Good morning, Portage.

WMU’s Alpha Sigma Phi, Kappa Sigma and Sigma Chi cleaned two miles along the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Sunday—using trash pickers and garbage bags to remove more than 60 pounds of scrap metal and other litter from Mayors Riverfront Park.

The event shows local students working to keep their community clean as summer ends.

Residents are invited to vote for their favorite September photo from eight submissions; voting closes Friday at 2 p.m. and results will be announced on Monday.

Today, the City of Portage will plant 250 new trees to reforest areas damaged by last May's tornado; 200 trees will go to Celery Flats and 50 to Lexington Green.

The city contracted Twin Lakes Nursery for $182,500 (with $150,000 from a Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant and $110,000 from local funds) and has previously held community planting events.

Research at Kalamazoo College on a molecule that helps fight neurodegenerative diseases is slowed by the government shutdown.

Associate Professor Dwight Williams said a $385,000 grant is on hold until funding returns (purchases will be made carefully) and (new student hiring is postponed).

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.