Good morning, Portage.

In Three Rivers, local renter John Smith faces repeated eviction notices as his landlord rejects rent assistance — leaving him at risk amid a shortage of affordable homes in rural St. Joseph County.

Local agencies offer programs to help low-income renters stabilize their housing — though many small landlords refuse these supports due to inspection requirements.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources warns residents to exercise extreme caution before burning yard waste as high fire risks from dry conditions and storm debris are present.

The agency said small fires can quickly grow out of control—residents should follow safe burning practices and check local guidelines before starting any burns.

Officials say a $1.4M paving project on U.S. 131 will start Monday, April 14 between the Grand Elk Railroad Crossing and 112 Avenue—drivers should allow extra time as one lane will remain open in each direction and the work is set to finish in late May.

WMU hockey secured a spot in the NCAA final when Owen Michaels scored a double-overtime goal that defeated defending champion Denver on March 27th.

The win marks the program’s first NCAA championship appearance—ending decades of near misses.

Western Michigan hockey defeated Denver 3-2 in double overtime on April 10—Owen Michaels scored 26 seconds into the fifth period to clinch the win—and fans cheered from 413 miles away at Lawson Ice Arena.

The team and its supporters look forward to their championship game in St. Louis today.

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.