Good morning, Portage.

Portage officials held the annual Battle of the Bins food drive (pitting fans of Portage Northern and Portage Central during the football game) to collect nearly two tons of food for Twelve Baskets.

Portage Central contributed 700 pounds more than Portage Northern and won the game (30-0) while organizers plan another drive next fall given SNAP payment threats amid a federal shutdown.

The Portage Environmental Board collected 1,000 pounds of plastic bags in just four months and earned a plastic park bench for the city.

Board member Lauren Tompkins said the board recommended more drop-off bins and recycling education, while City Manager Pat McGinnis offered to add a regular drop-off bin at City Hall if the council approved.

Registration is open for the Happy Little 5K, a virtual run that supports tree-planting and forest health in Michigan and 12 other states from April 18-26, 2026—each runner will add to last year’s effort where over 10,000 participants helped plant more than 2,000 trees in state parks. Last year, the event raised over $200,000 for the program, showing strong support for forest conservation.

SNAP benefits are only partly funded after a judge ordered use of extra funds during the shutdown, leaving 1.47 million Michiganders waiting for their November payments.

Local groups in West Michigan have set up food drives and resource centers—residents are advised to call ahead to check hours and rules.

Marek Butkiewicz, a star senior from Hackett, defended his Division 4 state cross country title at MIS on Saturday — he won by a 10-second margin.

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.