WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University police say preparing for an “active shooter” situation means students should be aware of their surroundings and know the best exit path from a building or space. WMU police, during a Wednesday, March 1 town hall, answered student questions about what to do in case of an active shooter situation on campus. The panelists began be explaining the ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ method to address an active shooter situation. WMU students, visitors and parents can sign up for WMU alerts. In the case of an active shooter, the university has an individual assigned to communicate safety updates through the alert system, university spokesperson Paula Davis said.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University’s student government is partnering with campus police to host a town hall Wednesday to discuss how an active shooter situation would be addressed on campus. The event comes after three students were killed and five critically injured by an active shooter on Feb. 13 at Michigan State University. Related: 1 of 5 Michigan State students wounded in mass shooting leaves hospitalThe town hall is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Bernhard Center room 157. “I told administration it’s not if it happens to this campus, it’s when it happens to this campus,” Kidd-Sun said. More on MLiveRamp to westbound I-94 closing for month in Kalamazoo CountyWestern Michigan University’s Ebony Vision celebrates 20 years of diverse danceThe tape of MLK’s speech at WMU went missing for 24 years.

From time to time, both prior to King’s assassination in 1968, and after, the station would rebroadcast the speech. But not long after WMUK relocated its station offices around 1973 or ‘74, it was discovered that the tape mysteriously had gone missing. “To this day, I do not know what happened to the tape, it just disappeared,” Macleod said. I thought it was lost forever.”After obtaining a copy of the speech on CD, Macleod made a copy for the university archives. Attempts by MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette to obtain a copy of the speech from the university were denied due to copyright issues.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University students graced the dance floor to celebrate diversity in dance through the 20-year anniversary showcase by Ebony Vision Dance Ensemble. Ebony Vision was started in 2003 by Edgar Page, then a WMU freshman, to create a safe space where diversity in background, experiences and aesthetics could be celebrated. Jordan Jackson, Ebony Vision President and senior at WMU, said the organization was integral to making her feel welcome when she transferred to WMU from Eastern Michigan University. “It’s important to have this space on campus just to dance with people that look like you,” Jackson said. Binguit and Jackson both expressed how they were able to develop strong bonds and meaningful friendships through participating in Ebony Vision.

KALAMAZOO, MI – A man has pleaded guilty to two sexual assaults that happened in 2013 while being a student at Western Michigan University. Michael Vincenzo Johnson, 30, of Casper, Wyoming, pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court. The Kalamazoo Sexual Assault Kit Initiative reopened the WMU case in June 2020 and found the high school victim during the investigation, the release said. The 16-year-old had reported her assault to the Augusta police in 2013 and had a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner exam. Once Johnson was paroled, he was arrested on the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative charges and extradited to Kalamazoo in May 2022.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Colleges in Kalamazoo are closing early because of severe weather Wednesday. Related: Kalamazoo city, county offices closed for the day due to icy weather forecastKalamazoo College closed at 11 a.m., because of the weather, the school said. Kalamazoo County is in an ice storm warning until 4 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, according to the National Weather Service. An ice storm is supposed to hit Michigan throughout Wednesday. There is a strong possibility of freezing rain, with an ice storm warning covering I-94 and surrounding counties.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- KZoo Parks and Western Michigan University’s esports program are collaborating to host a new high school esports league this spring. If they have a longer history together, it’ll be harder to beat those teams, Napier said. WMU’s esports program began in 2018, but was restructured in 2021 after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Napier said WMU’s esports program has gone to several high schools and answers questions from students. A middle school esports league will also be continuing on Mondays from March 6 through April 15.

KALAMAZOO, MI - Hundreds gathered on Western Michigan University’s campus Wednesday for a candlelight vigil to honor the lives of Michigan State University’s mass shooting victims and stand in solidarity with the East Lansing community. Students, staff and community members came dressed in green and white to the Bernhard Center’s North Ballroom Wednesday morning to show their support at the event coordinated by Western Student Association and Division of Student Affairs. Three MSU students were shot and killed Monday, Feb. 13 on the university campus. Related: In wake of MSU shooting, Western Michigan students offered counseling resources“To be honest, I didn’t really expect the turnout and it really shows that we can actually come together,” said Cheng Kidd Sun, president of the Western Student Association. Kacey Ristow, a sophomore at Michigan State University, was one of the students at Wednesday’s vigil.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University will hold a vigil at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 in the Bernhard Center North Ballroom in response to the mass shooting at Michigan State University. The university is encouraging WMU students to seek counseling resources at Sindecuse Health Center and 24/7 crisis counseling resources through UWill, a tele-health therapy service, according to an email from the Office of Student Affairs. “None of us should have to live in fear of these types of incidents.”Three MSU students were killed and five critically wounded at MSU’s Berkey Hall and the MSU Union. The shooter, later identified as 43-year-old Lansing resident Anthony McRae, fired shots inside Berkley Hall and the MSU Union shortly before 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13. More on MLiveMSU sophomore killed in mass shooting remembered for leadership at church, fraternityFather of gunman in Michigan State University mass shooting: ‘We can’t control evil’‘This time it came here’: At MSU shooting memorials, students reflect on tragedy

