🌱 Taco & Tequila Festival + Students Participate In National Walkout

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

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Plenty of sunshine. High: 53 Low: 32.
• Saturday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 59 Low: 33.

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

1. A St. Joseph County sheriff is currently facing two criminal charges in Kalamazoo County after being accused of drunk driving that caused a crash. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite was involved in a crash on Feb. 26 around 2:20 a.m. while driving his county-issued SUV nearly 100 miles per hour into a vehicle going the 55 miles per hour speed limit. When a Michigan State Trooper approached Lillywhite, he could smell alcohol and noticed signs of impairment and also found his sheriff's badge, a loaded pistol, and two more firearms. If Lillywhite is convicted on his weapon charges, he will lose his license to carry a concealed weapon and see up to 93 days in prison. (MLive.com)
2. After about a four-year hiatus, the popular Taco and Tequila Festival will return to Kalamazoo on Jul. 8. The festival will return to Homer Stryker Field for its fifth year and feature about 20-30 food vendors along with drinks, live music, and more. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Apr. 20. (WWMT-TV)
3. The weather did not stop students in Portage and Kalamazoo from participating in National Walkout Day, a day dedicated to influencing change in gun laws. More than 200 students walked out of Portage Northern High School on Wednesday despite the threats of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, the same for Portage Central and Kalamazoo. This student-organized movement was a response to the gun violence students experience in school, demanding lawmakers make an effort for change. Students said this will not be the last time they make a stand in having their voices heard. (WOODTV.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Friday, April 7

• Family Storytime - Kalamazoo Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Hip Hop With Speak It Forward - POW/Barnabee Gallery (3:30 PM)
• Hike With A Biologist: Friday Frog Foray - Gourdneck State Game Area (6:45 PM)

Saturday, April 8

• KPL Tech Days - Kalamazoo Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Rose Street Poetry Club - Kalamazoo Public Library (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• This past Wednesday (Apr. 5) was National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day and Portage Public Schools gave thanks to many. The district mentioned in a Facebook post how important paraprofessionals are in area schools and how they contribute to the success of the students who attend. (Portage Public Schools via Facebook)
• The annual Young Artists of Kalamazoo County exhibit will be showcased until Apr. 16 and features work by Kalamazoo Public School's K-8 artists. Come enjoy this colorful art show at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. (Kalamazoo Public Schools via Facebook)
• REMINDER: City offices will be closed today, Apr. 7, in observance of Good Friday. All offices will reopen on Monday, Apr. 10. (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)

As a heads up, the Patch staff will take some time off for the Easter holiday. You won’t be receiving a newsletter this Monday, but I’ll be back soon with your next update. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

— 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.