🌱 GPI Data Shows High Toxicity + The Children's Nature Playscape

Hey, everybody! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter. Let's get this Thursday started off right with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 65 Low: 46.
• Friday: Partly sunny. High: 72 Low: 48.

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

1. The concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas near the Graphic Packaging International facility in Kalamazoo have been made public for the first time, as required by state enforcement action due to the company's multiple air quality violations. The data shows levels as high as four parts per billion over the past four days, exceeding the federal recommended limit of 1.4 parts per billion for long-term exposure of a year or more. The company has implemented measures to reduce emissions and is committed to being a good community partner, while a state report on the health effects of the pollution is still ongoing. (MLive.com)
2. Caleb James Watson, of Milford, was arraigned for allegedly sexually assaulting a freshman on the campus of Western Michigan University in 2013. The 29-year-old faces four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of assault with intent to commit penetration. The Michigan Department of the Attorney General announced the charges resulted from a collaborative effort by a few agencies, including the Kalamazoo County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. If convicted, Watson could be sentenced to life in prison, and a probable cause conference will be held in court on May 10. (WHMI)
3. The Children’s Nature Playscape on Bronson Park is reopening with more natural enhancements after the completion of Phase 2 of the project, which involved planting native vegetation, building three nature-inspired musical instruments, a sensory garden, an eco-friendly bathroom with a baby-changing station, and a performance pavilion. The goal of the playscape is to let children experience nature with curiosity and fun. The playscape will be open for longer hours, and the team will be looking for community feedback before any further development. (Second Wave Media)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Friday, May 5

• Kalamazoo Rock, Gem, Fossil And Mineral Show At Kalamazoo County Expo Center (4:00 PM)
• Virtual Reality Night At Kalamazoo Public Library (4:00 PM)
• Art Hop May: Celebrating Public Art! At Kalamazoo Institute Of Arts (5:00 PM)

Saturday, May 6

• Kalamazoo Farmers Market Opening Day 2023 At Bank Street (7:00 AM)
• Saturday Family Skate At Rollerworld (3:00 PM)
• Inaugural Kalamazoo Beer Fest At Kalamazoo Growlers Baseball (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Let's give a round of ap-paws for the Animal Rescue Project's April adoption board! They have found forever homes for 36 dogs and 23 cats, including some long-timers like Murphy, Squeaks, and Mr. Bigs. (Animal Rescue Project via Facebook)
• Get ready for an epic adventure at Fort Custer State Recreation Area! This 3,033-acre park is packed with opportunities for aquatic enthusiasts, including the Kalamazoo River, three lakes, and a swimming beach. (Discover Kalamazoo via Facebook)
• Green Eden has been recognized as a Move Portage bike-friendly business, contributing to making Portage a more bike-friendly community. Be part of the cycling culture, reduce CO2 emissions, and enjoy a healthy program by joining Portage Parks & Recreation's Move Portage initiative here. (The City of Portage MI via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (May 8)
• Community Native Plant Sale -- Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones (May 20)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll be 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.