With the area’s largest enclosed mall and an extensive commercial strip Portage draws those born to shop. It also draws those born to bike. More than 60 linear trail miles for bikes, 800 acres of protected land open to the public and seven lakes offering water sports and fishing make Portage someplace people want to live. The network of parks and trails, used for walking, cycling and canoeing, demonstrate the priority the city places on balancing green spaces and work places. The city is home to the manufacturing headquarters of Pfizer, a world leader in biopharmaceuticals; Stryker, a medical technology leaders; and the U.S. Headquarters of Mann-Hummel, a major corporation in automotive components. Portage benefits from being close to Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Community College — all of which contribute to the city’s highly educated workforce. Restaurants and bars include the nationally recognized and local favorites. During the summer months cultural events are offered in venues in each of the city’s parks.
The Lexington Green Park Improvement Project in Portage and the Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park in Cass are two projects in Southwest Michigan selected to receive federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grants.
The Kal-Haven Trail has been awarded $5 million in federal funds for the long-overdue resurfacing of 17 miles of the trail’s 33.5-mile length.
For those who might be missing their favorite treat from MacKenzie's bakery in Kalamazoo after it closed the same recipes, smells and even some staff from the former locations on West Main and Ransom streets can now be found in Vicksburg courtesy of the folks developing The Mill there.
Sally Berglin came out of retirement after she stepped in at Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. “Her love for the organization shows, along with her enthusiasm, and it’s contagious. People respond to her in kind,” say those she works with.
An idea that had been rolling around Dan Kay's brain for a couple of years came together at a time when all seemed lost. Now his Perfect Paint Edger is getting national attention from all the right people.
Rumor and misinformation have riled up residents who live near a narrow corridor of businesses and homes between West Lake and Austin Lake on Portage Road. A City of Portage steering committee has been studying the best way to make it safer.
Two authors from two different Americas meet on a book tour, become friends, and write an award-winning book together. They will discuss 'Antiracism and You' on March 16.
An $80 million redevelopment project has uncovered a previously unknown population of snuffbox mussels at The Mill at Vicksburg.
Bike Friendly Kalamazoo is supporting the "Riding for Focus" curriculum at Portage Central and Portage West Middle Schools. The program is based on studies that show biking reduces ADHD symptoms in youth
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