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Will Portage tornado be a ‘federal disaster’? Damage isn’t the only factor
KALAMAZOO, MI –– As Karen Krajewski picked through the rubble of her childhood home at Oak Brook Estates on Wednesday, May 15, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials photographed and took note of the devastation. It’s been just over a week since tornadoes struck Kalamazoo County and the...
Northview wins "Battle of the Cats", ends Mattawan's season in Region action
MATTAWAN, Mich. — In a "Battle of the Cats", it was the hometown Mattawan crew getting scratched by visiting Grand Rapids Northview, as the Northview Wildcats defeated the Mattawan Wildcats 13-8 in girls lacrosse. Northview jumped out to leads of 3-0 after the first quarter and 7-4 at the...
Homeless people come to Kalamazoo for help. Can the city’s resources keep up?
KALAMAZOO, MI — People arrive in Kalamazoo with nowhere to live. One person from Saginaw heard there was housing in Kalamazoo and bought a bus ticket across the state. Another, from Ohio, was sent to Kalamazoo by their case worker, who bought them a one-way ticket because they heard about the resources.
Letter from the Editor: Tornado coverage is part chaos, part compassion and all public service
On Tuesday, May 7, two tornadoes tore through Portage, destroying 60 buildings and damaging hundreds more. The largest of the two had wind speeds of 135 mph, lasted 22 minutes and ripped a trail of destruction over 11 miles. Miraculously, there were no deaths or serious injuries. I often talk...
Kalamazoo couple gifts Gilmore Piano Festival with multi-million endowment
KALAMAZOO, MI -- The Gilmore foundation received a $2 million gift that will support Gilmore Festival events and support the artistic vision of The Gilmore’s executive and artistic director. The gift establishes the John W. and Rosemary K. Brown Family Fund at The Gilmore, according to a press release....
Tornado brings couple together who were neighbors for a decade
The Federal Emergency Management Agency better known as FEMA is assessing damage after powerful tornadoes tore through west Michigan on May, 7. Crews are reviewing areas in Kalamazoo, Cass, St. Joseph and Branch counties Wednesday and Thursday. Assessment: Federal, state and local officials to survey storm damage in affected counties...
PHOTOS: 26th annual Roof Sit kicks off in Portage with celebration dinner, auction
PORTAGE, Mich. — The 26th annual Roof Sit fundraiser in Portage is now underway. Through Saturday, participants can help raise $100,000 for the Community Healing Center's Children Advocacy Center, where specialized care is offered to children who are victims of abuse. Money will also go towards their children's outpatient...
New Mattawan athletic director brings winning mentality into bright future
MATTAWAN, MI – For Zack Marcy, winning has almost become second nature. The Grand Blanc native’s champion mentality stretches far and wide, starting with a 2011 state title as a member of Flint Powers’ football team. Naturally, Mattawan tabbed a winner. Mattawan announced and introduced Marcy as...
5 before-and-after photos of Portage tornado destruction
PORTAGE, MI -- Roofs were ripped off, mobile homes were thrown and people were injured when tornadoes descended on Southwest Michigan last week, including a storm that cut through Kalamazoo County. The city of Portage has a new mapping tool that allows comparison of buildings before and after the damaging...
Meth found in Pac-Man machine leads to prison for 3 drug traffickers
PORTAGE, MI -- It’s game over for three Kalamazoo-based drug traffickers after their methamphetamine was discovered in a Pac-Man arcade game. Three men have been sentenced for their roles in the drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl, meth and other drugs, some found inside an arcade game. If you purchase...
Portage organizes two more community cleanup efforts, volunteers needed
PORTAGE, Mich. — In the aftermath of the May 7 tornado, the city of Portage is organizing two more community-led cleanup efforts. Anyone 18 and older wishing to volunteer should meet at Portage City Hall on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 at 9 a.m. Rescue: Families, kids...
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