🌱 Air Quality Sensor Program + Police Pursuit Ends In 2 Arrests

Hello, friends. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter, filled with all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Cloudy with showers around. High: 54 Low: 48.
• Thursday: Cloudy, rain, mainly early. High: 50 Low: 32.

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories in Kalamazoo-Portage today:

1. Kalamazoo is partnering with JustAir on a one-year pilot project to install air quality sensors in different neighborhoods to detect pollution. The sensors will collect data, which will be made available to residents to view and used by the city to come up with solutions to improve air quality. The aim of the project is to create an equitable breathing environment for everyone, regardless of their community or background. (FOX 17)
2. Police in Kalamazoo located a stolen vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the vehicle fled and police decided to stop the pursuit due to safety concerns. The vehicle later became stuck in traffic and the two occupants fled on foot. One suspect was tackled and arrested, while the other climbed a building but surrendered when surrounded by officers. Both suspects are now awaiting charges at Kalamazoo County Jail, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety or Kalamazoo Silent Observer. (WKZO)
3. A man was taken into custody by Portage public safety officers on Sunday afternoon after a brief chase. The vehicle had been reported stolen and was being followed by officers near the Southland Mall in Portage. The suspect initially resisted arrest but was pepper-sprayed and apprehended, while the passenger complied with police. (News Channel 3)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Wednesday, March 22

• Pinecone Succulents At Alma Powell Branch Library (4:00 PM)
• Virtual Reality Night At Kalamazoo Public Library (5:00 PM)

Thursday, March 23

• Read And Play Storytimes At Eastwood Branch Library (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• To raise awareness of the dangers of spring storms, a tornado drill will be conducted in Michigan this afternoon. Emergency sirens will sound, and the Michigan State Police will activate the Emergency Alert Systems at media outlets throughout the state. (WKZO)
• The City of Kalamazoo is seeking candidates for seasonal positions in various departments, including Parks & Recreation and Public Services. Interested applicants can find employment opportunities and apply online or in person at the Human Resources Department at City Hall. (The City of Kalamazoo)
• The City of Portage is seeking firms to provide temporary employment services for seasonal laborers and seasonal CDL-Class B laborers/drivers. The contract will be for a base year and four option years and interested firms can find bid documents and submit their information through the BidNet website. (Portage)

That's it for today! See you all soon for your next update.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.