🌱 Boil Water Advisory + Hearing Set For Ice Storm Power Outages

Good morning, friends! It's Wednesday in Kalamazoo-Portage and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community today.

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But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Sun mixing with clouds. High: 46 Low: 36.
• Thursday: Rain and drizzle in the p.m.. High: 47 Low: 38.

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Business owners and marketers in Kalamazoo-Portage: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

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

1. Residences and businesses in a portion of Kalamazoo are under a precautionary boil water advisory from Tuesday, Mar. 14 to likely Friday, Mar. 17. The city shut off the water in the area for infrastructure repair on Hughes Street, and although no bacteria has been found in the water, the city is won't receive its first test results until this morning. For those using water for consumption and drinking in the areas listed at the link, boil the water for at least two minutes. (MLive.com)
2. Kalamazoo Senator Sean McCann has announced the first hearing to review the issues behind the storm-related power outages in the state that resulted from February's ice storm. The hearing will be on Thursday, Mar. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:50 p.m. at the Capitol Building. McCann said about the hearing, "While power outages are sometimes unavoidable, the frequency and length of outages is becoming unacceptable," added McCann. "We must set a path to dramatically improve the performance of all our utilities and examine every option to reach the goal of uninterrupted — or at least promptly restored — service." (WNWN-FM)
3. The Portage City Council recently approved the purchase of two passenger vans for the city senior center, which it will purchase with money from Kalamazoo County Senior Millage funds. The total cost of the vans will be $242,880 and will help the senior center expand its transportation services. (MLive.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Wednesday, March 15

• Family Storytime At Portage District Library (9:30 AM)
• Pinecone Succulents At Kalamazoo Public Library (4:00 PM)
• The Travelin' McCourys At Bell's Eccentric Cafe And General Store (8:00 PM)

Thursday, March 16

• Strawberry Shortcake With Lillian Gilbreth At Oshtemo Branch Library (4:00 PM)
• Dungeons And Dragons Game Night At Kalamazoo Public Library (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Looking for a new place to call home? Check out this roundup of real estate properties on the market in and around the Kalamazoo-Portage area. (Kalamazoo-Portage Patch)
• Road closure alert! A portion of Lovell Street in downtown Kalamazoo will be closed on Saturday, Mar. 18 for construction work. (MLive.com)
• Kalamazoo cleanup crews are starting round two of picking up brush and debris around city neighborhoods. The hope is to wrap up the cleanup by Friday, Mar. 31. For anyone who hasn't had their brush and debris picked up by that date, the city asks you to call 311. (WKZO)

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Featured events:

• March 2023 Audubon Society of Kalamazoo Program: RIPPLE EFFECTS OF WOLF RESTORATION IN ISLE ROYALE N (March 27)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. I'll see you around!

— 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.