The Annual Festival of Tables is a fun event that benefits our community and celebrates friendship around the table.  This event is a fundraiser for the Portland Area Ministerial Association (PAMA).  The funds raised go into the Compassion Fund that helps local families in need.  These funds help with rent, utilities, gas cards and more.  Each year PAMA helps over 100 families avoid eviction or utility shutoff.  The event is centered around hostesses decorating a table in a t

Saint Patrick wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out to a 12–0 lead within the first minute of the opening quarter and forcing Webberville to burn an early timeout. The quick start clearly impacted the Spartans, who struggled to find any offensive rhythm for the rest of the quarter . The Shamrocks took full advantage, closing the first quarter with a strong 22–8 lead.   The shamrocks were able to hold a commanding lead throughout the second quarter never allowing Webber

Portland’s girls varsity wrestling team delivered a gritty, hard‑charging performance at the Holt Girls Duals tournament over the weekend, stacking three dual victories and finishing fourth overall in a deep, competitive field. The Raiders opened the day with a 36–27 win over Eaton Rapids, fueled by momentum‑shifting pins from Georgia Stahl, Alliona Teachworth, and Madison Pohl. Portland kept rolling in Round 2, edging the number one ranked Romeo 42–36 behind a flurry of earl

Terry Frewen has been elected Chairman of the Ionia County Board of Commissioners for the 2026 term. First elected as a county commissioner in 2023, Frewen brings three years of experience on the board into the chairmanship. He has served as Chairman of the Finance Committee for the past two years and has been actively involved in several key county boards and committees, including the Ionia County Economic Alliance, the Ionia/Montcalm County Department of Health and Human Se

The St. Patrick Girls Varsity Basketball team hit the road for their first away game of the season last Thursday.   They traveled to Saranac and the Shamrocks defeated the Redhawks 62-49. The Shamrocks played a fluid and well distributed offense as well as worked to pressure the ball well. The Shamrocks worked the boards and brought in solid rebounds that gave them several points scored around the rim. Gracelyn Rockey led the team with a double-double of 24 points, 11 rebound

The Portland bowling teams traveled to Char Lanes on Wednesday to take on Olivet and came away with strong performances across all levels. The Girls Varsity team earned a hard-fought 17–13 victory to improve their record to 7–1. Battling through injury and illness, the girls showed resilience and determination to secure the win. Savanah Sutton led the way as high bowler of the day with a 301 two-game series, followed by Karagan Calley with a 273 two-game series. The Boys Vars

Mary Teachout, Erin Hoard, and Laurie Reeves are three friends who have teamed up to create two fine Portland businesses, named Scrappy Divas and Queens’ Quarters, respectively. “We met through our association with the Portland Civic Players,” said Mary. “We became fast friends and partnered to form these businesses.” Scrappy Divas is a specialty scrapbooking shop that features scrapbook paper, paper craft supplies, and school supplies. “We stock many high quality scrapbook p

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