Good morning, Portage.

Western Michigan University is building a home-like dorm that will be one of Michigan’s largest mass timber structures—Golden Oaks will open fall 2026 to house over 1,000 first-year students while reducing its carbon footprint with natural wood elements.

Portage Public Schools will host outreach events to explain a $132.4 million bond issue set for the November 4 vote.

Information nights will be held on September 29 at Haverhill Elementary and October 7 at Central Elementary, and listening sessions with Superintendent Johnny Edwards will occur on October 8 at the Portage Zhang Senior Center — the events aim to inform voters about plans for school upgrades if the bond passes.

Kalamazoo County confirmed its first human West Nile Virus case this year on Monday—health officials tested mosquito traps from 17 areas and found three pools positive—with local experts urging residents to use EPA-approved repellent and remove any standing water.

The Kalamazoo Curling Club is planning to build a new arena on 2.5 acres at Parchment on the site of the old Parchment Paper Mill — after Wings West closed last week and with Wings Event Center set to close.

President Arlene Carter said the club signed a purchase agreement with the city last month and received an $8,000 grant from the Kalamazoo Brownfield Authority — and the project will cost about $4 million.

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.

Trivia Night at The Rooster's Call

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Rooster’s Call — No cover charge — Test your knowledge and compete in fun trivia games with friends.