🌱 Kalamazoo Avenue Redesign Plan + Free Skin Cancer Check Clinic

Hi all. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 89 Low: 62.
• Thursday: Hot with plenty of sunshine. High: 90 Low: 64.

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 in Kalamazoo-Portage today:

1. Kalamazoo city leaders organized an open house on Tuesday to discuss the proposed two-way traffic redesign of Kalamazoo Avenue, showcasing draft plans that outline the street configuration, pedestrian improvements, and transit upgrades. The project also includes upgrades to water, storm, and sewer infrastructure underneath the street. Community members were encouraged to provide feedback on various aspects of the project, including pedestrian crossings and desired amenities. Construction is anticipated to start in 2024 and continue until 2026. (WWMT-TV)
2. A residential structure fire occurred in Kalamazoo's Northside neighborhood, resulting in the partial collapse of the second floor and roof. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. Fire crews responded to the fully involved fire and were able to bring it under control within 20 minutes, although they remained on the scene to address remaining hot spots. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by the Fire Marshal's office, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety or Silent Observer. (MLive.com)
3. WMed Health will hold a free skin cancer check clinic this week as the weather gets warmer and residents begin spending more time outside. No appointments are needed, and it is open to all community residents. The clinic will occur on Thursday, Jun. 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 55 West Crosstown Parkway. (WWMT-TV)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Wednesday, May 31

• Virtual Reality Night At Kalamazoo Public Library (5:00 PM)
• Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Intermediate At Ramona Park & Beach (6:00 PM)
• Explore Archery For Adults At Schrier Park (6:00 PM)

Thursday, June 1

• Illustrator For Beginners At Kalamazoo Public Library (1:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• To close out AA and NHPI Heritage Month, YWCA Kalamazoo expressed gratitude and admiration for the extensive contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders across various fields, acknowledging their enriching influence and urging them to persist in making positive contributions that shape our world. (YWCA Kalamazoo via Facebook)
• The City of Portage is welcoming back its Summer Concert Series on Jun. 8 at 7:00 p.m., with the Motortown All-Stars to begin the season. You can find more information at the link. (The City of Portage MI via Facebook)
• Venture Park Drive, from Oshtemo Woods Lane to Quail Run Drive, will be closed today, May 31, due to sanitary work; motorists will be affected by the closure, but pedestrians and cyclists can use the sidewalks as usual. (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early 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.