Good morning, Portage.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan will launch its Paint the Town Green campaign from September 14 to 20 to encourage volunteer mentors for local youth—local businesses will join by displaying green ribbons and hosting related events as the group seeks more community involvement.

Kalamazoo Township police are looking for two men who shot a silver Ford SUV on Kendall Avenue and carjacked a vehicle early Sunday morning—officials say the stolen car remains missing.

A report from Tufts University shows that Michigan voter turnout for ages 18 to 29 jumped to 58% in 2024, the highest four-year increase in the nation thanks to a preregistration law — making the state rank third in youth turnout after Minnesota and Maine.

Texas Township will ask voters in August 2026 to create a special assessment district that will add an extra 0.87 mills per $100,000 of taxable value to support its fire department — officials will cut costs and delay two planned capital projects while examining other revenue options. The township is balancing an urgent need for funding the fire department with a careful review of its budget.

Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson discussed her plan to boost public education and ease the state budget stalemate during an interview on Monday.

She said lawmakers must agree on a new budget by Sept. 30 to avoid a shutdown — a deadline that has raised concern among local residents.

MSP increased mental health resources for officers after a report showed an average of 184 suicides per year among public safety personnel, and the department now offers more counseling and education through its Office of Behavioral Science — a program to reduce stigma — as it works to improve support. This move responds to the high stress officers face every day.

Fall Fest

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