Good morning, Portage.

Kroger purchased a shopping center on South Westnedge Avenue for $10.35 million on June 10 — officials said the company plans to open a new grocery store in the plaza.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the Reclaim the Rivers initiative on Oct.

1 at Belle Isle — committing $89M to clean up pollution in the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers, with $50M for PCB sediment cleanup and $25M for watershed projects. The work will continue until 2040.

Deer hunting seasons are underway as the early archery season runs from Oct.

1 to Nov. 14 and more seasons will follow through Jan. 1—statewide safety requires wearing bright orange during fall outdoor activities to avoid being mistaken for game.

County commissioners approved a change to employee healthcare on Monday, Sept.

28 that ends full coverage for weight-loss use of drugs like Ozempic starting in 2027. Instead, employees will use private discount programs while the county increases HSA contributions to help offset costs and save about $500,000 a year.

Gardening expert Tyler Kluck from Kluck Nursery advises local gardeners to protect evergreens and shrubs from increasing deer damage this winter by choosing deer-resistant plants and wrapping them in burlap starting in November — residents should also reapply repellents to limit browsing in their yards.

High school football players across the state are on the Michigan Player of the Year watch list after strong games, and Portage-area stars Camden Noe (Portage Central) and Kane Morris (Portage Northern) are set to compete in key contests this week.