Good morning, Portage.

A car hit a stationary Portage Public Schools bus on eastbound Centre Avenue near Newells Lane at about 8 a.m. on Aug.

27, with six students unharmed and a 53-year-old Kalamazoo driver treated for minor injuries — police are investigating the crash.

Portage Public Schools named Johnny Edwards as their new superintendent—he is the first Black leader and a first-generation college graduate.

He has already begun meeting with community members to gather honest feedback for improving student achievement.

Portage city officials dispute reports that they pulled $500,000 from an effort to open a new family homeless shelter.

Council member Terry Urban said the city committed funds for a former hotel on Portage Road — but when the plan changed, the money was not used and Kalamazoo County secured a different site.

Portage city council is taking complaints after planning a switch to one trash hauler as residents say their rates will rise—with one resident calculating an extra cost of over $300 for her family (residents voiced concern).

Mayor Patricia Randall said anyone can review the numbers with the city manager and Waste Management will host an educational program next spring (to explain the changes).

Portage officials approved pay raises on the consent agenda that will take effect Sept.

18 — council members will receive a 9.4% increase to reach $9,300 a year while the mayor will receive a 13.6% increment to reach $12,500 — with no debate on the matter.

Metro Transit will ask voters in Portage and nearby areas for a 1.1 millage increase in November to cover rising transit costs as subsidies fall—Director Sean McBride told the city council that the vote will affect the Line Haul Service area including Kalamazoo, Portage, Parchment, and parts of surrounding townships.

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.

Fall Fest

10 AM – 2 PM — Celery Flats Historic Area — Free entry — Enjoy autumn festivities with historical demos, crafts, food, and live music.