Kalamazoo Mornings With Ken Lanphear

Kim Zimmer and Marvin Bell, stars of the Barn Theatre production of "Driving Miss Daisy" joined us in the studio to talk about the production.

Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer of Traverse City Tourism, previews the upcoming second annual celebration of the areas agriculture and culinary excellence.

Celebrating National Farmers Market Week, Val Glasscock from the Texas Township Farmers Market in Texas Corners gives us a preview of what will be available at Saturday's market.

Denise Crawford, CEO of the Family Health Center, talks about the 17th annual event, new sponsorships, a new location and changes in process for well-child checks to attend.

Miranda McDowell, coordinator for student onboarding and organizations talks about the upcoming VibeFest Event and highlights student clubs for the fall.

This week, Jessica talk football tailgates, pumpkin spice and Oktoberfest beverages as Fall arrives next month. 

McKenna Dole from Discover Kalamazoo with details about the Kalamazoo County Fair, USTA Tennis and other events happening this week in the Kalamazoo area.

Jodi Vanlerberghe, Manager, Volunteer Program at Centrica Care Navigators. joined us to share the need for volunteers to support hospice patients and caregivers. 

Senator McCann visited with us to give an update on legislative news from Lansing and updates on Michigan Department of Treasury tax delays.

Corn will be plentiful, green beans will likely make an appearance at the market in Texas Corners, according to Market Manager Val Glasscock.

Jase Bolger, President and CEO of the West Michigan Policy Forum, talked with us about the rankings and what newly-elected State officials will need to do to turn it around.

Pat Whalen, Plainwell District Supervisor for the Department of Natural Resources, shared information on beach safety, air quality, improvement projects and more going on in area parks to wrap up Parks and Recreation Month in July.

McKenna Dole from Discover Kalamazoo with a rundown of this week's events, including the annual Sunflower Days at Gull Meadows Farms.

This week, Jessica reviews the recent Rib Fest success and shares recipes for Summer Spritzers!

Suprotik Stotz-Ghosh. Foundation Officer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Foundation talked with us about the upcoming event to support scholarships that help students pursue their educational goals.

Aaron Hovestadt, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Western Michigan joined us for a preview of this year's Parade of Home event.

Kristen Chesak from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo with this week's events calendar.

Portage Public Information Officer Mary Beth Block shares information about primary election voting, an update on road construction and upcoming interviews for a new City Manager.

This week, the Sheriffs shares details of his recent meeting with the Director of the FBI, safe storage of firearms, be aware of health issues as the hot month of August approaches and Dr. Kevin Catlin's departure from Kalamazoo County.

Dr. Amy Milewski, associate chief medical officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, talked with us about the warning steps people can take right now to protect their skin. 

Fifth Third's Regional Market President for Michigan Steve Davis, talks with us about the upcoming merger with Comerica Bank, what it means for customers and what the merger will mean for the banks.

Luke Ragotzy and Byron Willis from the cast of the Barn Theatre production of "Rent" joined us in studio to talk about the production, running thru August 2.

Morgan Poole of Visit Southwest Michigan, talked with us about Southwest Michigan beaches honored by a USA Today Readers Poll and upcoming Summer events along the Lakeshore.

Val Glasscock, Market Manger, tells us they're expecting lots of corn at the Market and much more this Saturday.

Sarissa Montague from the local firm of Markou, Montague and Levine Defense talked with us about a community book drive benefitting individuals at the Kalamazoo County Jail.

Jennifer McGowan from Discover Kalamazoo shares details of upcoming events such as Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sales and more.

Kalamazoo Valley's Director of Recruitment and Outreach, Charles Heidelberg, talks with us about the upcoming events for new students to address the tasks they'll need to complete to begin College in the Fall.

This week, the Sheriff discusses details of a pair of violent incidents his department has dealt with recently, one involving the shooting and wounding of a Deputy.

Kristen Chesak from the Arts Council with this week's report on live music and other entertainment in the Kalamazoo area.

Korey Force visited with us with details on the Awards program and how to vote for the nine Awards categories.

Daniel Bernardy from the Federal Emergency Management Agency discusses the help available to individuals impacted by adverse weather, how the application process works and how to avoid potential scams.

John Selleck, spokesperson for Protect MI Free Speech, a group that filed a petition challenge regarding what we believe to be a large number of inaccurate or improper signatures for a proposed allot initiative to ban the utilities and big state contractors from spending money on politics,

Euan Simpson from the Air Zoo joined us to talk about our upcoming fly-in. On Saturday, the Air Zoo will be hosting the C-47 "Hairless Joe", which will be available for viewing and flights.

Pastor William Stein from God's Kitchen of Michigan shares details on the upcoming community dinner in Oshtemo Thursday,. July 23.

Dr. Zachary Bauer from Bronson Pulmonary Specialists explains the new procedures and invites the public to an opportunity to see the technology up close at a special event.

Chef Joseph Yoon, founder of Brooklyn Bugs, Chef Advocate for the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development, and for the last eight years, making the case for edible insects, talked with us about his work and his upcoming presentation at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. 

Scott Graham, Executive Director of the Michigan Brewers Guild talks about upcoming festivals and a special initiative to build relationships with those who support the brewing industry in Michgan.

Jessica give us previews of this weekend's Wine Sale and next Friday's July Ribfest.

Michigan House Speaker and State Representative Matt Hall talked with us about the agreement that will finally open the Gordie Howe bridge between the U.S. and Canada.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College Program Director for Early Elementary Education Program Cheryl Almeda, talked with us about the new programs starting this fall and special information sessions coming up in August.

McKenna Dole from Discover Kalamazoo gives us a rundown of events including a special car show at Gilmore Car Museum.

Kristen Chesak from the Arts Council with her weekly rundown of events in the Arts in and around Kalamazoo.

This week, the Sheriff shares the latest on an officer-involved shooting incident in the County, battling this week's heat, early voting and the return of the Kalamazoo County Fair.

Public Information Officer Mary Beth Block with reminders about early voting ahead of the August primary and a rundown of upcoming events in Portage.

Democratic 4th District Congressional Candidate Diop Harris joined us in the studio to discuss his campaign and the issues he has heard about from voters.

John Sellek, spokesperson for the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance, talks about the billboard campaign around Kalamazoo and Battle Creek to show Michigan voters overwhelmingly believe tariffs are fueling inflation.

Rep. Hall discusses the recently passed State Budget and what appears in the final agreement.

Laurie Atwater from the People's Food Co-op talks about the history of the co-op and how it works in Kalamazoo on it's 50th anniversary.

Rep. Rogers discusses the new State Budget, passage of her Occupational Therapy Bills and the introduction of legislation to ban Paraquat Dichloide in Michigan.

Kelcie Douglas from the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies talked with us about the 2nd annual Vision Resource Fair highlighting providers and resources for the benefit of the blind and low vision community.