🌱 Kalamazoo Marathon Returns + Free Health Clinic Back In Kalamazoo

Good morning, everybody. It's Monday in Kalamazoo-Portage and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening locally, including updates on these three stories.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Showers of rain and snow. High: 38 Low: 32.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, breezy and cold. High: 41 Low: 28.

📈 Interested in reaching our highly engaged readers with targeted messaging that drives proven results for local businesses? I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Kalamazoo-Portage who want to build awareness, connect with customers, and increase sales. If that's you, click here to learn more.

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

1. Shawn Hopkins of Kalamazoo will be facing trial over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl about two decades ago. Hopkins was accused of sexually assaulting a girl back in 2005 in a recording studio after giving her alcohol and marijuana before forcing her on the floor. A trial date has not yet been determined; however, if convicted, Hopkins could face a maximum penalty of up to life in prison. (WWJ)
2. After a short hiatus, the Kalamazoo Marathon will be returning this month on Apr. 22-23. The Ziegler Auto Group will be bringing the run back that last took place in 2019 along with other fun activities to get involved in if you do not want to participate in the full race. Tickets are currently on sale and you can use the promo code FOX17 for 10 percent off your ticket until Apr. 22. (FOX 17 West Michigan News)
3. Today (Apr. 17), Kalamazoo will be offering its first free health clinic since 2010 in the former Secretary of State building on 310 N. Rose St. Helping Hands is hosting the clinic catering to uninsured and at-risk individuals for free non-emergent acute and holistic care. A celebratory ribbon cutting and ceremony took place on Saturday welcoming the service back. (MLive.com)

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.

Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Monday, April 17

• KPL Tech Days - Kalamazoo Public Library (10:00 AM)

Tuesday, April 18

• Anime In The Afternoon - Kalamazoo Public Library (3:00 PM)
• Yoga 4 Life: Session 1 - Portage Parks & Recreation Building (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• It is officially less than three weeks until opening day at the market! If you want a little preview of what to expect, you can check out the website for more information on what's coming. (Kalamazoo Farmers Market via Facebook)
• A special congratulations to the Kalamazoo Poetry Festival on 10 years of connecting people through the art of poetry. You can check out the details about the festival on the website and what is to come in the future. (Kalamazoo Community Foundation via Facebook)
• It is officially National Volunteer Week! The Kalamazoo Community Foundation wants to thank all of those who take the time out of their lives to help others and give back to the community. If you want to get involved and help make a difference, you can click here. (Kalamazoo Community Foundation via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday! See you all soon for another 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.