Good morning, Portage.

Flora, a 3-year-old black lab serving as a therapy dog with the Portage fire department, was sworn in on March 9 and visited Union City schools on March 10 to help ease stress among first responders.

She will work full-time at a fire station and appear at community events.

A tornado struck Union City on Friday, March 6, leaving Bill Akers (63) and two neighbors dead as local efforts begin to support rebuilding the Tuttle Park area.

GE Aerospace announced on March 10 that it will invest over $60 million in West Michigan.

The company will spend $10 million in Grand Rapids on avionics test stations and invest $50 million in Muskegon to expand engine component production.

Western Michigan University purchased the 62,000 (sqft) Newell Rubbermaid building for $6 million at the Parkview campus and will shift operations from its historic Physical Plant building later this year.

The move will consolidate facilities management, custodial services, and maintenance.

State lawmakers must act by March 28 to reauthorize a program that lets out-of-state doctors practice here, which speeds licensing and boosts care in rural and underserved areas.

Officials say the compact has helped thousands get licensed faster.

Beginner Needle Felting Class

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Rockhound Rock Shop — $30 per person — Create artistic scenes with vibrant yarn and meet fellow crafting enthusiasts.