🌱 No Mow May In Action + Low Cost Health Care For Pet Owners

Hello, hello. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Not as warm; afternoon rain. High: 70 Low: 57.
• Saturday: Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 78 Low: 51.

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

1. The City of Kalamazoo has temporarily suspended issuing fines for residents with uncut lawns in support of the "No Mow May" movement, which aims to help pollinators by refraining from mowing grass for the month. Instead of fines, residents will receive courtesy notices during May, but regular citations and fines will resume on Jun. 1. Homeowners are requested to maintain specific areas of their lawns, and failure to comply within 10 days may result in escalating fines. (WOODTV.com)
2. As the weather continues to warm up and outdoor hobbies like fishing begin to make their way back to the forefront, officials are warning locals about the safety risks that come with consuming fish from the Kalamazoo River due to high levels of chemicals. Polychlorinated biphenyls in particular are found in species such as walleye, carp, catfish, and rainbow trout. A report from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the presence of these chemicals, which pose a risk to human health. While some fish may be safe to eat at low levels, it is crucial to verify the safety of fish caught from local lakes and rivers before consumption. (wkfr.com)
3. The Kalamazoo Humane Society has launched a program aimed at assisting low-income pet owners in accessing affordable services to maintain the health of their pets. The organization wants to prevent pet owners from having to give up their animals due to financial constraints by offering wellness care, including exams and vaccines, through grant funding. The Kalamazoo Humane Society plans to hold pop-up clinics in the community to increase accessibility and aims to serve around 200 people in their upcoming event on Monday, May 15 at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market. (FOX 17 West Michigan News)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Friday, May 12

• Video Editing For Beginners At Kalamazoo Public Library (3:00 PM)

Saturday, May 13

• Mamas, Muffins & Mimosas At Black Arts & Cultural Center (7:00 AM)
• Electric Vehicle Q&A And Car Show At Oshtemo Branch Library (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• According to recent data, the state of Michigan had the eighth-lowest rate of U.S. teen driver fatalities in 2022. Bumper.com reports that “young drivers are statistically more likely than other age groups to be involved in fatal accidents.” (Bumper.com)
• The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre offers a special $10 Student Rush ticket for any of its productions if students visit the box office in person 90 minutes before a show with a valid student ID. Take advantage of this great deal and go see "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" before its final show on May 21. (Kalamazoo Civic Theatre via Facebook)
• You can still stop by the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts to see award-winning art by Kalamazoo High School students. Artwork will be showcased until May 21. (Kalamazoo Public Schools 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. I'll see you around!

— 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.