Good morning, Portage.

The Salvation Army is hosting its annual coat drive from Oct.

1 until Oct. 31 to collect new and gently used winter coats, scarves, gloves, hats and boots. Donors may drop off items at local businesses (including Portage's 1st Source Bank) across West Michigan.

Evans Acres Family Farm, formerly Gene the Pumpkin Man’s farm, reopened on Oct.

1 under new fourth generation owners Steele and Sadie Evans. The 50-acre site features a pumpkin patch with 5,000+ pumpkins, a new storefront selling pumpkin goods, and goats for families to pet and feed.

BISSELL appointed longtime executive Adam Madigan as its first CEO from outside the founding family effective Oct.

1. The Walker-based manufacturer, known for cleaning products & family values, said Madigan will succeed Mark Bissell and lead with a focus on serving customers.

New JoyFong Modern Cuisine opened Sept.

21 at 8136 Portage Road, filling the space after Joy Fong’s nearly 50-year run. Owners Ming Yang Fang and Aixia Wu renovated the former location (with plans for more updates next year) to offer Chinese dining with a modern twist.

Governor Whitmer announced the $89 million Reclaim the Rivers project — led by EGLE and DNR — to clean and restore the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers by 2040, with nearly $50 million allocated for cleaning the Detroit River and funds to improve the Kalamazoo watershed to boost local boating and fishing.

WMU introduced its new athletic director Alex Gary at Heritage Hall yesterday; he said he was excited to build on MAC championships and lead the Broncos toward national success with plans for a new event center in Kalamazoo (set for 2027).

Western Michigan University introduced new athletic director Alex Gary on Thursday, Oct.

1. Gary, who joins from SMU with a $100 million fundraising record, said he will work to raise expectations for Bronco athletics (he aims to build on the school’s strong foundation).

Sportswriter Matt Ehler shared his Week 5 football picks and expects Portage Northern to defeat St. Joseph at 7 p.m. today, while also forecasting wins in other area games with standout plays from Marcus Whyte and Jack DeVries.

Western Michigan University introduced Alex Gary as its new athletic director; he brings experience from roles at SMU and Western Carolina University and looks ahead to the Kalamazoo Event Center's planned opening in 2027 as he replaces Dan Bartholomae.