Good morning, Portage.

Kroger bought the former Big Lots store on South Westnedge Avenue in Portage on August 15th—officials say the retailer will open the store soon to fill a big box vacancy.

Kroger bought a 71,250 square foot strip mall on South Westnedge Ave. for $10.35 million on June 10; the building now houses Chuck E.

Cheese and Rent-A-Center— the city of Portage has not yet received plans for a new grocery store.

Consumers Energy will fly a helicopter next Monday, Aug.

18, to inspect its natural gas system for leaks—covering 160 miles from White Pigeon to the Zeeland and Holland area. The flight is part of the company's ongoing effort to ensure safe operations.

Authorities charged 28-year-old Julius Robinson Jr. with felony murder, first-degree home invasion, armed robbery, and three felony weapons charges for the 2021 shooting death of 33-year-old Gerryon Kye while he remains in federal prison for a 2023 shooting at an Oshtemo Township liquor store — 23-year-old Isaiah Wilhite was convicted in July for breaking into Kye’s home and will be sentenced in October.

Comstock Public Schools started the school year yesterday with three new electric buses bought with a $1 million federal grant+ Transportation Supervisor Chevez Marshall said the buses will save between 7 and 10 thousand dollars per bus annually thanks to lower fuel and maintenance costs. The buses produce zero tailpipe emissions+ they charge overnight and travel up to 100 miles on a single charge.

MDOT is working on a bridge project in Kalamazoo County that includes a new ramp to carry detoured traffic between northbound U.S. 131 and the business route.

Drivers face closures from 10 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday on the weekends of Aug. 15 to Aug. 18 and Aug. 22 to Aug. 25 — work that will finish in November.

BrickUniverse LEGO Fan Expo - VIP

9-10:30 a.m. — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — VIP Admission $28.99 — Experience the largest collection of LEGO creations under one roof and meet professional artists.

Stewardship Day

9:00 a.m. — Gourdneck State Game Area north-east parking lot — Free (Registration required) — Participate in invasive species removal and support local public lands in Portage.