclaimed musical.

Oshtemo Cruise-In & Auto Show

2-5 p.m. — Flesher Field — Free entry — Enjoy a day of classic cars, food trucks, and family fun while supporting a great cause.

Davey and The Midnights Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — The SugarBowl Bar & Grille — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of unconventional country music and rock & roll from Davey & the Midnights and the Driftless Revelers.

Summer Live Music at The Squirrel

7-10 p.m. — Squirrel Hollow Golf Course — Free entry — Enjoy an exciting lineup of 40 free live music shows with local bands and food trucks amidst stunning sunsets.

Michigan Lighthouse – Half Off Bottled Wine Wednesday

6-8:30 p.m. — Wine and Canvas Kalamazoo — $38 — Enjoy a creative paint and sip experience with half off bottled wine and professional instruction.