🌱 Bullet Found On School Bus + 'No Mow May' Rules + KPS Candidates

Hey, neighbors. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Colder with periods of rain. High: 40 Low: 36.
• Tuesday: A mix of snow and rain. High: 42 Low: 37.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Kalamazoo-Portage today:

1. An elementary student found a bullet on a Comstock Public Schools bus on Friday, Apr. 29. The student informed the bus driver who then notified the school’s principal. The school district commended the student for their actions as the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. It is unclear how the bullet ended up on the school bus. (WKZO)
2. In case you missed it: The City of Kalamazoo is accommodating homeowners who participate in "No Mow May" while enforcing its tall grass and weed ordinance starting in May. Homeowners who participate in No Mow May have been provided with a list of mowing instructions that can be found here to help homeowners avoid citations. The city ordinance mandates all property owners to keep grass below 8 inches tall and eradicate noxious weeds of any height. Violators will receive a violation notice and have 10 days to mow the grass and/or eradicate weeds; if they don't, an authorized contractor will mow the property, and the property owner will receive a bill. (WKZO)
3. The Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) Board of Education has announced the shortlisted candidates for the superintendent position. Three candidates were selected from the original six: Stephanie Jones from Chicago Public Schools, Darrin Slade of Hazelwood Public School District near St. Louis, and Ty Weeks from the Dearborn Heights School District No. 7. The three finalists will be interviewed in person on May 8 at the KPS Administration Building. The previous KPS superintendent, Rita Raichoudhuri, resigned suddenly in December 2022 after growing tensions with the board. (MLive.com)

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Today and Tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Monday, May 1

• KPL Tech Days At Kalamazoo Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Yoga At Comstock Community Center (10:30 AM)

Tuesday, May 2

• Vegan Pop-Up At Brite Eyes Brewing Co. (5:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know an incredible mom you'd like the rest of Kalamazoo-Portage to know about, too? Maybe it's your mom — or your daughter, a friend who's a mom or someone who steps up like a mom for the people in her life. Whoever it is, we want to hear about her! Just fill out this simple form and we'll do the rest.

From my notebook:

• Less than one week until the opening day of the Kalamazoo Farmer's Market! Until then, you can view a market map with participating vendors. The market will be held each Saturday beginning at 7:00 a.m. (Kalamazoo Farmers Market via Facebook)
• As of todayday, May 1, the Kalamazoo Public Library will proudly offer Kanopy to its patrons. Kanopy is the best video streaming service for quality, thoughtful entertainment. Users can find movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films, and more using Kanopy. The service will be free for library card holders. (Kalamazoo Public Library via Facebook)
• The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Summer Class registration opens online today, May 1, at 8:00 a.m. Adult and children's classes, workshops, and camps are all offered. Those interested can choose between jewelry-making, sculpture, painting, creative writing, and more! (Kalamazoo Institute of Arts via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

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

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.