Good morning, Portage.

Seven inmates from Kalamazoo County Jail were left alone in a court transport van for two hours on Monday and were later medically examined and returned to their housing while staff were placed on administrative leave—prompting an immediate internal investigation—.

Portage Public Schools hosted first-round interviews for four board-selected superintendent candidates from 12 applicants, with two interviews held Wednesday at Portage Central High School & two more scheduled today at 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. as the board works to name a new superintendent by July 1 following retiring Superintendent Mark Bielang.

Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, praised a new bipartisan bill introduced by the U.S. House that may give his tribe federal recognition + access to critical services like housing and education if passed after decades of teamwork.

Representatives Scholten and James led efforts to secure the bill that honors the tribe’s long-standing role in West Michigan's history.

Portage police can now issue tickets for assault, battery and harassment as misdemeanors due to a new ordinance approved on May 13 that may fine offenders up to $500 or jail them for up to 90 days—neighbors on Quail Street reported repeated conflicts over yard waste and surveillance—and the city offers state-funded mediation services to help resolve disputes.

Portage city council tentatively approved higher water and sewer rates that will begin July 1 — officials said rising wastewater plant issues and needed water system upgrades are driving the changes — and a final vote on the city budget is set for May 27.

Representative Bill Huizenga announced that Portage, Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, and Kalamazoo will receive HUD Community Development Block Grants—Battle Creek and Kalamazoo will also get HOME Investment funds—to improve affordable urban housing.

The grants will support building, buying, or fixing homes in these communities.

A rabid bat — the county’s first this year — was found on the ground at Portage’s Ramona Park on May 10 and later tested positive for rabies on May 14.

County Animal Services safely collected the bat and officials advise anyone who may have been in contact with it to seek medical advice.

The 11th Meijer LPGA Classic will be held at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont from June 12 to 15 as past champions Lilia Vu, Jennifer Kupcho, and retired full-time player Lexi Thompson compete on a Father’s Day weekend—expected to draw record crowds.

The event aims to support local food pantries through Simply Give and continues a tradition of strong community engagement.