🌱 Police Investigating Homicide + City Wants Action On Air Quality

Hey, 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 in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Plenty of sunshine. High: 69 Low: 43.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 73 Low: 52.

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

1. Kalamazoo police are investigating a homicide that occurred on Sunday in the area of North Westnedge Avenue. Bullet casings were reportedly found outside and at least 18 yellow evidence markers were set up on the street and outside the home. Multiple witnesses told News Channel 3 that a woman had been shot in the neck. Investigators have not released any further information about the incident or the victim. (News Channel 3)
2. Kalamazoo city commissioners are expressing a sense of urgency in addressing dangerous pollution in the Northside neighborhood. Vice Mayor Don Cooney called it a public health emergency, emphasizing the need to prioritize air quality issues. A recent report by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services highlighted the hazards caused by the Graphic Packaging International paper mill and the city wastewater treatment plant, with residents regularly exposed to high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas. Commissioners stressed the city's responsibility in addressing the pollution as the owner of the wastewater treatment plant and the provider of tax breaks to Graphic Packaging. (MLive.com)
3. The Kalamazoo City Commission has voted to approve a Michigan Department of Transportation contract for improvements to Whites Road. The $3.6 million project will include new water mains, improved stormwater drainage, updated intersections and signals, and a new surface for the road. The project will also change Whites Road from four lanes into three lanes. Construction is expected to begin in late summer and is set to be completed by November 2024. (WWMT)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Wednesday, May 17

• Queer Women's Community Social Gathering At OutFront Kalamazoo (6:00 PM)
• Trivia Night At Bookbug & This Is A Bookstore (6:00 PM)
• We Drink From The Same Well At Pedal Bicycle (7:00 PM)

Thursday, May 18

• Rock 'N Roll Into Summer Family Resource Night At Kalamazoo Farmers Market (5:30 PM)
• Punk Rock Vinyl Night At Apoptosis Brewing Company (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Portage is getting ready for its Friday at the Flats event coming up on May 26 at 4:30 p.m. This event will include live music, food trucks, and lots of fun. Click here to learn more. (City of Portage MI via Facebook)
• A Bike Rodeo event is happening today, May 17, at Mayors' Riverfront Park! This is a free event for kids to learn about bicycling skills and get assistance with making sure their helmets and gear fit properly. Find out more here. (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)
• This Friday, May 19, Larry Fleet is headlining his first concert at the Kalamazoo State Theatre. Fleet is an up-and-coming country musician who is sure to put on a good show. Click here for tickets. (Kalamazoo State Theatre via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

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

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. I'll be back in your inbox 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.