🌱 Largest Fentanyl Seizure In Kalamazoo + Post-Secondary Signing Day

Hello, friends! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Delightful with sunshine. High: 74 Low: 46.
• Tuesday: Some sun, then clouds; breezy. High: 73 Low: 44.

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

1. Tyrone Henderson was found guilty in federal court on Friday on multiple charges, including what is said to be the largest seizure of fentanyl in the Kalamazoo area. Henderson had previously been convicted for drugs in 1994, and he was arrested again when his home was raided in November, and authorities found many drugs, firearms, and money. The search of his home led to the seizure of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, along with other illegal substances. A sentencing date has not been set yet, but he was found guilty on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. (WOODTV.com)
2. Public officials in Kalamazoo are looking more into safety measures that can be put in place to end the violence that has recently been occurring around the Campus Pointe Mall. Kalamazoo is used to the hectic nature of being a party town but, as of recently, these rowdy crowds have transitioned from college-aged kids to older crowds and more violence oriented. The Public Safety Chief is planning to meet with store owners and discuss restricting access to parking on weekends to combat these gatherings. Changes are in order, as there have been two homicides in the mall parking lot within the last year. (WKZO)
3. Kalamazoo Promise invited over 700 scholars to the Arcadia Creek Festival last Friday, where Kalamazoo Public School students were celebrated in whatever ventures they are pursuing in the future during the Post-Secondary Signing Day. Whether students were planning to attend a four-year college or pursue other paths such as trade school, the military, or straight into the workforce, Kalamazoo Promise wanted to highlight and support these students and their plans. In addition to all the colleges invited to the event, businesses and community organizations were also in attendance for students to connect with and build potential relationships for the future. (WWMT-TV)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Monday, May 15

• Drop-in Playtime - Comstock Township Library (9:30 AM)
• Shut Up And Write! - Bookbug & This Is A Book Store (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, May 16

• Bring May Flowers! - Eastwood Branch Library (3:00 PM)
• GLAMA Community Sing - Kalamazoo Public Library (6:00 PM)
• City Council Meeting - City of Portage (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Kalamazoo Public Library was honored to participate in the Talking is Teaching Play Time event last week at Milham Park. The library wants to give thanks to all who came out to celebrate the event at the new park playground. (Kalamazoo Public Library via Facebook)
• With summer right around the corner, it is the perfect time to explore all the opportunities in the environment in the Kalamazoo area. Here is a list of some of the best outdoor weekend getaways in the area to experience the beauty of the area. (Discover Kalamazoo via Facebook)
• National Police Week has officially started around the nation, and the city of Portage will be highlighting those currently serving and honoring those who have passed all week. The Portage Public Safety Headquarters will be lit up every night of the week during National Police Week as well. (The City of Portage MI via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Community Native Plant Sale -- Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones (May 20)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you 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.