Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Southern Kalamazoo County residents oppose the Road Commission’s plan to remove thousands of roadside trees in a federally funded safety project and plan to start a petition to warn state and federal agencies that the removal could worsen winter driving conditions.

Retired HVAC specialist Brad Shields, known as the Parchment Wizard, spreads positive messages along Mosel Ave in Parchment with his motivating signs and wizard costume.

He shares his mission on social media to encourage local smiles + community kindness.

County officials are exploring a community art project for the Judge Charles A Pratt Justice Center’s Light Well after plans for art were built into its design; support for a historic-themed Brush the Block mural and estimated costs of $5,000 – $10,000 could lead to participation in 2027.

Yesterday the Senate Education Committee approved bills to make free school meals permanent for all students; the measure will be debated before Governor Whitmer leaves office later this year — lawmakers aim to codify the current program.

Portage Public Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday afternoon on Amberly Street — financed by a $132.4 million bond to modernize aging facilities — for the new Amberly Elementary School; the building is expected to open in fall.

Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation and West Michigan Aviation Academy are launching a pathway program this fall that guarantees five flight science slots each year to eligible students who meet GPA and prerequisite standards — the program eases their transition from high school training to college aviation education.

Water service for some Oshtemo Township residents was disrupted yesterday when contractors severed a 12-inch transmission main near North Drake Road — township officials said crews will repair the line and restore pressure.

Enrollment began June 1 in Galesburg and in Oshtemo and Wakeshma townships under a program that gives $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first year to help cover essentials like diapers, formula and rent.

The cash assistance aims to support about 280 births each year in the county.

After KABA condemned Wildwood Off Main for life-safety risks in early May, apartment managers last week told second-floor tenants to leave while installing temporary stairs to help them exit safely, sparking complaints of poor communication and eviction threats.

Climax-Scotts hired Justin Kirinovic as the new head football coach to lead its storied 8-player team.

The coach, who brings eight years of experience from Tawas, Parchment, and Gull Lake + is set to build a positive team culture before the season begins.

Byron Center junior Nora Leavitt scored the winning goal 46 seconds after halftime to lead the team to a 2-0 regional semifinal win over Portage Central on Tuesday night.

The undefeated defending champs now advance to Thursday’s Division 1 final against Rockford (the match returns to Portage Central).

Three local girls soccer teams advanced after Tuesday's semifinals — Gull Lake will meet Unity Christian in a Division 2 final on June 5, while Kalamazoo Christian and Schoolcraft, winners 2-1 and 7-1 respectively, will compete in Division 4 finals today at 6 p.m. at Fennevill and Lansing Christian.

After Kalamazoo Christian beat Western Michigan Christian by a 2 to 1 score on June 2 at Fennville High School, they will face Saugatuck today at 6 p.m. in the Division 4 regional finals — the winner moves on to state semifinals at Cedar Springs.

Battle Creek Battle Jacks vs. Kalamazoo Growlers

6:35-10:35 p.m. — Honor Credit Union Baseball Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience an action-packed baseball showdown between local teams.

The Kalamazoo Blend Sessions Music Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Clover Room — $20.00 — Enjoy an evening of R&B, Hip Hop, and Afro Beats at this vibrant local music event.

Wisconsin Rapids Rafters vs. Kalamazoo Growlers

2:05 p.m. — Honor Credit Union Baseball Stadium — Ticketed event — Experience the excitement of minor league baseball as the Rafters take on the Growlers.

Dixon's Violin Live Concert

3:50-5:15 p.m. — Milham Park — General Admission $32 — Experience a mesmerizing performance by acclaimed violinist Dixon with an extraordinary twist on the electric violin.

Kalamazoo Caribbean Festival

June 26-28 — Arcadia Creek Festival Place — Prices vary — Celebrate the vibrant culture with delightful food, island vendors, and rhythmic festivities.