Good morning, Portage.

A report from the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center showed there were over 1,000 school bus-involved crashes in 2024—a 6% increase from the previous year—and Portage officials urged drivers to follow safety rules.

Public safety and school resource officers continued to remind drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from buses with flashing red lights to protect students.

The former Cracker Barrel in Kalamazoo County reopened this week as The OCB—a pizza restaurant, pool hall and video arcade offering 14-inch thin-crust pizzas for takeout with free play on games for the first hour.

Located at 5591 S. Ninth Street off Exit 72, the restaurant features a logo with Otis and Chuck, a groundhog who serves as its mascot.

City officials in Portage refuted a woman's claim that the new Waste Management garbage contract would cost residents extra by stating that customers will save $273 a year and keep the same trash and yard waste pick-ups.

Mayor Patricia Randall confirmed that the recycling program will continue as planned — the approved millage supports the service — as Waste Management takes over trash service next spring.

Walmart and Sam’s Club are recalling several food items due to labeling errors and safety concerns—items include ice cream with hidden nuts, premade salads with undeclared sesame and soy, and other products that may affect Michigan customers.

Southwest Michigan experts have released predictions for the 2025 high school football season — they noted that Portage Central lost 7–0 to Forest Hills Central in a key game last fall and are asking which teams will start the season with a win.

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.