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University President Edward Montgomery is encouraging the WMU community to seek counseling resources in wake of the Monday, Feb. 13 shooting at Michigan State University, which left three students dead and five critically injured. RELATED: How the MSU mass shooting unfolded: what authorities know so farThe shooter, later identified as 43-year-old Lansing resident Anthony McRae, fired hots inside Berkley Hall and the MSU Union shortly before 8:30 p.m. on Monday. Counseling is available to WMU students through Sindecuse Health Center by walk-in or appointment, according to the email. Virtual therapy and crisis response resources are also available through UWill, a 24/7 online therapy platform partnering with WMU. Registered WMU students can call 269-387-1850 to receive counseling services.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University’s new student center will open in late July 2023, according to an email from the Office of Student Affairs. The student center was originally scheduled to open in June 2022 was delayed several times due to a need for beam refortification and supply chain issues. The new three-story student center will feature gathering and lounge spaces, a dining center, the campus bookstore, an on-campus brewpub and the admissions welcome center, among other amenities. Until its opening, the Bernhard Center, built in 1957, will continue to serve as the student center. WMU broke ground on the new student center in September 2019 as part of a plan to redevelop the south side of WMU’s campus into Hilltop Village.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Kalamazoo community members can swap their clothes with others for free at Western Michigan University, through a new program called the Students for a Sustainable Earth (SSE) clothing swap. Students for Sustainability President Hannah Philo said the main mission is to get people free clothes. So not only are you doing good by giving yourself a new fun outfit, but you’re also helping the planet by reducing the waste of clothes,” Philo said. In the future, SSE plans on working with the director of the Bernhard Center to install a permanent free closet for students. “We’re like minded individuals, we’re probably all buying similar tops.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Additional Arabic courses will be offered at Kalamazoo’s Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts starting next year. The Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education voted to add four elective Arabic classes to course offerings for middle schoolers in the 2023-24 school year. Middle schoolers will be able to earn a high school language credit from the courses. Moulay Tahar Kettani from Morocco was selected to teach at Maple Street following a yearlong application process KPS participated in. According to the district, 95% of students speak English while 1% speak Spanish and 1% speak Arabic.

The appointments, likely to be approved in the Democratically-controlled state Senate, account for vacancies at Eastern Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University, Northern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University. Eastern Michigan University Board of RegentsMarques Thomey will replace Dennis Beagan, whose term expired, on the Ypsilanti university’s Board of Regents. Read more: Regents extend Eastern Michigan president’s contract for 2 more yearsCentral Michigan University Board of TrusteesDenise Mallett is replacing former trustee Richard Studley after his term expired. Ferris State University Board of TrusteesMichael Fisher takes over for Rupesh Srivastava, whose term expired. Northern Michigan University Board of TrusteesBrigitte LaPointe-Dunham, CEO of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, will replace Tami Seavoy, whose term expired.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Western Michigan University IT services are returning to full operational capacity following a 13-day service disruption. The disruption was caused by an “unauthorized user” that accessed two WMU servers on Jan. 19, according to an email from WMU’s Office of Information Technology. A full forensic investigation is ongoing, university officials said in the email. The servers the user accessed contained user backups for faculty staff, according to the news release. About 200 end-user devices, the majority being computers assigned to faculty and staff, were accessed, according to the news release.

