Good morning, Portage.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Kalamazoo's B-45 travel softball team gathered at Jac's Pizza in Portage to raise money for fabric and craft blankets for the Animal Rescue Project after cancelling their double-header game—an effort that teaches the girls important life lessons off the field.

AAA reported that Michigan gas prices dropped to $3.19 a gallon today—down six cents from yesterday and seven cents from last week—but still remain above early March levels.

Adrienne Woodland from AAA in Dearborn said the fuel blend switch should help stabilize prices before major increases ahead of Memorial Day.

Recent storm systems—plus heavy lake-effect snow that melted—cut Michigan's severe drought from 21 percent to 4 percent in the past month and halved moderate drought areas, with more rain, freezing rain and snow forecast to ease drought conditions further.

Jordan Marchewka, a certified financial planner, advised local residents to stay calm and keep long-term investment strategies as the market has shown a historic fall since last week — his advice follows past recoveries seen after downturns.

He noted that using options like high-yield savings accounts and regular 401k contributions can help protect personal finances amid ongoing trade challenges.

Western Michigan hockey fans gathered on April 8th at Lawson Arena for the team sendoff as the Broncos flew to St. Louis for the Frozen Four.

WMU athletic director Dan Bartholomae spotted a wrong logo on the ice and told the NCAA, which fixed the design on Tuesday afternoon— the error showed an old logo no longer in use.

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.