News Summary

The Marshall Blues Festival is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary this Saturday, featuring free music performances in downtown Marshall. The event draws music lovers from surrounding areas, showcasing talented acts such as The Tweed Jones, Serita’s Black Rose, and The Jimmys Band. Despite facing community challenges, including local business disruptions and incidents of violence, the festival highlights the resilience of the community and fosters engagement through the joy of blues music.

Marshall – The Marshall Blues Festival will take place on Saturday, celebrating its 20th anniversary with free music performances in downtown Marshall. This annual festival has become a beloved event for music enthusiasts and community members alike, drawing crowds from neighboring areas.

Highlighted acts for this weekend’s festival include The Tweed Jones, Serita’s Black Rose, and The Jimmys Band. The festival promises a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of musical styles, captivating performances, and an opportunity for community engagement. Attendees can expect an enjoyable experience filled with blues music in the heart of downtown Marshall.

In addition to the musical festivities, the community has recently faced several challenges. Some businesses in Portage were temporarily closed due to an unusual and distressing odor reportedly coming from the Maui Poke restaurant. A sign placed outside adjacent establishments read, “Sorry, we’re closed today. I’m sure you can smell why,” highlighting the impact the unpleasant smell is having on local commerce.

Meanwhile, police in Eaton County are actively searching for a 14-year-old girl, Styla Denton, who is considered “missing and endangered.” Denton left home last Sunday and is without her cell phone, raising concerns for her well-being. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information regarding her whereabouts, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

A tragic incident also occurred recently when a 19-year-old driver lost control of a Dodge Charger while attempting to pass another vehicle on M 86 near Shimmel Road. The car went airborne and resulted in the death of a 13-year-old girl who was ejected from the vehicle. This incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving and serves as a grim reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle.

Additionally, Portage Department of Public Safety reported shots being fired at an IHOP, following a group of six boys who dined and dashed. The vandalism caused damage to two windows and a nearby car, adding to the ongoing concerns about local crime and public safety.

In a separate incident on Sunday morning, a man drove a truck into CrossPointe Church during a service and opened fire. He was subsequently killed by a security guard present at the church. This alarming event has left the local community shaken, underscoring issues of violence and security in public spaces.

On a positive note, a portion of Lovers Lane in Portage is currently closed due to a structure fire, with firefighting crews actively responding to the scene. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specifics of the fire, but they are working diligently to ensure safety in the area.

In another distressing situation, South Haven Area Emergency Services reported that an unconscious person was found floating in Lake Michigan. The individual was located by a boater and has since been hospitalized, prompting concerns about water safety as the summer season approaches.

As summer draws near, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra along with several community bands are set to perform at various concert series throughout the region. This music initiative aims to enrich the community’s cultural landscape and provide entertainment for residents and visitors alike.

The Marshall Blues Festival serves as both a celebration of music and a reminder of the various issues affecting the surrounding communities, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the people within the area.