Ray Waurio, the current Deputy Director for Streets & Parks and Nick Haines, the soon-to-be Deputy Director for Streets & Parks join host Mary Ruple to discuss mill and fill, crack sealing, chip sealing, DuraPatching, job opportunities, and more! If you have a podcast idea, email [email protected]. 

Betsy Loebig, the Senior Human Resources Specialist at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss tips for success when applying for jobs and interviewing as well as current job openings with the City of Portage.  If you have a podcast idea, please email us at [email protected]. 

Hannah Martin, the Portage Farmers Market Manager joins host Mary Ruple to discuss Opening Day, what to expect at the market, food assistance programs, volunteering, and more!  To learn more about the Portage Farmers Market and vendors, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/643/Markets.  If you happen to have a podcast idea, email [email protected]. 

City Clerk Erica Eklov joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the May 2, 2023 Special election, how to register to vote, and more! Visit portagemi.gov/236/Elections-Voting for additional information.  If you have a podcast idea, email [email protected].  

J.J. VandenBussche from PC Mustang Athletic Club and Chief Ranger Russ Phillips from Portage Parks & Recreation join host Mary Ruple to discuss the Inaugural PC Mustang Gallop 5K and the Portage park and trail system that is part of the race route.  To register for the PC Mustang Gallop 5K, visit https://www.pcmustangac.com/.  For more information on Portage parks and trails, visit mypark.portagemi.gov.  If you happen to have a podcast idea, email [email protected]. 

Ray Waurio, the Deputy Director of Streets & Parks at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Spring Cleanup program and other Spring Curbside Collection Programs.  To find out more information on these programs, visit portagemi.gov/279/Collection-Programs.  If you happen to have a podcast idea, email [email protected]. 

Biqi Zhao, the Deputy Director of Planning joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the City of Portage Master Plan and the Community Visioning Workshop.  The Community Visioning Workshop will take place on March 20 from 5:30 to 8 PM at the Portage Zhang Senior Center (203 East Centre Avenue).  If you have a podcast idea, email [email protected].  

Due to an unforeseen personal matter, Lt. General Russel Honoré was not  able to attend the City of Portage’s Black History Month Celebration on February 4.  We were fortunate enough to have Portage City Councilmember and guest host Vic Ledbetter sit down with Lt. General Russel L. Honoré  for an in-depth conversation in January.  Please enjoy this special Portage Connect Podcast.  

Riley from the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the YAC Winter Snow Party, the committee objectives, how to join, and more.  If you have a podcast idea,  send us an email at [email protected]. 

Ray Waurio, the Deputy Director of Parks & Streets at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss winter guidelines, plowing, & brush pickup.  If you have a podcast idea, email it to [email protected].