🌱 Kalamazoo Co. $2 Million Housing Fund + Brand New Canadiana Fest

Hey, friends! I'm back in your inbox this spring morning with your new edition of the Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Let's get this Wednesday started off right, with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Sunny, breezy and very warm. High: 79 Low: 53.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm. High: 80 Low: 50.

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

1. Kalamazoo County announced on Tuesday that it is adding an additional $2 million to go toward affordable housing in the county. County officials have reopened applications for nonprofits and developers interested in receiving funding for affordable housing projects; interested parties can apply now through Apr. 24. Housing Director Mary Balkema said of the source of the funding, "The $2 million is coming from our housing millage that was approved by the voters in November of 2020 and is levied on the December bill, and it generates approximately $7.5 million this year." (FOX 17 West Michigan News)
2. Kalamazoo will be hosting its first-ever, brand-new Canadiana Fest this coming October at the Arcadia Festival Site. The event, scheduled for Oct. 7, will feature various opportunities to partake in activities and performances showcasing Canadiana music, food, and culture. Organizers are currently seeking food and art vendors, volunteers, and sponsors for the event. (WWMT-TV)
3. Portage Public Schools announced that it has selected interim Principal Nathan Ledlow to be the new principal at Portage Northern High School. Ledlow served previously as the school's assistant principal before being named interim principal on Oct. 17, 2022, after the former interim principal Michael Huber was placed on leave earlier that same month, eventually resigning in December 2022. (MLive.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Wednesday, April 12

• Eco Kids Day Out At Bee Joyful Shop (11:00 AM)
• Mushroom Growing Class At Horizen Hydroponics (Kalamazoo) (7:00 PM)

Thursday, April 13

• Kalamazoo Poetry Festival At First Congregational Church (3:30 PM)
• Bored Teachers - We Can't Make This Stuff Up Comedy Tour At Kalamazoo State Theatre (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new place to call home, or are you simply curious about the local housing market? To help in your search, check out this list of homes for sale now in the Kalamazoo-Portage area. (Kalamazoo-Portage Patch)
• Join the City of Kalamazoo in celebration of Earth Week by caring for the Kalamazoo River! The city will be leading a cleanup along the banks of the Kalamazoo River on Wednesday, Apr. 19. (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)
• Mark your calendars and put on your walking shoes! The Portage Central Mustang Gallop is a 5K family fun walk/run fundraiser that celebrates National Fitness Day and will be held on May 6. Proceeds will go towards benefiting the Portage Central Mustang Athletic Club Fund. Registration is open until Apr. 26. (The City of Portage MI via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. 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.