Good morning, Portage.

St. Julian Winery and Distillery has launched its Orange Push Pop wine—an offering that blends zesty orange with creamy vanilla inspired by a nostalgic summer treat—and will offer it for a limited time in local tasting rooms including those in Paw Paw, Frankenmuth, Union Pier, Dundee, Troy and Rockford.

A man in Galesburg was robbed at knifepoint at 11:48 a.m. Thursday near Burgess Drive and New Street when a suspect grabbed him and forced him to empty his pockets—deputies said the incident is isolated—and the victim remained unharmed.

Michigan State Police Fire Investigator Scott LeRoy testified at Linda Stermer's retrial that he examined the burned home a day after the 2007 fire and found signs it was set on purpose — he ruled out other origins and noted gasoline on Todd Stermer's sweatpants.

The Portage Public Safety Foundation announced a new scholarship program yesterday to help students pay for tuition, fees, uniforms and other costs as they train for careers in law enforcement, corrections and fire science+ the program is open to high school seniors, criminal justice students and current officers.

Officials in Kalamazoo County said they might lose the $18.9-million Community Change Grant due to federal funding cuts as they wait for official notice.

The county board will review its deal with the EPA and decide next steps if the grant is lost—this funding would help train local workers and support housing projects.

Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services announced on April 3 a nurse loan repayment program that offers up to $300,000 in tax-free funds to eligible nurses working full-time at designated practice sites—backed by $9 million—with a June 4 application deadline.

Beacon Health System — an Indiana-based health provider — reached a definitive agreement to purchase four hospitals, 35 outpatient clinics and an ambulatory surgery center in Southwest Michigan, including Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.

The acquisition will close this summer and awaits attorney general approval in Michigan and Indiana.

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.