Good morning, Portage.

Western Michigan University launched Western Outfitters, an on-campus thrift store in Kohrman Hall that offers free professional clothing to students with upcoming interviews or presentations.

The store, stocked with over 700 donated items, gives interns resume experience and allows fashion merchandising students to practice alterations—boosting career readiness on campus.

Coast Guard Station Portage in Dollar Bay will begin a $12.9 million project to build seven new energy-efficient family housing units — the upgrades include demolishing old housing, replacing playground equipment, and improving the parking lot and utilities, with work scheduled to finish in 2028.

Governor Whitmer signed Michigan's fiscal year 2026 budget into law at 1:47 a.m. Friday— the $81 billion package includes $14.1 billion for the general fund to repair roads, cut taxes for seniors and working families, and boost public safety, health care, and environmental programs.

Clerks in Kalamazoo County are holding public tests of voting machines on Thursday at several offices — including Portage — to check that the systems will count ballots correctly on Nov.

4. The tests follow Michigan's election law and state guidelines to ensure transparency in the election process.

Black Bear Sports Group announced that it purchased Wings West after the rink shut down on September 12 due to an ice plant failure and will reopen it ahead of the 2026–27 season—ensuring local ice sports continue without interruption.

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.