🌱 WMU Tribal Governance Certificate Program + Plane Crash At Airport

Hey, everybody. I'm here right on time with your Friday edition of the Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Partly sunny and very warm. High: 83 Low: 55.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy and warm. High: 81 Low: 59.

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

1. Western Michigan University is partnering with three local tribal nations to offer a graduate certificate program in tribal governance starting in early 2023. The program, which combines three graduate-level courses on topics related to federal Indian policy and gaming economics, is unique because it is fully endorsed by the partnering tribal nations. The program aims to promote educational sovereignty for tribal nations and includes a multimedia storytelling component to preserve indigenous stories for future generations. The university is committed to building a strong relationship with the indigenous community and promoting capacity building within tribal nations and surrounding communities. (MiBiz: West Michigan Business News)
2. A plane crash occurred at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, involving a Piper Saratoga, a single-engine, six-seat plane. The pilot, who was the only occupant, successfully landed the plane without landing gear or wheels deployed. No injuries were reported, and the airport worked to clear the plane and resume normal operations. (MLive.com)
3. The City of Kalamazoo is seeking input from the community on proposed updates to its commercial zoning code, map, and related standards. The changes are part of the city's incremental Zoning Code and Map update process, aimed at clarifying code requirements, aligning land use and transportation, and supporting economic vitality. The proposed updates include simplifying existing commercial zoning districts, updating standards for parking, landscaping, lighting, and signage, and aligning the 2025 Master Plan and the City's Community Sustainability Plan with state regulations. Public meetings and opportunities for property owners to discuss the changes with city staff are scheduled, with a draft to be considered for approval by the Planning Commission and City Commission later this year after community input. (WKZO)

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Today in Kalamazoo-Portage:

• Family Storytime - Kalamazoo Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Hip Hop With Speak It Forward - POW/Barnabee Gallery (3:30 PM)
• Virtual Reality Night - Kalamazoo Public Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Portage District Library Garden Kaleidoscope is now adorned with spring pansies from River Street Flowerland, courtesy of a generous donation by Barbara Rider and Frederic Sammons in honor of Betty Lee Ongley. Don't miss the chance to visit the kaleidoscope at the library and enjoy the mesmerizing display of colors as you look through the scope and spin the bowl. (Portage District Library via Facebook)
• Join the Portage Farmers Market starting May 7 and every Sunday thereafter from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Portage City Hall. (Portage Market via Facebook)
• Ready for a rewarding career with competitive pay? The Portage Department of Public Safety offers a five-year Lateral Transfer Program for experienced officers, including special assignments in Community Policing. (The City of Portage MI via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.