🌱 Assistant Police Chief Retiring After 35 Years + 13th Hot Dog Walk

Good morning, everybody. Michelle Paul here with your fresh copy of the Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Cloudy with a few showers. High: 68 Low: 47.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 71 Low: 44.

🏡 Are you looking for a new and effective way to advertise your real estate business? If you've maxed out your lead generation with Zillow and Google, we have a fresh solution for you. Our exclusive sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to reach potential clients and stand out in the market. Click here to learn more.

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

1. After an impressive 35-year career with the Portage Police Department, Assistant Chief John Blue is retiring on May 9. Blue, a third-generation law enforcement officer, joined the department in 1988 and has worked in various roles, from road patrol to SWAT. Throughout his tenure, he made significant contributions, including training hundreds of individuals on responding to active shooters and homegrown violent extremists, as well as helping to create officer training guides for mental health crises. Blue plans to take some time to relax and enjoy family events and hobbies in his retirement. (Michigan Live)
2. Limited space is available for the upcoming 13th annual Kalamazoo Hot Dog Walk, where participants can enjoy hot dogs while supporting a good cause. The event, taking place on May 26, offers the option to join a guided tour or purchase a voucher packet to visit all seven participating restaurants independently. All proceeds from the event benefit Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, providing meals to those in need. (Michigan Live)
3. Jacob Emmendorfer, who faced charges of felony murder, first-degree child abuse, and first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Kalamazoo County, was acquitted by a jury on Friday, May 5. The charges stemmed from the alleged assault of a 13-month-old girl in August 2020. As a result of the not-guilty verdict, Emmendorfer was released after spending three years in jail. (WKZO)

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:

Monday, May 8

• Drop-In Playtime At Comstock Township Library (9:30 AM)

Tuesday, May 9

• Family Storytime At Comstock Township Library (10:30 AM)
• Open Mic With The Doc At Old Dog Tavern (6:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know an incredible mom you'd like the rest of Kalamazoo-Portage to know about, too? We want to hear about her! Just fill out this simple form and we'll do the rest. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, have a look at these awesome moms!

From my notebook:

• Ahead of their prom, a group of seniors from Kalamazoo Christian High School made a heartwarming visit to White Oaks Assisted Living in nearby Lawton. The students took the opportunity to spend time with older adults in the community. (News Channel 3)
• The opening of the Helping Hands Wellness Center in Kalamazoo brings hope to the underserved and homeless population in need of medical attention. This newly established clinic, located at 310 N. Rose St., aims to provide free, non-emergent care to those who are uninsured or at risk. Services offered include minor procedures, x-ray imaging, emotional coaching, wound care, and more, catering to the specific needs of the community. (WJIM AM)
• The Kalamazoo Farmers Market returned this weekend for the 2023 season. The market runs every Saturday on Bank Street until Nov. 18. (WWMT)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Community Native Plant Sale -- Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones (May 20)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.