Bogan is a former Western Michigan University football player-turned-developer and this is the first development by his company. Zone 32 also received financial support from Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the Kalamazoo County housing millage, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and others. Related: Kalamazoo housing project by ex-WMU standout gets another boost in fundingBogan is a former running back at Western Michigan University, where he was recognized for his community service as well as his football skills. He played on the 2016 WMU team that went undefeated in the regular season and went to the Cotton Bowl. Read more:Why Kalamazoo wants to lay down ‘breadcrumbs’ of fun downtownKalamazoo Earth Day to host festivals in 3 neighborhoods, launch new podcastDirector of diversity, equity, inclusion finds allies at Kalamazoo City Hall

After some early-season struggles fielding kicks, Moore stepped up and delivered the biggest punt return of his career in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game to send the Kansas City Chiefs to the Super Bowl. Three plays and one crucial Cincinnati penalty later, Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker converted a 45-yard field with 3 seconds left to give the Chiefs a 23-20 victory. I haven’t stopped catching punts, you know?” Moore told the Kansas City Star. So I had to be ready.”In addition to his big punt return, Moore caught three passes for 13 yards against the Bengals and has 26 catches for 263 yards in 18 games this year. Next up for the Pittsburgh native and his Kansas City teammates is in Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, when the Chiefs will meet the Philadelphia Eagles in Glendale, Ariz.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Western Michigan University hockey continued their winning streak Friday evening as they defeated University of Nebraska at Omaha 6-1. Omaha falls to 13-10-2, snapping a five game win streak. Coming into the matchup WMU was ranked ninth nationally in the three major rankings (US College Hockey Online, USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine, and Pairwise). Nebraska Omaha is receiving votes in the USCHO and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine polls and is No. Coming into the evening Omaha won five consecutive game before playing the Broncos and sits ahead of WMU in the NCHC standings.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Students at Kalamazoo Valley Community College can now transition more seamlessly to Western Michigan University. KVCC and WMU signed an institutional articulation agreement designed to minimize credit loss when transferring from KVCC to WMU. The agreement will save students time and money, a press release from WMU said. The agreement is targeted toward students who meet Michigan Transfer Agreement requirements and adhere to a plan for an associate degree at KVCC, according to a press release from the community college. WMU President Edward Montgomery said the partnership with KVCC is having an impact on graduation rates.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University is continuing to investigate digital service disruptions that have lasted for several days. On Friday, Jan. 20, the university detected a service disruption that led to the suspension of some university computer systems, Western Michigan University said in a news release. Access to the internet remains available through WMU Open and WMU Guest Wi-Fi, the school said. Google accountsAs the investigation continues, university staff is finding machines that may need updating, WMU said. (1/2) WMU continues to investigate a service disruption that may be impacting WMU systems and services, such as file shares and authentication services, WMU login and authentication to goWMU, ELearning, W-Exchange, login to W-Secure.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- The Kalamazoo City Commission has approved a resurfacing project for a road connecting Western Michigan University and downtown Kalamazoo. West Michigan Avenue will be resurfaced between Lovell Street and West Main Street. The resurfacing project is scheduled to begin on or around April 15, Public Services Director James Baker said. Also on Tuesday, the Kalamazoo City Commission passed a $300-million budget and voted to restart and expand the search for a new city attorney. The city commission also voted to hire a firm to help convert one-way streets to two-way traffic.

School of Medicine (WMed) has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to enhance mental and behavioral health training for pediatric residents. The funding is part of the Primary Care Training and Enhancement – Residency Training in Mental and Behavioral Health (PCTE-RTMB) program. Primary care providers are often the first stop for children and families seeking mental heath resources, the press release said. The five-year, $2.48 million grant to the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at WMed is the largest federal grant awarded to WMed to date, according to the press release. In 2018, several areas in southwest Michigan were reported as medically underserved and health professional shortage areas in mental health providers, according to HRSA databases reported by the federal government, the press release said.

KALAMAZOO, MI — A multitude of events are taking place throughout the Kalamazoo area on Monday, Jan. 16 and Tuesday, Jan. 17 in recognition of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.From college campuses to downtown parks, local theaters and more, the following Martin Luther King Jr. Day events are scheduled locally. The event is a collaboration between Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Community-wide day of serviceKalamazoo residents can commemorate the life and legacy of King with a “day on” instead of a day off. Also on MLive:Retired general who led Hurricane Katrina relief efforts to come to PortageWhat’s going on at Kalamazoo Country Club?

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Three new trustees are expected join Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees ahead of the next board meeting on Jan. 26. The three new WMU trustees will come from nominations from Gov. The state Senate has the ability to reject university board nominations. The nomination process for the new trustees is “ongoing,” Bobby Leddy, director of communications for the governor’s office, told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. Any registered voter in Michigan is eligible to be appointed, and there’s an application and interview process before an appointment is made.

