Good morning, Portage.

The CHC's 27th annual Roof Sit in Portage began yesterday with a dinner at the corner of South Westnedge and Milham Avenue that benefits local children by funding free treatment at its Children's Advocacy Center (CHC).

Today the event includes a Light Up the Night car show and will continue with a Puppy Pile in partnership with the SPCA on Saturday.

Montine Wiley Sr.—father of the security guard shot on April 12—tried to jump the courtroom barrier during Kaiden Cole’s preliminary hearing on May 22; deputies detained him and the 18-year-old faces charges of open murder, felony firearm and carrying a concealed weapon.

Bell’s is hosting its 40th anniversary summer concert series in the Beer Garden with 19 shows featuring bands such as Railroad Earth, Here Come the Mummies and Elephant Revival—Joe Hertler and The Rainbow Seekers will close the season on Sept.

26. The series follows a sold-out kickoff by Future Islands and offers a mix of music styles for fans.

Hundreds of residents attended the ribbon cutting in Kalamazoo for the new Career Connect Center, a $100 million facility that will bring together vocational training from across the county.

The center—called a learning palace—will open for classes this fall, offering training in 23 trades with modern equipment.

Dr. Darrin Slade of Kalamazoo Public Schools was named Region VII Superintendent of the Year by the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators on May 15 as his leadership improved graduation rates, attendance, test scores and behavior.

He began his term on July 1, 2023 and is finishing his second academic year at the helm of the district.

Dr. Darrin Slade, the superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools, was named Region VII Superintendent of the Year by the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators—recognizing his work to boost graduation and attendance rates last Thursday.

He plans to raise the district’s graduation rate to 90% with regular student check-ins and teacher meetings—efforts that aim to improve student success.