Richard Norman Brown, of Portland, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 18, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 9, 1943, the son of Norman and Mary (Torok) Brown. Weighing just 2 pounds, 11 ounces at birth, Dick was a fighter from the very beginning, going on to live a full, faithful, and wonderful life.   Dick retired from General Motors after 37 years of loyal service. A devout Catholic, he was a longtime member o

The St. Patrick's Varsity Girls basketball team was Breslin Bound on Thursday night with a matchup against Onekama. The Shamrocks took a lead in the first quarter and Macie Leonard knocked down some key shots and put backs that gave her 10 points in the first half. The Portagers made a slight run in the second quarter but were met by the Shamrocks with a reset and energetic second half team. The Lady Rocks attacked the boards and used poise to break the full court press. Down

Giving animals a second chance at life is a normal day for Carly Quinn, the director of the Ionia County Animal Shelter.   “We intake and rescue domestic animals, provide them with the necessary medical care and behavioral resources, and we find new homes for them in our community,” said Quinn. When a new dog or cat arrives at the shelter, Quinn and her staff provide testing and evaluation of the animal.   “We do our best to determine that the animal is behaviorally and medic

The PFCU athlete of the month award at Portland High School goes to the student who is just that each and every month of the school year, – that is, assuming he or she is in good academic and behavioral standing, this award goes to the individual each month who was consistently that month’s best athlete and led their team to success.   Monthly winners receive a plaque at awards night and are entered into a drawing for a $500 scholarship from PFCU.   Junior Landon Guilford has

We are excited to announce the recipients of our prestigious March Student of the Month Awards! This recognition is given to one exemplary student from each district who has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a cooperative, engaged learner and a model school citizen. ·       Taryn Cusack, Lakewood High School, Health Occupations ·       Tristan Pohl, Portland High School, Diesel Technology ·       Wyatt Slayton, Belding High School, Educational Careers ·       Carson Thoma