KALAMAZOO, MI – To say Kalamazoo’s new public safety chief is familiar with the community and the department would be an understatement. David Boysen, the incoming Kalamazoo Public Safety chief, has been with the Kalamazoo department for more than 27 years. The investigation found Coakley violated Standards of Conduct for the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. RELATED: Activists skeptical about circumstances behind Kalamazoo public safety chief’s retirementWhile Coakley did not commit sexual harassment, the complaints did show a clear pattern of unwelcome sexual behavior toward at least three people, the 30-page report said. I am honored to serve as your Chief,” Boysen said.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Former Western Michigan University running back La’Darius Jefferson, who also previously played for Michigan State, was arraigned on two misdemeanor counts of assault and battery Thursday morning. Jefferson, a Muskegon High School graduate, had played in the Western game against Ohio at home that day. As the man tried to run away, Jefferson allegedly chased after him and tackled him to the ground before kicking and stomping on him, the affidavit said. Western Michigan senior running back La'Darius Jefferson prepares to put on his helmet for the first day of practice at Waldo Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. Jefferson spent two seasons at Michigan State University after graduating from Muskegon High School in 2018.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University will close at 3 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 22 in anticipation of a severe winter storm. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning, a rarity regarding storm intensity, for Southwest Michigan from Thursday evening through Saturday night. Related: Kalamazoo, Portage, Southwest Michigan schools closed Friday, Dec. 23Kalamazoo College closed today at 2 p.m. for winter break. “The timing just happened to work out with this storm,” Sarah Fink, Kalamazoo College marketing and communications director said. Kalamazoo Valley Community College has not yet announced a storm related closure but will begin winter break on Friday.

The forecast for Mount Pleasant Saturday, Jan. 28 calls for plenty of the white stuff. Central Michigan University will celebrate the return of former NBA and CMU star Dan Majerle with another return of a Chippewas tradition – the Toilet Paper Toss. The CMU men’s basketball team faces rival Western Michigan University at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 in McGuirk Arena with a planned “white-out” for the game with fans encouraged to wear white shirts and participate in throwing rolls of toilet paper on the playing floor. It marks the 40th anniversary of the Toilet Paper Toss, which began in February of 1983, when fans threw toilet paper on the court after CMU’s first basket. CMU has not determined a time for the Jan. 28 toss.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University’s new student center is nearing completion following an indefinite delay in the facility’s opening. The university is planning to announce when the building will open sometime in February, according to a message from Diane Anderson, vice president of student affairs, and Jan Van Der Klay, vice president for business and finances. It was later postponed to January 2023 and then postponed “indefinitely.”The new three-story student center will be tailored toward student needs, featuring gathering and lounge spaces, a dining center, the campus bookstore, an on-campus brewpub and the admissions welcome center among other amenities. The Bernhard Center, built in 1957, will continue to serve as the student center until the new building opens. WMU broke ground on the new student center in September 2019 as part of an overarching plan to redevelop the south side of WMU’s campus into Hilltop Village.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees voted Thursday to award retiring U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, an honorary degree. for his support of the university and contributions to education policy in Michigan. Related: Western Michigan University may give Congressman Fred Upton an honorary degreeUpton, who announced in April he would retire after his current term, worked for the Reagan administration before being elected to Congress in 1986. Board President Lynn Chen-Zhang said the degree recommendation came to the board from WMU’s honorary degree committee. WMU Vice President for Government Relations Jeff Breneman said Upton has been a national leader for university research.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Congressman Fred Upton may receive an honorary degree from Western Michigan University. The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees is set to meet at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, to consider approving an honorary degree for Congressman Upton. Upton received a nomination and was approved by the Honorary Degree Committee for consideration of an Honorary Degree at Western Michigan University, according to the university. for his achievements as a national leader, a respected public servant and long-time advocate for Western Michigan University. “Bestowing this honorary degree upon him allows Western Michigan University to properly recognize a tireless advocate for us and Southwest Michigan,” the agenda recommendation states.

KALAMAZOO, MI – One person was hurt in a shooting early Sunday morning, Dec. 4, with police now monitoring Western Michigan University’s campus as a precautionary measure. Authorities are still searching for a suspect connected to the shooting, according to the Kalamazoo Public Safety. There, police found a 28-year-old Lansing resident with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Western Michigan University administrators notified students of the shooting due to the proximity of the incident and campus, police said. Police ask anyone with information about this incident to call the Kalamazoo Public Safety at 269-488-8911 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

The former Western Michigan University football coach has dedicated his life to the sport since his pee-wee playing days, and while it has afforded him a lot, it hasn’t come without sacrifice. Members of the Western Michigan football team pose at midfield after the second half of the Quick Lane Bowl NCAA college football game against Nevada, Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, in Detroit. “If you show the ability to hire a successful football coach and support them, then you’ll be in the SEC in a couple of years. “He’s going to be supported, I think, and he’ll be funded like I used to be funded. “I think he’s a good A.D., and I think he’s going to do a great job, and he gets to do his job, which is hire a coach, support him and go win,” he said.

