Good morning, Portage.

On September 21, 2025, nonprofit AMBUCS built a custom Amtryke tricycle for 12-year-old Owen Bolles from Vicksburg with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome to help him gain mobility and independence.

His tricycle features adjustable handlebars and straps—designed to support his physical therapy progress—and his family hopes it will turn daily walks into active opportunities.

The City of Portage will host the final open house for the Portage Road 360 project on Thursday at Portage Zhang Senior Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m.—residents will view updated design plans and learn how community input is shaping a safer, walkable corridor.

Attendees will connect with city staff and project partners to celebrate progress on improved pedestrian zones, optimized traffic signals, and enhanced amenities—marking a new step forward for the corridor.

Pennings and Sons partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to host Bed Build Day, where community partners and employees built 48 beds for local kids in need.

The event began early with stations for measuring, cutting, staining, and loading wood—helping the Plainwell chapter deliver beds on the same day.

Gypsy Spirits — in partnership with Blake’s Hard Cider — reintroduced its limited edition Michigan-made Apple Pie Vodka; the sweet fall drink made from locally sourced apples and spices is now available at tasting rooms, retail stores, and select restaurants across Michigan.

Portage Public Schools will propose a $132.4M bond to finish school renovations, upgrade technology, and replace buses without raising taxes—this follows a $175M bond approved in 2021 as rising costs since COVID have increased expenses.

Superintendent Johnny Edwards said the bond will help provide safe, modern facilities for students ahead of the upcoming election.

Portage city council is set to vote today on a proposal to purchase 0.03 acre from Comerica Bank for $1—with a condition to take the site as is and not install any ATMs—and a proposal to buy three pavilion structures costing nearly $1.4 million for the new Farmer’s Market.

Construction is planned to begin next month with funding from grants, naming rights, and capital funds.

The U.S. Postal Service advises Portage residents to mail holiday packages early to get them by Dec.

25, recommending that Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail be sent by Dec. 17, Priority Mail by Dec. 18, and Priority Mail Express by Dec. 20—guidance issued to manage the busy season.

Cold-weather illnesses increased in Portage as fall began, and more people bought cough medicines, COVID tests and Paxlovid.

Amar Sappidi of Westlake Drug and Gift Shop said his store saw more customers with coughs and congestion from a new COVID variant—Razor COVID that causes strong throat pain.

WMU football rallied in the second half to beat Toledo 14—13 at home on Saturday, September 20.

The Broncos sealed their win with a crucial conversion for two points in the closing minutes.

A 15-year-old Lakeshore High junior varsity football player suffered two spinal fractures after a Kalamazoo Central player jumped on him during the game and is now recovering at home while missing the season.

Kalamazoo Public Schools has disciplined the offender—action taken under MHSAA guidelines—to uphold sportsmanship in student athletics.

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.