Good morning, Portage.

Open Roads will host the Dark Blue Journey this Sunday at 11 a.m. from 914 E.

Vine Street in Kalamazoo to honor Jeffrey Lillard—killed last year while riding to work—and to remember the county’s record four cyclist fatalities last year.

Consumers Energy signed an agreement with Confluence Hydro to sell its 13 hydroelectric dams along five Michigan rivers for $1 each — the deal includes a 30-year power purchase agreement that will retain over 50 dam workers and preserve local recreation, pending state and federal approval.

NOAA predicts that dry conditions will spread over West Michigan as many areas have received only 60 to 70% of normal rainfall in the past 60 days—some spots southeast of Kalamazoo got as little as 25%, and drought conditions are expected to expand over the region.

Portage acquired land near Austin Lake for $1.5M through eminent domain to build a 3-mile non-motorized trail that will be complete in 2027—paperwork in 2024 showed a payment of $139,650 to the property owner Eastshore LLC.

Portage Central—top-ranked team—will face Forest Hills Central in Week 3 as local high school football teams build strong competition in Michigan, showing early season strength.

Michigan's first AP high school football rankings are out and eight Kalamazoo-area teams made the list, including Portage Central—who beat Forest Hills Central 41-0 on September 5.

The ranked teams will compete this season as fans look forward to future games.

Fall Fest

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

Fall Craft Show

10 AM – 3 PM — Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Kalamazoo Regional Program and Training Center — Free entry — Explore over 40 small businesses featuring handmade goods, jewelry, and baked treats.