KALAMAZOO, MI – One fan says the Western Michigan University football program lacks excitement, longing for the days of former coach PJ Fleck and the Broncos’ 2016 Cotton Bowl berth. A different fan says she’s sorry to see Tim Lester go.

That was made clear during a Monday afternoon press conference with WMU athletic director Dan Bartholomae, who talked about the decision to fire football coach Tim Lester after six seasons atop the program. “That is one, and that’s an important one.”Western Michigan head football coach Tim Lester talks to the media after the first day of practice at Waldo Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. Since joining the MAC in 1948, WMU has claimed three football conference championships, most recently in 2016, when P.J. Nothing is more important to an athletic director than hiring a head coach and hiring the right head coach. Fleck, who became a first-time head coach with the Broncos.

The Broncos announced a change of leadership regarding their football team as head coach Tim Lester will not be returning after the 2022 season.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Western Michigan University announced Monday the firing of head football coach Tim Lester following the Broncos’ 2022 campaign, in which the team posted its first losing season in his six-year tenure. “First, I am disappointed that I won’t get to lead the Western Michigan football program and these players in the future,” Lester said in a press release. “The upcoming college football playoff expansion and the incredible foundation for success we have within our football program provides an exciting national opportunity for Bronco football,” Bartholomae said. “It is imperative that we seize this opportunity by pursuing a new direction within our football program. “Western Michigan University can set the standard for football in the MAC, which in turn will position us for success in the new and evolving college football landscape.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- A housing development planned for Kalamazoo’s Northside neighborhood received another piece of funding to bring the site a step closer to construction. “We look forward to bringing affordable housing and childcare to the Northside of Kalamazoo. The city of Kalamazoo Economic Development Corporation will use the state grant to address the contamination and make the property safe to use. Over the next 20 years, the plan states, two 60 percent AMI (Average Median Income) housing units and two 80 percent AMI housing units will remain to ensure long-term affordability, according to the development plans. Read more:Former Western Michigan running back’s next play is building new housing in KalamazooDabney & Co. celebrates grand opening of new cocktail lounge in downtown Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI-- After Thanksgiving, most of Kalamazoo wasn’t able to watch Western Michigan University’s last home football game against Toledo. Western Michigan Broncos linebacker Quinton Cannon (33) drags down Toledo Rockets wide receiver Adam Beale (10) at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Gracie Smith | MLive.com)Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.comTwo Western Michigan Broncos color guard members perform during halftime at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Gracie Smith | MLive.com)Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.comA Western Michigan Broncos fan watches the game at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Gracie Smith | MLive.com)Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.comA Western Michigan Broncos marching band member walks onto the field at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, November 25, 2022.

KALAMAZOO, MI — A Lansing man accused of killing a 21-year-old Kalamazoo man following an altercation outside of a nightclub near Western Michigan University was charged with open murder Monday morning. Related: ‘He took me for a beautiful ride,’ father says of son slain near Western’s campusBryce Salter was shot and killed Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 near Western Michigan University's campus. Lang told police he saw Salter standing next to his Dodge Durango, which was parked near the Y-Bar, at around 3:10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11. “When they slam the door and lock it behind him, then he’ll care.”Bond was denied Monday morning by Kalamazoo County District Judge Kathleen Hemingway. Lang is currently on parole for a previous conviction of armed robbery, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University’s Kalamazoo campus and Kalamazoo Valley Community College will be closed for the remainder of Friday, Nov. 18 due to inclement weather. The West Michigan region is only halfway through a major lake-effect snow storm. Participants can now run their own race at any time and at any place between Nov. 19 and Dec. 3. The National Weather Service has extended winter storm warnings originally for Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday southwest Lower Michigan. More on MLivePolice close U.S. 131 for multiple crashes with heaviest snow on the waySee photos of winter storm blasting West MichiganWest Michigan school closings for Friday, Nov. 18

