Kalamazoo Mornings With Ken Lanphear

The Kazoo 48-hour Film Festival is back for a 7th consecutive year and Executive Director Chad Campbell tells us what it's all about. 

Aubrey McKenzie, Service Manager at Applebee's in Three Rivers shared her story of helping team members and guests to safety during their EF2 tornado that struck the city.

Congressman shares his views on the on-going partial government shutdown and his investigation into issues with mail delivery in our area.

Jessica wraps up her March series on the History of Irish Whiskey and talks about an upcoming Wine Tasting event at Harding's Woodbridge.

Director of Athletics Russ Panico previews the baseball and softball seasons at KVCC

This week's topics include the recent City Council meeting, several road construction projects are planned in Portage, update on Stanwood Crossing housing and the Austin Lake Trail and a 250th Birthday Card to America contest.

Sheriff Fuller's topics this week include bicycle and motorcycle safety now that Spring is here, a major construction project will cause some traffic issues this summer and the Governor's Safe Neighborhood initiative showing results.

Kristen Chesak, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo with a rundown of entertainment and events for this week.

Miller's Marketing Director Sara Bower previews "the Cat in the Hat" and "Stomp" coming to the Miller Auditorium stage.

Visit wkzo.com to contribute to whichever direction you'd like your donation to go.  Home Builders Association of Western Michigan's Aaron Hovestadt and Kelly Hostetler from St. joe County United Way joined the show to discuss the need and the fundraiser.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, also a Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate, talks with us about why she's running, her afforability agenda and housing and healthcare issues.

The Speaker updates legislation regarding the Interstate Medical Licensing Compact, a ban on the opioid Kratom and proposed energy reforms.

Aden DeWeese, President of the student organization Feeding Broncos at Western Michigan University talks with us about a livestream fundraiser to support their efforts to combat food insecurity on campus.

Seth Welton, Marketing & Communications Manager, talking about Spring Break Family Fun Days that starts today and goes through the next 3 weeks.

Race Director Carrie Drake joined us to talk about the April 1 price increase for the event, the PNC Kids event and 5K Walk and the need for volunteers for the event.

James White from Alpha Taurus Consulting discusses the impact inflation has on your business.

Shanthi Appelo, Registered Dietician with Blue Cross Blue Shield shared tips on building, dressing and tossing salads for the Spring table.

Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan joined us for the first day of Spring and a look at the treasures of the Traverse City area.

McKenna Dole from Discover Kalamazoo shares details of upcoming events including the Fretboard Festival and Oberon Day.

Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan shares findings of the February survey of small business owners across the state of Michigan.

This week, Jessica continues her series on Irish Whiskey with a look at the earliest creations and first brand to actually be licensed.

This week, the City Manager talks about the Statewide Tornado Drill and how cleanup from the Portage tornado continues, plus updates on road construction and plans for banners for the annual Salute to veterans.

Sara Bower from Miller Auditorium with the update on upcoming performances on the Miller Auditorium stage.

Kristen Chesak from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo gives us a rundown of this weeks entertainment and performances.

This week, the Sheriff talks about today's Tornado Drill, a grant for new radios for law enforcement personnel, a Meals on Wheels anniversary and Kalamazoo County with the lowest infant mortality rate in the State.

The 10th President of WMU talks about the University's impact economically on the region, the new Events Center going up Downtown and how students are part of the experience of the changes happening on campus and around the city.

Michael Smith from the City of Kalamazoo gives a rundown of agenda action of the Kalamazoo City Commission at it's 3/16 meeting.

Seth Welton from the Air Zoo joined us to discuss Spring Break Family Fun Days that start next Tuesday and run every tue, wed, and thur through April. Each day will have special activities for families and guests will also get to experience the Hall of Heroes exhibit and the 4 new interactives.

Max Simon from Green Flower talks about the new partnership for online education workforce development projects with KVCC and the new green Flower Career Resource Center.

Portage COO Adam Heeringa gave us a behind-the-scenes perspective on the new one-hauler system and detailed the upcoming ballot initiative in Portage.

Dr. Doug LePiston, among several WMU professors and alumni business leaders honored for their leadership, talks with us about the impact of their work and how it impact on the student experience.

Aaron Hovestadt, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Western Michigan previews this weekend's show at the Expo center.

Seth Welton, talks about the Air Zoo Movie Night this Saturday and Spring Break Family Fun Days in March and April.

Speaker Hall taled with us about approval of funds to rebuild the runway at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, a plan to cut property taxes and issues in healthcare.

Rep. Rogers updates her bills on death certificates and business grants for road construction and reacts to the Governor's State of the State address.

In his weekly update, James White from Alpha Taurus Consulting shares thoughts on how businesses need to have a plan in place for dealing with natural disasters as many are after recent weather events.

Tanya Blehm, Coordinator of the event in Lansing March 13th which recognizes Michigan "Rosies" in manufacturing, farming and aviation.

Sonya Hollins, Founder and Executive Director of Merze Tate Explorers talks about an exhibition of photos of Black women and girls and vintage cars that will be on display this Spring.

This week, Jessica shifts to whiskey ahead of St. Patrick's Day, with a rundown of different types of whiskey and the "rules" to follow to produce them.

Lisa Panich from the Kalamazoo Nature Center talked with us about the annual event, a traditional near the start of Spring around Kalamazoo for many years.

Tammy Mills, Director of Marketing and Communications for United Way of South Central Michigan, talked with us about the cereal sale offering 10,000 boxes of cereal to benefit United Way of South Central Michigan.

McKenna Dole gives us a rundown of this week's events, including the Maple Sugar Festival and RAD Fest.

The Sheriff's topics this week include patrols at the Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport, distracted driving, a court case that took an unusual twist and thoughts on the turbulent times we're experiencing these days.

Kristen Chesak from the Arts Council previews this week's events including the first Art Hop of 2026.

This week, the City Manager's topics include a new Fire Dog mascot for the Fire Department, upcoming Angling Road construction, the addition of a columbarium to the South Westnedge Cemetery and the work of the Youth Advisory Council.

Sara Bower from Miller Auditorium highlights the final night of the Tina Turner musical, "The Cat In The Hat" and "Stomp" coming to the Miller stage.

Dr. Angela Seabright, D.O., care management physician at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,  discusses how social media is shaping kids’ skincare choices and what parents should do. 

Dr. Randy Mudge, Radiation Oncologist at Bronson Cancer Center in Battle Creek as well as Physician-in-Chief of Oncology Services at Bronson Healthcare, talks with us about the accreditation of the Battle Creek Center as a Program for Excellence.

Carrie Drake, Race Director for the Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon joined us for an update on events and registration,.

Michael Smith, City of Kalamazoo Communications Manager, reviews action at the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting.