Linda Ruth Krause of Portland, passed away on January 12, 2026 at the age 78. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com .

Sylvia Mae Riker, of Ionia, passed away on January 11, 2026 at the age of 98. She was born in Ionia on December 6, 1927, the daughter of Otis and Ruby (Dickinson) Ferris. Sylvia married the love of her life, Robert Riker on August 21, 1948 and they shared 77 wonderful years of marriage together. In her free time, Sylvia enjoyed reading, quilting, crocheting, and tending to her flower beds. Most importantly, Sylvia loved her family and cherished the time she spent with them ma

Ronald Vincent Shinaver, Sr., of Portland, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026 at the age of 83. Ron was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland. He dedicated 40 years of his career as a Union Official at General Motors, taking great pride in the work he did and the people he represented. On August 22, 1964, Ron married the love of his life, Carol Goodman. Together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Ron enjoyed traveling and the great outdoo

The St. Patrick Girls Varsity Basketball team hosted Lansing Christian on Tuesday. The Shamrocks defeated the Pilgrims 66-14. The team came out utilizing their press with solid on-ball defense, and scored in transition. The team was balanced with scoring contributions from several teammates and defensive stops as well. Gracelyn Rockey led the team with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 steals. Lily Sandborn followed closely and scored 14 points with 4 steals. Alice Newman scored 9

At The Portland Beacon, we are all about local.  We offer multiple cost-effective options to reach potential customers right here in Portland.  And your ad dollars go right back into supporting local news coverage.   In 2015 our site had more than 93,000 views and 42,855 users.   With advertising options starting as low as $55 a month, we can fit into even the smallest advertising budgets.   If you want to learn more about how advertising on The Portland Beacon can help your

Snow Buddy Get crafty and cozy! Design a tiny snowman out of clay and place it in a jar for a fun, wintry keepsake that's sure to melt hearts. Ages 18 & up. Registration is required. Bags can be picked up beginning January 15.   Tangled Hearts This project will really tug on your heartstrings! Use nails and string to design your own heart-shaped masterpiece - perfect for decoration or as a handmade gift. This program is for ages 18+. Please register in advance. Take-and-make

Two football coaches from St. Patrick School in Portland recently received impressive recognition from their peers.  Varsity football head coach Patrick Russman was named as the State Coach of the Year for MHSAA 8 Man Division 2 Coach of the year by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA).  Assistant coach Aaron Thelen was named one of the associations 2025 Assistant Coaches of the Year.   Russman has been coaching high school football for 31 years.  He

On Tuesday, the Raiders traveled to Ionia to take on the Bulldogs, with all squads facing tough competition on the road.   The Lady Raiders suffered their first loss of the season, falling 17–13. Needing both Baker games to secure the victory, they claimed the first Baker 146–140 but dropped the second 137–106. Leading the way for the Lady Raiders was Savanah Sutton with a two-game series of 330. Joslynn Mitchell also contributed with a strong 153 game and a 266 two-game seri

The Portland High School boys wrestling team started the new year strong, with an impressive tournament championship at the Fruitport Wrestling Legends Team Dual on January 3 at Fruitport High School.   The Raiders went a perfect 5–0 on the day, defeating Grant (68–10), Fruitport (40–28), Greenville (32–29), Kent City (40–35), and Muskegon Reeths Puffer (46–22) to claim the tournament title.   Senior standouts Gunnar Williams (HWT) and Brad Meyers (190) recorded the team's qu

Come learn about Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses available for Ionia County junior & senior high school students!  The open house is scheduled for February 12 th  from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.