Dating back to 1961, the Kalamazoo holiday parade has been a holiday staple in the city’s downtown area. (Kalamazoo Gazette file, courtesy of Western Michigan University archives)Children all bundled up, sit along the 1982 Kalamazoo Holiday Parade route. (Kalamazoo Gazette archive photo)Kalamazoo Gazette archive photoMr. and Mrs. (Kalamazoo Gazette archive photo)Kalamazoo Gazette archive photoGirl Scouts member Taylor Walls, 8, walks in a gift costume with other scouts during the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade in 2008. (Kalamazoo Gazette archive photo)Kalamazoo Gazette archive photoThe Plainwell snow queen float during the 1980 Kalamazoo Holiday Parade.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Western Michigan University announced Thursday that it has named Julian Vasquez Heilig as its next provost and vice president for academic affairs. Vasquez Heilig will begin his tenure at Western Michigan University on Jan. 4, pending approval from the WMU Board of Trustees. Related: Western Michigan University provost steps down to return to teaching position“We are thrilled to have Dr. Vasquez Heilig bring his experience and track record of achievement to help elevate Western Michigan University’s mission as our chief academic officer,” WMU President Edward Montgomery said in a statement. Related: Declining enrollment has Western Michigan University on budgetary tightrope“I am excited to return to my home state to serve on the leadership team at Western. Also on MLive:Teachers need higher pay to address Kalamazoo Public Schools staffing shortage, administrator saysSuspect arrested in triple shooting, killing of Western Michigan University studentLong-delayed Kalamazoo air report ‘coming soon,’ say state health officials

PORTAGE, MI — A 31-year-old Kalamazoo man wanted for the killing of a Western Michigan University student, as well as the shooting of a pregnant woman and her 18-month-old child, has been arrested. Also shot were a 35-year-old pregnant Kalamazoo woman and her 18-month-old child, who were passengers in the vehicle. Related: Suspect knew at least one victim in triple shooting on I-94 ramp, police sayReynolds, a 22-year-old Kalamazoo Central High School graduate, was studying criminal justice and sociology at Western Michigan University. The suspect is currently lodged in the Kalamazoo County Jail pending arraignment in the 8th District Court. An AR-15 rifle reported stolen in Kalamazoo County in 2016 was recovered at the scene on the night of the shooting.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Western Michigan University students gathered around the flagpoles to get a chance to throw a pie at campus police officers. The Pie-A-Cop event was held Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the flagpoles on Western Michigan University’s campus. The booth was set up around 2 p.m. and lasted for 90 minutes.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Lansing Police have arrested a suspect believed to have been responsible for the killing of a 21-year-old Kalamazoo resident near Western Michigan University. Bryce Salter, 21, of Kalamazoo, was shot in the early morning hours on Friday, Nov. 11, on West Michigan Avenue, near the intersection of Howard and West Michigan, Kalamazoo Police said previously. The Lansing Police Department assisted with the investigation, which led to the arrest of the suspect several hours later in Lansing, Kalamazoo police said. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety credited the Lansing Police Department for its assistance and its timely and professional response which led to the safe capture of the suspect. Anyone having any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-488-8911 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

A Michigan cold case that dates back to 1987 was solved earlier this year, and Western Michigan University students played a major role in cracking the case.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees approved the sale of a piece of property downtown to Kalamazoo County for $1,150,000 at its Thursday meeting. The county plans to use the city block for a parking lot for the new justice center currently under construction. Related: Western Michigan University to weigh selling downtown block to Kalamazoo County for $1.15MWMU acquired the property in 2017 after a transaction involving land swaps. On Oct. 18, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners approved a purchase agreement with the university for the property, Administrator/Controller Kevin Catlin told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. More on MLive‘All that matters’ is justice for killing Kalamazoo man, family, friends sayKalamazoo County increases wages by up to 16%, excluding one elected official$410K spent by candidates for judge in Kalamazoo County

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University’s board on Thursday will consider selling a block of property downtown to Kalamazoo County for $1.15 million. The county is eyeing the land for a new parking lot for the new county justice facility now under construction. Kalamazoo County expressed an interest in the parcel, according to the university agenda. For additional details about the Western Michigan University meeting, find the board’s full agenda online. Read more:Western Michigan University authorizes downtown land swapKalamazoo County increases wages by up to 16%, excluding one elected official

KALAMAZOO, MI — Western Michigan University has 17,835 students this fall, its lowest enrollment since the 1960s. Western Michigan University's fall enrollment is 17,835, down 27% from the fall 2012 headcount of 24,598. Among Michigan’s 15 public universities, enrollment has dropped 11% since 2011, with Central and Eastern Michigan universities experiencing the most precipitous declines. Western Michigan University is estimating general-fund revenues of $371 million for the 2022-23 school year. Western Michigan University has 986 full-time-equivalent faculty members in fall 2022, including graduate assistants, and 1,561 other FTE staff.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Senior leadership and employees are at odds over the future of Western Michigan University. The results of WMU’s 2022 Employee Engagement Survey were released in October, after a period of data collection beginning in February 2022. WMU President Edward Montgomery said morale cannot be improved until more clarification is provided from employees through workshops scheduled in the wake of the release of survey results. Confidence in senior leadership had a 20% positive response rate and 50% negative response in the most recent survey’s results. A recommendation made following the 2019 results was for senior leadership to be more visible.

