🌱 KPS New Superintendent Starts + Portage David's Bridal Closing

Hello, everybody! It's Monday in Kalamazoo-Portage and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in our community today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Sunny and pleasant. High: 89 Low: 65.
• Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 88 Low: 60.

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

1. Last week the new Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade officially began his role with the school district and already has spoken about his plans to better the district. Dr. Slade is looking to immediately increase graduate rates, address youth violence and increase test scores. He believes it is important for educators to serve as role models for students and to connect with them as individual people for the highest chances of success. School starts on Aug. 28 and Dr. Slade is ready to get to work when the students walk into the building for the first time in the new school year. (FOX 17 West Michigan News)
2. Dresses at David's Bridal are up to 70 percent off as the store in the Portage Southland Center will be closing its doors on Jul. 18. The company filed for bankruptcy back in April of this year due to difficulties keeping consistent business after the pandemic. CEO James Marcum is confident that someone will buy the business and operations will one day continue in the future, it is still unknown if other shops in Michigan have announced closure plans. (WWMT-TV)
3. Late last week a Kalamazoo man was arrested and charged after he exposed himself at the Petoskey State Park. 58-year-old Ernest Keyes was charged on counts of indecent exposure and sexually delinquent person last Thursday after he allegedly exposed himself to beachgoers. The Emmet County Sheriff's Office received the call around 4:15 p.m. to respond to the scene after receiving complaints from the public. (WKZO)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Monday, July 10

• KPL Tech Days At Kalamazoo Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Cardio Drumming At Comstock Community Center (12:00 PM)
• Reading Rangers At Kalamazoo Public Library (2:00 PM)
• Lightroom For Beginners At Kalamazoo Public Library (3:00 PM)

Tuesday, July 11

• Move & Groove At Kalamazoo Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Photoshop For Beginners At Kalamazoo Public Library (12:00 PM)
• Creativebug Craft For Adults: Ice Dyed T-Shirts At Washington Square Branch Library (4:00 PM)
• Reading Race Book Group At Kalamazoo Public Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The city of Kalamazoo has discussed plans to repave Winchell Avenue and pilot a new street type called an Edge Lane Road meant to provide more space for bicyclists and drivers sharing the road. Cars approaching each other will merge into a bike lane sharing a lane and yielding to those on bicycles, more information can be found here. (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)
• Women of Western Michigan University were recognized as being remarkable leaders in the community from the YMCA Kalamazoo. Morgan Jones, Whitney Lewis, and Sierra Ward were honored last week as 2023 Young Women of Achievement as they drive toward systematic change and lifting their community. (Western Michigan University via Facebook)
• If you have ever had an interest in learning how to make sushi the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts has the perfect opportunity for you whether you are new to the process or you are looking for new tips. The KIA is holding a hands-on sushi-making workshop on Jul. 20 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., pre-registration is encouraged for the event. (Kalamazoo Institute of Arts)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early soon with another 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.