Good morning, Portage.

Pam, a small and calm nearly three-month-old puppy waited at the SPCA of Southwest Michigan for adoption.

SPCA director Katie Timber said Pam is docile and works well with kids and cats—making her a good fit for any home as colder weather sets in.

Federal SNAP benefits remain on hold as the shutdown affects many families while Rep. Rogers and Rep. Longjohn bought groceries at Midtown Fresh on Saturday and donated non-perishables to food banks like Twelve Baskets and Loaves and Fishes.

Portage residents have rallied to donate food and hygiene items that will be loaded onto a Metro bus on Thursday night—local leaders say these efforts are crucial as many in the community face food insecurity.

Planning meetings in Kalamazoo County in October reviewed several key projects that will shape local areas.

In Portage, developers plan to replace a PNC Bank building with CentrePoint Apartments—151 units with amenities—and Depatie Fluid Power is expanding its facility on Sprinkle Road, while other townships discussed new homes, expanded gravel mining and revised battery storage rules.

Portage Central earned its first Division 1 soccer state title when goalkeeper Gunnar Thorhallsson scored a winning penalty kick in a shootout against Ann Arbor Huron at Grand Ledge High School on Nov.

1—his heroics led the Mustangs to a narrow 1-0 victory.

A Big Ten transfer redshirt junior quarterback threw the decisive score at a packed Waldo Stadium on Saturday night—his play sealing a thrilling Cannon Trophy win—and led WMU to triumph over CMU.

White Pigeon won 22-20 in overtime—Taylor Stewart scored both the tying and game-winning touchdowns—to beat Decatur in a thrilling local playoff opener.

Three Rivers stunned Paw Paw—adding to the excitement of the Kalamazoo-area playoffs—and recorded an upset victory in the opening round.

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.

WMU Turkey Trot

8:30 AM — Student Recreation Center — Registration fees apply — Participate in a festive 5K run or walk, either in person or virtually.

KAR Turkey Trot Time Prediction Run

2-3 p.m. — 7361 Moorsbridge Rd, Portage, MI — Family-friendly fun — Participate in a holiday tradition predicting your race time in this community run.