Join us for this Special Edition of Portage Connect. Guest hosts Councilmember Ledbetter and Councilmember Young interview the featured speaker of the 2025 Black History Month Presentation, Jackie Joyner-Kersee. This year's presentation takes place at the Portage Zhang Senior Center (203 East Centre Avenue) from 6 to 9 PM. Doors open at 5:30 PM. The event is FREE and open to the public. No registration is required. For more information, visit portagemi.gov or our social media pages @CityofPortageMI. If you have a podcast idea, send us an email at [email protected]. 

The YAC Join host Mary Ruple to talk about the Winter Snow Party! and more. The YAC Winter Snow Party! takes place on February 1 from 12 to 2 PM at Oakland Drive Park, 7650 Oakland Drive. To find out more, visit our social media pages or the City of Portage website at portagemi.gov. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at [email protected]. 

Bill Graham, The Deputy Fire Marshal joins host Mary Ruple to discuss Community Risk Reduction Week, Fire Safety, and more. Community Risk Reduction Week is January 20 - 26. Visit us on our social media pages throughout the week for more information. Do you have a podcast idea? Send an email to [email protected]. 

Brianna Wurtsmith, the Farmers Market Manager, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Portage Holiday Market, vendor recruitment, and more.  Find out more at https://www.portagemi.gov/643/Markets. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at [email protected]. 

Tina Perry, the Services Neighborhood & Housing Specialist at the City of Portage, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the annual Community Services Open House and more. The Community Services Open House is FREE and open to the public. It takes place on Thursday, November 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at the Portage Zhang Senior Center, 203 East Center Avenue. For more information, visit the Facebook event @CityofPortageMI. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at [email protected]. 

Jereme Rowland, the Deputy Director of Fleet & Facilities at the City of Portage, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss what's going on at City Hall, winter preparation, Snowpaths, and more. For more information on the Department of Public Works and its programs, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/278/Public-Works. Do you have a podcast idea, send us an email at [email protected]. 

Rob Leatherman, the Administrative Battalion Chief - Training, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Portage Department of Public Safety - Fire Division training programs and protocols, fire safety, and more. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at [email protected]. 

Erica Eklov, the Portage City Clerk, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the November Election, voting options, registering to vote, and more. To find out more, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/236/Elections-Voting. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at [email protected].

City Manager Pat McGinnis joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Tricked Out Home 3 Halloween Decorating Contest. To enter your home, comment on the Facebook post at https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=952848403541405&set=a.219734500186136 or send an email to [email protected] by Tuesday, October 22 at 11:59 PM EST. Judging will take place from October 23 to 27. The first, second, and third-place winners will be selected and announced on Facebook on Tuesday, October 29. The winners will also be awarded a special certificate and prize, in person, at the November 6, 2024, Portage City Council Meeting at 6 PM. Special thanks to our sponsors, Millennium Restaurant Group, Alibi, and Fiesta Burrito. 

Please remember that:
- Entries must be submitted in the comment section of the “Tricked Out Home” Halloween Decorating Contest Facebook post or by email at [email protected] on October 22, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. A Portage, Michigan (49002 or 49024 zip codes) address MUST BE included in the submission.
 - You must be 18 years or older to enter.
 - Participation is FREE and open to the public.
 - Only one entry per address. You must live at the address to enter.
 - You must have Internet access or a valid Facebook account to participate.
 - No cash prizes will be awarded. The certificate holds no cash value.

 For more information, visit www.portagemi.gov. 

Justin Williams, the Assistant to the City Manager, joins host Mary Ruple for a fun journey through the history of Portage, Michigan. After you listen to the podcast, don't forget to go to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CityofPortageMI/, look for the post for the quiz, and post your answers to the quiz in the comments. The first three people to post all of the correct answers in the comments will win a prize! Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email to [email protected].