🌱 Free Community College Program + National UKC Dog Show In Kalamazoo

Hey, neighbors. It's Friday in Kalamazoo-Portage and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Pleasant with plenty of sun. High: 78 Low: 51.
• Saturday: Sunny and pleasant. High: 82 Low: 53.

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.

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

1. After an extensive investigation, a mother from Kalamazoo has been charged with second-degree child abuse, as evidence revealed her awareness of abusive situations inflicted by the father upon their two-month-old baby. The father, Paul Preston, is facing multiple counts of first-degree child abuse, as his actions since April resulted in the baby being hospitalized with severe injuries that endangered the child's life. The involvement of child services and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety prompted the mother to confess that she had concealed information from the doctor out of fear of losing custody of the baby. (FOX 17 West Michigan News)
2. Kalamazoo Valley Community College is offering a free three-week program to help high school seniors and other future students build confidence on campus. The only requirement for this program is for participants to have a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to helping prepare for college, the program will include assistance with transportation, a laptop to borrow, free meals while on campus, and the opportunity to be awarded $550 in cash. You can pick from one of four sessions and space is limited, learn more here. (WKZO)
3. This weekend the well-known United Kennel Club's Premier National Dog Show will be in Kalamazoo. The event is Friday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Friday there will be a free Pups & Trucks event that will run until 8:00 p.m. (WKFR 103.3)

Calling Kalamazoo-Portage business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships.

Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Friday, June 16

• Family Storytime At Kalamazoo Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Juneteenth Celebration At Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park (11:00 AM)
• 5th Annual "Clear the Kennel" Event At Callander Commercial (1:00 PM)

Saturday, June 17

• Bog BioBlitz Hike At Bishop's Bog Preserve (10:00 AM)
• Queer The Block At Kalamazoo State Theatre (11:00 AM)
• Juneteenth Speak Easy At Black Arts And Cultural Center (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Kalamazoo Public Schools wants to remind everyone that the 2023 Meet Up and Eat Up summer meal program will begin on Jun. 26 and run till August. Free meals will be provided for students 18 and younger at various locations in the school district, no registration is required. The program is also offering meals for young meal up to age 26. (Kalamazoo Public Schools via Facebook)
• Kalamazoo Public Safety would like to take the time to remember Fire Chief Ed Switalski who passed six years ago in a crash on I-94. The Kalamazoo community will forever thank him for the sacrifice he made for Kalamazoo. (Kalamazoo Public Safety via Facebook)
• Come out and join the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Juneteenth Community Day on Jun. 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendees can expect free activities, tours, and much more. (Kalamazoo Institute of Arts via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new 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.