Good morning, Kalamazoo.

More than 400 volunteers will join the second annual Kalamazoo River Cleanup on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Kalamazoo, Comstock, and Parchment as registered teams collect trash and reimagine the river's value—last year, 300 volunteers removed over 9,000 pounds of debris.

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help finding missing 15-year-old student Glenn Lee Brown, who was last seen on May 7 leaving Pennfield High School to walk into the woods behind the building and has not been found despite an extensive search using a drone team; anyone with information should call Lieutenant Benjamin Hess at (269)781-0880.

Portage Central Elementary School at 8422 South Westnedge Ave. will hold a final community walkthrough from 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on May 14—giving residents a last chance to visit before its closure after 56 years.

The school will be demolished after the 2024-25 school year and replaced by a new $40.8 million building—constructed behind the existing campus.

Kalamazoo Public Schools is planning to offer discounted passes to seniors aged 55 and up for school events this fall — following feedback from residents that included a request from Karen Ferrara, who noted that St. Joseph Public Schools already honors senior passes from other districts.

On May 12, city commissioners considered a $335,000 purchase agreement with Burdick Crosstown LLC for the former Brite Eyes Brewing on South Burdick Street to consolidate water treatment plants and improve water quality — a plan that aims to simplify regulatory requirements and enhance well head protection.

Today, Portage city council holds its final work session at 4:00 p.m. to set water and sewer rates—an 8.5% rise in sewer bills and a 5% increase in water rates that bring an average 7% hike for most homeowners, with changes scheduled to take effect July 1 if approved after a public hearing in two weeks.

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.

2 Day Psychic & Holistic Expo

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — General Admission $10, 12 and under free — Discover products and services for your body, mind, and spirit with over 50 vendors.

Yo-Yo Ma Concert

7-9 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Ticket costs vary — Experience the enchanting sounds of world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a captivating live performance.

KIA Arts Fair 2025

3 PM – 5 PM — Bronson Park — Free entry — Experience over 130 fine artists showcasing unique creations at this vibrant two-day juried art show.