The latest from Southwest Michigan.
Binder Park Zoo Opens its Doors for the 47th Season
New to visitors this year is the permanent home and habitat for the zoo’s beloved goat population. Also open is SkyLark Ridge, which boasts five ziplines that are three stories tall. There are structures available for those above and below 48 inches, so park-goers of all ages may enjoy the attraction.
Marvel Comics Illustrator Jerry DeCaire to Visit Albion District Library May 4
Marvel Comics illustrator Jerry DeCaire will discuss the craft of art and illustration, and share what it’s like to be an artist, during a visit to the Albion District Library on May 4. The event, intended for children in grades 5-12, as well as adults, is free and open to the public.
Veteran Launches ‘Puppy Playground’ in Galesburg with Dog Park and Daycare
A new, combined dog park and doggy daycare is opening in Galesburg. Owned by a local veteran, the Puppy Playground aims to be a one-stop shop for dog owners, featuring an indoor and outdoor park, overnight kennels, a groomer, and even a full concession stand for owners.
New Arena Plans: See Designs for Water Features, Courtyard, Parking Deck, Slimmer Street
Kalamazoo will narrow one of its downtown roads to make way for wider sidewalks, a parking structure, and an outdoor plaza to pave the way for the new $300 million downtown arena. Plans also include a skybridge in between the arena and the parking ramp as well as an educational water feature, a reflective pool, and waterfall.
New Kalamazoo ‘Cakery’ Brings Sweet Philosophy Downtown
Meka Phillips, who specializes in creating custom cakes for all occasions, is getting ready to open her first brick-and-mortar location in downtown Kalamazoo called Dessert First. In addition to sweets, the “cakery” will also have affordable breakfast and lunch offerings five days a week.
South Haven Proposes Expanded Social District
The South Haven City Council voted this week to approve plans that will implement several changes regarding the city’s social district. These include extending the daily hours, extending the season, and updating signage to make the boundaries more clear.
Grand Traverse Pie Company Announces New Fruits of Summer Flavor in Pure Michigan Partnership
Grand Traverse Pie Company unveiled its new Fruits of Summer Pie, a tasty partnership with Pure Michigan. Everything about this pie—from the berries inside to the box it’s packaged in—is from Michigan companies. The sweet collaboration was announced and taste-tested in Kalamazoo during the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
Music Industry Hometown Hero Honored in Benton Harbor
The city of Benton Harbor has honored a local music industry success. Commissioners named April 8 “Carlton Mays Jr. Day” to celebrate the work of Carlton Mays, a Benton Harbor native otherwise known as CNOTE. He’s a record producer and songwriter who’s won two Grammys.
Cocktail Bar Coming to Downtown Kalamazoo with Duckpin Bowling, Pour-Your-Own Beers
Crafted Copper cocktail lounge is getting a slight rebrand and will be opening sometime this summer in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. The new location will feature a pay-by-the-ounce draft beer wall and duckpin bowling, which is similar to traditional bowling, but with a twist.
WMU to Host Fly-in Open House in Battle Creek Saturday
Alpha Eta Rho Theta, the professional aviation fraternity at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, will host its annual “fly-in” open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at WMU’s Aviation Education Center. Attendees will be able to get a closer look at WMU’s training aircraft as well as aircraft from industry partners at this unique event.
Historic Marshall Building to Transform Into Event Center by 2025
Renovations of a nearly 200-year-old building recently began in Marshall. The building, purchased by President and CEO of Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub Sue Damron in 2019, will become a new event center called 19 Zero 9 and will accommodate up to 250 seated guests for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.
LMC Music Students Present Two Concerts in April
The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department will showcase its music students during free public concerts in April. The performances will take place in the LMC Mendel Center Hanson Theatre on the college’s Benton Harbor Campus.