The city of Kalamazoo is recovering after cybercriminals stole employee data. Also: Expect even more traffic trouble next week. And a new house is being built for men recovering from addiction.
By Ben Jones ● Archive ● May 31, 2024
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Friday, May 31, 2024
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The city of Kalamazoo is recovering after cybercriminals stole employee data. Also: Expect even more traffic trouble next week. And a new house is being built for men recovering from addiction.
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News You Need To Know
City of Kzoo hacked
There has been a data breach at the city of Kalamazoo. According to city officials, it was discovered on March 28 and impacts about 250 current and former employees. “Upon learning of this incident, City officials initiated a formal internal investigation in conjunction with the ongoing criminal investigation,” said city Communications Manager Michael Smith.
The data breach came to light when law enforcement found city employee records while executing a search warrant. Stolen data includes social security numbers and drivers license numbers, among other things. The city is paying for identity and credit monitoring services for the employees who were affected. [WWMT]
More traffic problems next week
Drivers traversing Westnedge Avenue in Kalamazoo can expect more disruption beginning next week. Crews will begin work on the intersection of Westnedge Avenue and Crosstown Parkway next Tuesday. The project is to upgrade water and wastewater lines as well as improve to the roadway, traffic signals, and signage. Unfortunately, that work will completely block off the intersection for about five weeks. Traffic will be rerouted along Oakland Drive and Howard Street. [WWMT]
Sober living house being built in Kalamazoo
A new home for men recovering from drug and alcohol abuse is being built on Kalamazoo’s Eastside. Called the Villas at Engleman, the four-unit residence is the product of the nonprofit Reach Sober Living, Inc. It’s also next door to another property owned by the group: the Reach House. Both are focused on helping men escape from addiction. “When paired with substance abuse or mental health issues, finding stable housing becomes even more complex for those in need of a safe, compassionate place to rebuild their lives,” Reach Sober Living CEO Chris Pompey told MLive.
The two buildings serve slightly different purposes. The existing Reach House is designed for up to five men between the ages of 21 and 35 and who are at least 30 days sober. The yet-to-be-built Villas at Engleman would be the next step – a residence for men who have been sober for at least a year. There will be rules for residents, including a zero-tolerance policy on drug and alcohol use. The home is expected to open in early 2025. [MLive]
– Newsletter written and edited by Ben Jones
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Things to do in Kalamazoo
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Farmers Markets
Shopping
Community
Kalamazoo Vegan Chef Challenge – Various
Last Day
Friday Morning Women’s Ride – Texas Drive Park
5/31, 9:30 AM
Family Storytime at Central – Kalamazoo Public Library, Central
5/31, 10:30 AM
Vicksburg Farmers’ Market – Vicksburg Historic Village
5/31, 2:00 PM
– Richland Community Library
5/31, 4:00 PM
Festival Fridays – Arcadia Creek Festival Place
5/31, 5:00 PM
Live Music Fridays @ Louie’s Trophy House – Louie’s Trophy House
5/31, 5:00 PM
Andre Jones – Steinspark Biergarten & Food Court
5/31, 5:00 PM
Tortured Poets – Taylor Swift Paint Night! – PSOMA Design
5/31, 6:00 PM
Apoptosis presents: Jazz Night – Apoptosis Brewing Co.
5/31, 6:00 PM
– The Clover Room
5/31, 7:00 PM
Karaoke Night – Old Dog Tavern
5/31, 7:00 PM
The Beer Garden Sessions ft. Abbie Thomas and the Crazy Hearts – Presidential Brewing Co.
5/31, 7:00 PM
Joyce II Men – Crawlspace Comedy Theatre
5/31, 7:30 PM
Last Friday: Summer Kickoff Party – The Xperience By LuXury Escapes
5/31, 9:00 PM
Kalamazoo Farmers Market – Kalamazoo Farmers Market
6/1, 7:00 AM
Texas Township Farmers’ Market – Joyce I. Neubauer Farmers’ Market Pavilion
6/1, 8:00 AM
Monthly Beginning Birding Walk – Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery
6/1, 9:00 AM
– Kalamazoo County Expo Center
6/1, 9:00 AM
Summer Yoga on the Deck – Kalamazoo Nature Center
6/1, 9:00 AM
Kalamazoo River Guardians – Kalamazoo Nature Center
6/1, 9:00 AM
Friends of the Library Book Sale – Portage District Library
6/1, 9:00 AM
Hot Air Balloons Summer Reading Kickoff Event – Kindleberger Park
6/1, 9:00 AM
Rootead in Youth: Spring Session – Rootead
6/1, 10:00 AM
ice-dyeing workshop – Jerico
6/1, 10:00 AM
LGBTQIA+ Allies Ride – Celery Flats
6/1, 10:00 AM
First Saturday at the Eastwood Branch Library – Kalamazoo Public Library, Eastwood
6/1, 11:30 AM
Picnic for Pig Village – Chubby Goat Acres
6/1, 1:00 PM
Creativebug Crafts for Adults: Collagraph Printmaking – Kalamazoo Public Library, Oshtemo
6/1, 2:00 PM
The Beer Garden Sessions ft. the Out Of Favor Boys Trio – Presidential Brewing Co.
6/1, 7:00 PM
Slaptail Nation Presents: Slap Your Tail Comedy – Crawlspace Comedy Theatre
6/1, 7:30 PM
Academy Street Winds: “Time to Say Goodbye” – Kalamazoo College, Dalton Theatre
6/1, 7:30 PM
Chappell Roan — The Midwest Princess Tour – Kalamazoo State Theatre
6/1, 8:00 PM
Portage Pride Potluck Picnic: Celebrating Diversity and Togetherness! – Portage United Church of Christ
6/2, 12:30 AM
Portage Farmers Market – Portage City Hall
6/2, 9:00 AM
– Kalamazoo County Expo Center
6/2, 10:00 AM
Books and Beer – The Distant Whistle Brewhouse
6/2, 2:00 PM
Artist Happy Hour: Queer Artist Showcase – Dormouse Theatre
6/2, 2:00 PM
Strings Attached – Dalton Center Recital Hall
6/2, 3:00 PM
Sunday Blues Jam – Old Dog Tavern
6/2, 6:00 PM
Oshtemo Music in the Park: Blue Water Ramblers – Flesher Field
6/2, 6:00 PM
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