Good morning, Portage.

Today is Oberon Day, marking an unofficial start to summer as Bell’s Brewery releases its citrusy ale for 2025 and holds a Midwest State Fair-themed celebration at Bell’s Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo—pub hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with live music until 8:15 p.m.

Portage Public Schools will change its middle school language courses starting fall so that seventh graders take a one‐semester class in Spanish and French and can choose a full year in eighth grade for high school credit.

Some teachers and students worry the new plan will not give students enough time to build a strong language foundation — they say the shorter course may hurt learning.

The $30 million project to rebuild and widen the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 in Walker will start March 31 and will replace the 1961 bridge while rebuilding the interchange and adding a nonmotorized path—project officials say this will improve safety and traffic flow.

Traffic will be detoured to 3 Mile and 4 Mile roads as on ramps to eastbound I-96 close, and crews will use the former Walker Rest Area with work expected to finish in December.

On-Site Tour of Brookdale Portage Assisted Living

Explore the Brookdale Portage Assisted Living community, known for its exceptional care and engaging activities for seniors.

Portage Free Tree Giveaway

10 AM – 1 PM — Ramona Park — Free trees for residents — Help restore Portage’s natural landscape post-tornado with a free tree giveaway event.