Gansburg was struck by a car on West Michigan Avenue, near Howard Street. Bike lanes are intended for each area and will connect the areas with student housing to WMU’s main campus, via West Michigan Avenue. New sidewalks will be installed on Fraternity Village Drive and California Avenue, and mid-block crossings will be added to Fraternity Village Drive. Sidewalk ramp modifications and ADA improvements are also planned for West Michigan Avenue, Fraternity Village Drive and California Avenue. The city’s public safety department detailed another series traffic safety improvements, focused on major intersections closer to downtown Kalamazoo.

The Broncos kept the game close against a ranked opponent until the final minutes of the contest, but redshirt junior quarterback Jack Salopek struggled in his third career start, throwing three costly interceptions while finishing 6 of 18 passing for 99 yards.

Payton Thorne played well in spurts, allowing No. 15 Michigan State to earn a lopsided win over Western Michigan despite struggling for long stretches of the opener on both sides of the ball.

Get ready to make some noise! College football is back. Here are a few things to know before you hit the tailgate lots.

A petition has been started in an effort to make roadways near Western Michigan University’s campus safer after two students were struck by vehicles and killed on separate occasions.

An out-of-state student at Western Michigan University was reportedly killed after being struck by a vehicle on Saturday near campus.

A former Western Michigan University hockey team captain has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in a rape case.

Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day.

A murder cold case out of Southwestern Michigan had gone unsolved for 35 years -- that is, until a group of Western Michigan University students got involved.

A Clarkston native and captain of the Western Michigan University hockey team is facing a sexual assault charge after an incident at a party, officials said.

A state correction official says a Michigan man who was serving life sentences for the 1972 killings of four women in the Kalamazoo area has died after being found unresponsive in prison.

The Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation has received support from the National Science Foundation.

Western Michigan University has agreed to stop opposing a legal challenge by athletes who declined to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

A judge has blocked Western Michigan University from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine requirement against four female soccer players who sued, ruling they are likely to prevail on claims it violates their religious rights.

Colleges and universities across Michigan have different requirements for students as they head back to campus this fall.

A man who was convicted of murder in 1989 in Oakland County was released Wednesday after DNA evidence exonerated him.

WDIV-Local 4, Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate in Detroit, has named Angie Cady its Local Sales Manager. In this role, Cady will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the local sales team and strategy. “Angie is an energetic leader who has the respect and admiration of the WDIV-Local 4 leadership, our sales team, and clients locally and across the nation,” said General Sales Manager Gary Macko. She began her tenure at the station in 2008 when she joined as an Account Executive before taking over as the National Sales Manager two years later. Cady has been working in the Detroit media business for 25 years, including jobs at WKBD, WJBK, Comcast Spotlight and Fox Station Sales.

DETROIT – An innocent man who wrongfully served 26 years in prison for a Detroit murder has been released on Wednesday. “We made the decision long ago to never give up fighting for Mr. Hamilton’s release. And, even sadder, is that Mr. Hamilton’s case is not unique," said Mary Chartier, one of Mr. Hamilton’s lead attorneys. In Mr. Hamilton’s case, the ‘snitch’ claimed in numerous cases that men — men who were strangers — had spontaneously confessed murder to him. This is just one of the travesties that occurred in Mr. Hamilton’s case.

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) will return with a 6-game football season, meaning all 10 major conferences will play this fall. The MAC was the first of the NCAA division one conferences to postpone their football season due to the coronavirus pandemic. “There are simply too many unknowns for us to put our student athletes in situations that are not clearly understood,” said MAC Commissioner John Steinbrecher at the time. After the Big Ten Conference reversed its decision to postpone the season, pressure built on the rest of the conferences to do the same. Read more: Big Ten reinstates fall football season, with games scheduled to begin Oct. 23-24

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) could be returning to the football field this year following a key vote expected Friday. UPDATE: Mid-American Conference football to return with 6-game seasonThe MAC was the first of the NCAA division one conferences to postpone their football season due to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s expected they’ll vote on whether to have a fall season. Of course, the state of Michigan has a big stake in this with three of the 12 schools in state -- Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University, and Eastern Michigan University. Read more: Big Ten reinstates fall football season, with games scheduled to begin Oct. 23-24

