Good morning, Portage.

Portage Parks & Recreation invites residents to attend Scalin' Up for Summer at South Westnedge Park, 9010 S.

Westnedge Ave, on Saturday, June 14th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — More than 20 vendors will feature reptile and bird exhibits, educational sessions, a bike rodeo, and a free fishing rod giveaway for the first 250 kids who complete a passport.

Liborio Valdez was sentenced to at least 30 years in prison on Tuesday for killing Kavonta Martin during an armed robbery in a Kalamazoo parking lot in April 2023, and he faces extra time for other charges (manslaughter, armed robbery, felony firearm, and felon in possession of a firearm) (he was on parole at the time).

Portage students have benefited from a free school meals program that offers breakfast and lunch to every student, but its future is now in doubt as lawmakers work on a new education budget.

House lawmakers proposed a plan without specific funding for the program—leaving the decision to local school boards—while Senate lawmakers set aside dedicated funds for free meals, and a final agreement must be reached by October.

Residents in Portage are worried about trash service changes after haulers notified customers that their pickups might change, and city council is set to review a plan to use a single hauler system.

Council members said residents will get full details before any vote + the proposal is expected to be decided in the next few months.

Portage city council approved rezoning for a housing project near Westnedge and Centre avenues south of City Hall to allow a four-story building with shops and apartments - a move aimed at easing the local housing shortage on land owned by Public Schools.

Rezoning is just the first step in the planned development process.

The Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner's Office secured $3.4 million to replace the aging Sunset Lake Dam in Vicksburg, a project that will remove the old structures and build a safer, modern spillway to protect nearby homes and businesses.

The funds include a $900,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and $2.5 million in ARPA funds awarded in August 2022 (ensuring improved safety and flood control).

Summer Concert Series: Old Days - A Chicago Tribute

7-9 p.m. — Overlander Bandshell — Free admission — Experience the unforgettable brass sound of Chicago with Old Days in a vibrant summer concert atmosphere.