Kalamazoo Mornings With Ken Lanphear

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.

Seth Welton, Marketing & Communications Manager, talks about Air Zoo Movie Night on March 14. 

Dr. Micole Dyson, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education joined us to share details on the Great Start Readiness Program orientation. 

The students will lobby legislators to adopt fair policies regarding their coursework and exam scores. Guests are Program Leader Rick Searing and Senior program student Omar Elghawy.

Sen. McCann reacts to the Governor's State of the State address, updates budget discussions and reviews issues to be discussed by the Energy and Environment Committee.

James White from Alpha Taurus Consulting discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on small business in our weekly feature.

Jennyfer Crawford-Williams, founder and organizer of the 12th annual All Things Detroit day, talks with us about the event highlighting Michigan makers, entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Governor Whitmer spent a few minutes talking with us about her goals for her final months in office following the State of the State address.

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt talked with us about his reaction to Governor Whitmer's State of the State address.

McKenna Dole from Discover Kalamazoo shares details of entertainment, food and fun for this weekend around Kalamazoo.

Dr. Peter Graham, Clinical Director for the Blue Cross Network, discusses common health issues and how technology can help seniors stay independent.

Elizabeth Washington, Associate Vice President at KVCC, shared details of the Women's History Luncheon whuich will four women from the area who have made a lasting impact.

This week, Jessica talks about her limited remaining quantities of her February Wine of the Month and preview her March series on Irish Whiskey

Miller presentations of "Good Witch Bad Witch", "Rent The Musical" and the Tina Turner musical reviewed by Miller's Director of Marketing Sara Bower.

Congressman Huizenga shares thoughts on the speech overall and issues such as Iran and tariffs.

This week, the City Manager discusses citizen's addressing the City Council with their concerns on battery and date centers and law enforcement license plate readers.

The Republican State Representative from Richland and Speaker of the Michigan House shares his perspective on the upcoming State of the State address.

Kristen Chesak from the Arts Council joins us to update the calendar of events for this week.

This week, the Sheriff's topics include a crash into the County Administration Building, the State's efforts toward highway safety, the latest scams to be alert to and "jackpotting" ATM machines.