Good morning, Portage.

Sarah and Hank Avink bought the nearly 100-year-old Echo Valley winter complex in October for $350,000 and have begun cleaning up the lodge and updating rides so that some attractions open by Thanksgiving.

They also plan to add a new 3,150-square-foot refrigerated ice rink (weather permitting) and partner with Floyd Latham (a local event coordinator) to schedule school trips and special events ahead of a full opening by December.

Kalamazoo County commissioners remain divided on the future of the County Fair as they review a consultant's report today at 4 p.m.—the report shows only 18% of residents support a full fair.

The board will decide whether to keep a 4H showcase or expand the event, with the outcome affecting the 2026 budget.

YWCA Kalamazoo warned it will face a 20% cut in vital victim services (support for domestic violence, sexual assault and infant mortality programs) after the state budget did not replace lost federal VOCA funds.

The nonprofit now asks local donors to help fill the gap and keep these services available.

MLive updated Michigan high school football scores for Week 8 and prior weeks (with scores refreshed throughout the night) to help local fans track their teams.

Six Kalamazoo-area boys soccer teams won district championships last week—Portage Central beat Mattawan 3-0 for its fourth straight title and will play Midland Dow today at 7 p.m. in the Division 1 regional semifinal at Hudsonville High School.

Local sports fans are urged to vote for the Kalamazoo-area high school football player of the week — the selection includes 30 standouts based on recent performances.

The campaign highlights games from last week, with notable plays from Paw Paw’s Ben Miller during his team’s win on Oct. 17 at Three Rivers High School — a win that underscored the strong local football spirit.

Christmas Jellycat Launch Party

5-7 p.m. — troVe — Free entry — Celebrate the launch of the Christmas Jellycats with a chance to win a Jack Jellycat Purse with each purchase.