Nick Haines, the Deputy Director of Streets & Parks at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Spring Cleanup Program, the Brush Pickup Program, and more. For more information on these programs, check out the March Portager or visit https://www.portagemi.gov/507/PickupCleanup-Programs. If you have a podcast idea, send an email to [email protected]. 

Mike Corfman, the Director of Emergency Management at Kalamazoo County joins host Mary Ruple to discuss Severe Weather Awareness Week, severe weather preparedness, and more. For more information or resources discussed in this podcast, visit www.michigan.gov/miready and www.weather.gov.  Severe Weather Awareness Week takes place from March 17 to 23.  Watch our social media pages for daily tips and information. If you have a podcast idea, send an email to [email protected]. 

Travis Helmer with the Portage Department of Public Safety - Fire Division joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the importance of CPR and the FREE Community CPR Class on March 23 from 9 AM to 11 AM at Fire Station No. 1, 7830 Shaver Road.  To register for the class, visit https://portagemi.gov/FormCenter/Fire-Division-Police-Division-Public-Saf-10/Community-CPR-Class-SignUp-Form-143.  If you have a podcast idea, email us at [email protected]. 

Brianna Wurtsmith, the Farmers Market Manager, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the 2024 Portage Farmers Market, how to apply to the market,  and the Vendor Meeting on February 29 at Portage Parks & Recreation, 320 Library Lane.  If you have a podcast idea, send an email to [email protected]. 

Bill Graham, the Deputy Fire Marshal with Portage Public Safety - Fire Division, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss winter safety tips, fire safety tips, and more.  For resources, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/316/Fire-Prevention. If you have a podcast idea, please send an email to [email protected]. 

Riley, Paarth, and Alex from the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) join host Mary Ruple to discuss the Winter Snow Party and more.  The YAC Winter Snow Party takes place on February 3, from 12 - 2 PM at Oakland Drive Park, 7650 Oakland Drive - with or without snow on the ground!  

City Clerk, Erica Eklov joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Presidential Primary, Early Voting, and more.  If you have a podcast idea, send an email to  [email protected]. 

Nick Haines, the Deputy Director of Streets & Parks, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss mailbox programs, winter guidelines,  plowing, and more.  If 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 how he and his team prepare and maintain the fleet & facilities during the fall and winter.  They also discuss GPS fleet technology, SNOWPATHS, and sustainability updates in the city.  For more information, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/278/Public-Works.  If you have a podcast idea, send an email to [email protected]. 

Tina Perry, the Neighborhood & Housing Specialist at the City of Portage, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the upcoming Community Services Open House.  The Open House is FREE, open to the public, and takes place at the Portage Zhang Senior Center (203 East Centre Avenue) on November 2 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.  To find out more, visit the Facebook Event @CityofPortageMI or the News Spotlight at www.portagemi.gov.