

Lady Shamrocks top Lansing Christian 66-14
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
Announcement
Jan 14


Advertise Locally, Support Local News
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
Announcement
Jan 14


Library News
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
Cory Grimminck - Portland District Library Director
Jan 14


Two St. Patrick coaches receive MHSFCA Coach of the Year honors
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
James Townsend
Jan 14


Raider bowlers face Ionia
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
Announcement
Jan 10


PHS Boys Wrestling Opens New Year with Success
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
Announcement
Jan 10


Ionia County Career Center Open House set for February 12th
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.
Announcement
Jan 10


Lilly Thelen named December PHS Athlete of the Month
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. Senior Lilly Thelen has be
Announcement
Jan 10


Lady Shamrocks top Potterville and Perry as Gracelyn Rockey collects 500th career rebound
The St. Patrick Girls Varsity Basketball team returned from Christmas break and hosted Potterville Tuesday evening. The Shamrocks defeated the Vikings 59-31. A balance of solid defense, quality shots and rebounding brought the team back strong from the break. Gracelyn Rockey led the team with 24 points, and 8 rebounds. Macie Leonard shot well beyond the arc and added 12 points. Lily Sandborn scored 8 points and had 3 steals. Potterville was led in scoring by Lienerth and Di
Announcement
Jan 10


Obituary for Donald Robert Pohl
Donald Robert Pohl, 85, of Portland, MI, passed away on January 4, 2026, at Hospice House of Lansing. Born on May 25, 1940, in Westphalia, MI, he was a devoted husband to wife of 60 years Kathleen (Gross) and a loving father to Jeff (Kim) Pohl, Amy (Shane) Coan, and Brian (Sara) Pohl. Don was never one to sit idle. Among his many jobs were lineman and supervisor for Central Soya, bus driver for Portland Public Schools, part of the work crew at St. Patrick school and church,
Obituaries
Jan 6













