Good morning, Kalamazoo.

An Illinois man—Dequon Hardimon, 26—was charged in federal court for allegedly stealing mail from a blue USPS collection box at Miller Road Branch and leading officers on a chase through US-131 and I-94, and he was released on a $10,000 bond while authorities continue to search for two passengers who fled on foot.

Portage Northern High School held its graduation ceremony at Miller Auditorium on Western Michigan University’s campus on May 22.

Graduates received diplomas and many decorated their caps—one student will join Kalamazoo College’s football team next year.

KRESA opened its new Career Connect Campus on May 22 to help students learn skills in areas such as (agriculture, construction, health science, and IT), giving local businesses a pipeline of job-ready graduates.

The center will boost workforce development and prepare students for high-demand, well-paying careers.

Parents at Parkwood-Upjohn and Winchell elementary schools have asked Kalamazoo Public Schools not to cut the part-time assistant librarian position set for this fall.

Dr. Darrin Slade said the principal removed the position from the budget but other staff will handle the reshelving of books—alleviating fears that children will lose library access.

The Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Trustees approved a $48,436 raise for Superintendent Darrin Slade who initially asked for a lower salary when hired in 2023.

Slade’s new $278,436 salary + contract extension to 2030 will take effect July 1.

Drivers traveling during the holiday weekend saw a warning on MDOT dynamic signboards that toll texts are scams—officials said MDOT does not operate toll roads or collect payments through text messages and advised residents to report suspicious messages.

Southwest Michigan’s top-ranked Paw Paw Red Wolves won their first conference championship in 23 years last week by sweeping Niles and setting new single-season records with players Cami VanderMeeden and Elizabeth Vanderburg breaking hitting marks—The team will play a doubleheader Tuesday at Coldwater and face Otsego in the district semifinal on Saturday.

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.

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets in Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Harry Potter on a giant screen with a live symphony orchestra performing the iconic score.

Kenosha Kingfish vs. Kalamazoo Growlers

1:35-3:05 p.m. — Homer Stryker Field — Tickets available — Catch an exciting summer baseball matchup featuring local teams.

UKC PREMIER Nationals Dog Show

8 AM – 2 PM — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — Dogs not in competition are asked to stay home as they prance, weave, and soar at this premier event showcasing the UKC's 'Total Dog' philosophy.

Festival Fridays 2025

8 PM – 12 AM — Arcadia Creek Festival Place — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of community festivities in downtown Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo Klassic 2025

7:30-10:30 a.m. — Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts — Registration required — Celebrate community and inclusivity while achieving your fitness goals with 5K, 10K, and 15K options.

Wausau Woodchucks vs. Kalamazoo Growlers

1:35-3:05 p.m. — Homer Stryker Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game between the Woodchucks and the Growlers in Kalamazoo.