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Similar paths make it ‘unlikely’ potential second tornado in Portage will be confirmed
PORTAGE, MI -- Roughly an hour after Portage residents began assessing the damage from an EF2 tornado on May 7, phones and sirens rang out with a second tornado warning. It was suspected a second tornado was on the ground. But whether there was a second tornado in Portage is “unlikely” to be confirmed at this point, said National Weather Service Meteorologist Bruce Smith.
Defendant found guilty of killing man, 23, outside Kalamazoo hotel
KALAMAZOO, MI — Kheimyl Dauryi Oneal was found guilty Thursday, May 16 of second-degree murder and felony firearm in the death of 23-year-old Aaron Marquise Holmes. After hearing closing arguments Thursday morning, the jury returned the verdict late the same afternoon, finding that Oneal, now 26, had killed Holmes on May 8, 2021, outside of a Kalamazoo hotel. Kalamazoo County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Williams confirmed the verdict with MLive Thursday afternoon.
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...
10 most expensive homes sold in Portage and Vicksburg, May 6-12
A house in Portage that sold for $599,953 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Portage and Vicksburg in the past week. In total, 21 residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past week, with an average price of $270,788. The average price per square foot ended up at $194.
St. Joseph County farmer remains hopeful after tornado
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY | Mich. — Drew Cupp was heading home during the evening of May 7, 2024, when tornado sirens sounded in Mendon. A fifth generation farmer, several of his family members live in the area. Initially he called his dad, who watched the tornado as it tore...
Families, kids take cover in Walgreens cooler during Portage tornado
PORTAGE, Mich. — A Walgreens Pharmacy Operations Manager's quick thinking protected four families, employees and customers while an EF-2 tornado ripped through Portage. Many people were scrambling for a place to go when the tornado was on top of Portage. Some turned to the place closest to them, Walgreens on Shaver Rd. and W. Centre Ave. 4.
Judge threatens defendant with gag order before issuing 100-year sentence
KALAMAZOO, MI –– After five years of waiting for justice, Nikkole Riojas’ parents watched as the man who murdered their daughter was sentenced to between 100 and 150 years in prison. Anthony Ozomaro, 37, was sentenced Tuesday, May 14 on a charge of second-degree murder for killing...
Kalamazoo gears up for a 'grate' time at Mac N Cheese Mayhem cookoff
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Get ready, Kalamazoo - the "cheesiest event of the year" is almost here. Saturday, downtown Kalamazoo is set to host Mac N Cheese Mayhem: the Ultimate Mac N Cheese Cookoff, according to organizers Wednesday. Battle Creek:Big Cheese Mac+Cheese Festival returns to Battle Creek, celebrates local flavors.
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...
The Crew restaurant has new location, but same vibe
PORTAGE, MI -- When the Perkins restaurant in Kalamazoo closed in June 2011, it was a shock to staff. The employees went on to find other jobs, but many stayed in touch. They started to dream of working together again. If you purchase a product or register for an account...
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...
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...
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...
A closer look at damage at Portage FedEx facility, how they move forward
PORTAGE, Mich. — The FedEx facility in Portage was one of the hardest-hit locations by the tornadoes last Tuesday. The building sustained significant damage, including destroying three van lines, where they lodge vehicles. Annette Brown, a safety specialist with FedEx, described the roof peeling back like a can of...
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