Sources say the Mid-American Conference (MAC) has canceled its 2020 football season due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic -- affecting multiple Michigan universities and their athletes. According to a report from the Stadiums Brett McMurphy, on Saturday the leagues presidents voted to to cancel the fall season. Huge news: Mid-American cancels fall football season because of COVID player health & safety concerns, sources told @Stadium. This will not be a straight line this year.Big Ten member schools University of Michigan and Michigan State University also recently announced their fall football schedules. Outbreaks forced the shutdown of voluntary workouts at Ohio State, Michigan State, Rutgers and Northwestern.

The Mid-American Conference on Saturday became the first league competing at college footballs highest level to cancel its fall season because of COVID-19 concerns. MAC schools rely heavily on revenue from playing road games against power conference teams. Most of those games were canceled when the Power Five went to exclusively or mostly conference games. Nine of 13 conferences at Division Is second-tier of football, the Championship Subdivision, have already postponed their fall football seasons with an eye toward making them up in the spring. A meeting of its presidents earlier in the week was expected to produce an agreement on how to go about a fall season, but instead some schools pushed to not play.

A big announcement in college sports Saturday -- the Mid-American Conference (MAC) has canceled its 2020 football season due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic -- impacting multiple Michigan universities and their athletes. ORIGINAL STORY: Fall football canceled for Central, Eastern, Western Michigan universities amid coronavirus pandemic, sources sayIts the first first league at college footballs highest level to make that move because of the pandemic. Aug. 8, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 86,889; Death toll now at 6,250All of the league presidents came together Saturday morning to vote and it was a unanimous decision to cancel fall sports. There are too many unknowns to asks athletes to play, Steinbrecher said. Eastern Michigan University athletic director Scott Wetherbee said his student athletes are disappointed and they want to compete, but some are relieved.

MACOMB, Mich. Macomb twins Samantha and Madison Sacra are both graduating from Eisenhower High School as valedictorians and AP Scholars. The pair say a little sibling rivalry has helped them both get to the top of the class. Its always been kind of competitive," Samantha Sacra said. At the end of the summer, Madison and Samantha will take their sibling rivalry in different directions. The twins say they will keep working hard in school, especially with a little sister coming up right behind them to keep them motivated.

Central Michigan UniversityCentral Michigan University will welcome students back to campus for the Fall 2020 semester. The college will then offer online courses, online and in-person hybrid courses and web-enhanced courses -- which are mainly for health and occupational students and consist primarily of in-person classes with online educational tools. Northern Michigan UniversityNorthern Michigan University will resume in-person classes in the fall one week early beginning August 17. The college says that enrollment for classes is open, but it is unclear if in-person classes will resume in the fall. Western Michigan UniversityWestern Michigan University has not yet announced a plan for the upcoming fall semester.

Basketball games for Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University have been postponed due to their opponent’s coronavirus suspicion. Two students from Ohio’s Miami University recently came back from China and have been quarantined. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention are expected to test the two to see if they have the virus.

It will be cool overnight and mild Sunday with warmer weather waiting for next week. Afternoon temps will be near 70 degrees. Highs near 75 degrees. Local 4Casters weather app:Remember to download the FREE Local4Casters weather app. Weather radarKeep an eye out for severe weather alerts and the radar here:Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

DETROIT The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Oliwer Kaski to a one-year entry-level contract, the team announced Tuesday. Kaski spent a season at Western Michigan University, where he put up 12 points in 31 games played. He went back to Europe after just one season, but perhaps his time in Michigan was enough for the Red Wings to have a better chance at landing him as a free agent. It's a great look for new Detroit GM Steve Yzerman as Kaski could help Detroit's defense right away. If you have not signed up for my Red Wings newsletter and you like to follow the team, please sign up now.

DETROIT Oliwer Kaski's new team is the "legendary Detroit Red Wings," according to a Finnish media report. Kaski, 23, has been tearing it up in SM-liiga, or the Finnish Elite League, Finland's top pro hockey league. The report from Ilta-Sanomat points out Kaski would become the fourth Finnish player in Detroit's history behind Valtteri Filppula, Ville Leino and Teemu Pulkkinen. Anyway, if this becomes official it would be Steve Yzerman's first signing as Red Wings general manager. NEW: Finnish defenseman Oliwer Kaski will sign with Red Wings