Happy weekend, Kalamazoo! In today’s happening-today edition: National aging honoree, Bigfoot evidence at library, and a sound journey with horses + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old) -- see what it covers.*
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
National honor for leadership: Portage senior services director Kim Phillips was named a Trailblazer in Aging, honored by the National Council on Aging for strengthening services and expanding opportunities for healthy aging in Portage -- meet the aging honoree.
Future trail corridor secured: Portage City Council accepted a donated 7.05-acre vacant industrial parcel near wetlands, eyed as the future home of the Sprinkle Road Bypass North Trail, though development plans are not immediate -- check the trail plans.
Aviation team earns acclaim: Western Michigan University’s Sky Broncos placed fourth at the 2026 NIFA SAFECON in Moline, Illinois, with top five finishes in ground and flight events and third for the Judges Trophy -- see the SAFECON results.
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Neck acting up again? Arbor Chiropractic leans into a zone-healing, whole body approach that looks beyond the cranky spot and aims to get you moving comfortably again. Worth a try if pain keeps hijacking your week and you want clear, unhurried attention from people who actually listen.
Vintage treasure hunt: If your place could use a little soul, Garden House Vintage Market delivers a satisfying rummage of vintage finds, refinished furniture, and quirky accents that spark conversation. Grab a coffee, take a slow lap this week, and let your next statement piece find you.
Taplist goals, achieved: HopCat piles on a rotating wall of drafts, cheeky cocktails, and comfort food that somehow turns "I'll just grab one" into "should we also get Cosmik Fries?" Bonus points if you finally try their brunch... your weekend self will thank you.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Weed season is winning the yard war: By mid-May the weeds have a head start, and the bag of weed-and-feed from the garage isn't catching them up. TruGreen's specialists diagnose the lawn on the first visit and tailor the treatments — pre-emergent timing where it still works, post-emergent for what's already up, plus the fertilization and soil work that crowds new growth out. First application is 50% off, and the guarantee means a free revisit if something's not right. *See your plan in 2 minutes →
Summer just went on sale at CVS: The seasonal shop is stocked with sun care, beach chairs, coolers, fans, pool toys, and snacks — hundreds of items under $10, with 25 summer staples at buy one, get one 50% off. Sun Bum and Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen are marked down with ExtraBucks back, and the soda 12-packs are buy two, get one free. Pick it up in store, get it same-day, or have it shipped. *Shop the summer sale →
Two sprays before bed, no more snoring? It really is that simple. No mouthpiece to wrestle with, no CPAP mask, no nose strips that peel off at 2am. This doctor-developed throat spray has been keeping sleepers quiet for 30 years, and first-time orders are 40% off right now. *See how it works →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
20% off the Father's Day gift he'll actually use: Cologne is the rare gift that doesn't sit in a drawer. Particle's Gravité is a new French scent designed to last all 12 hours of his day, and our readers get 20% off with code BASELOCAL — plus free shipping and a 30-day guarantee on the full bottle. *Worth a look → |
05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🍞 Loaves & Fishes Food Drive 2026 @ Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes | Saturday (5/30) at 9:00 AM – Whether you alphabetize your pantry for fun or show up with good intentions, this food drive needs you. The Kalamazoo Italian American Club is helping receive and sort donations at the Portage Rd warehouse, the date shifted and time is TBD, so stay tuned.
🪷 Wetland Wonders @ Kalamazoo Nature Center | Saturday (5/30) at 12:00 PM – Swap your errands for muck boots and discover how squishy wetlands can be at KNC. Join a citizen science romp to sample and ID locals, frogs, and bugs, let your inner 10-year-old be thrilled. Meet at Cooper’s Glen Auditorium, included with admission, members free.
🌿 Workshop – Botanical Printing, Spring Wreath @ Kalamazoo Book Arts Center | Saturday (5/30) at 1:00 PM – Spring has arrived, so let’s press it into something pretty. JoAnne Laudolff leads a botanical printing workshop where you’ll hand-rub fresh leaves and flowers into a wreath suitable for framing, supplies included. Adults, all levels, $50, and yes, your garden finally pulls its weight.
🍽 Feed Me Kzoo Walking Food Tour @ Pop City Popcorn | Saturday (5/30) at 1:00 PM – Stretch your legs, not your patience, on a small-group stroll through downtown where you’ll sample signature dishes, hear the backstories, and maybe snag a drink. Meet at Pop City Popcorn, tickets required, just 12 per tour. Wear comfy shoes, bring an appetite.
🎼 Looking Bach: J. S. Bach and the Music of Palestrina @ First Congregational Church | Saturday (5/30) at 3:00 PM – Give your streaming apps the night off and let Early Music Michigan toast 25 years by pairing Palestrina's Masses with Bach's motets. It doubles as a 500th birthday nod to Palestrina, whom Bach, ever the teacher's pet, studied like scripture.
🌲 Into the Woods @ Festival Playhouse at Kalamazoo College | Saturday (5/30) at 7:30 PM – Trade Netflix for Sondheim and go see Into the Woods, the rare modern classic where Cinderella, Jack, and a cursed Baker and his wife learn wishes come with receipts. It’s witty, touching, and just dark enough. Plus, that Tony-winning score still sings.
🐴 Open Space - A Sound Journey with Horses @ Horse Time Center for Equine Collaboration | Sunday (5/31) at 2:00 PM – Trade your to-do list for an outdoor sound journey while horses roam the circle like unlicensed therapists, calming nerves better than your smartwatch. Sit in the paddock or just outside, same soothing effect. Wear closed toe shoes, lightweight pants, and a healthy respect for flies. Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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06 — The Kalamazoo report Weather forecastToday — High: 74°F — Low: 48°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 74. East northeast wind around 12 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 48. East wind 3 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 77°F — Low: 51°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. This house is wildThis spacious 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath Rudgate two-story pairs everyday comfort with standout style. A remodeled gourmet kitchen shines with granite, stainless appliances, and a large island, while the family room centers around a custom stone gas fireplace. Formal rooms, a main-floor office, a knotty pine three-season room, and a 3-car garage round out the appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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