PFCU Credit Union’s Cash for Classrooms Program is in its sixth year and continues to support local teachers during the months of January through May. During this time teachers are nominated to win $150 to be used on any expenses or needs they have for their classroom. PFCU supported 25 teachers with a total of $3,750 this year. To further honor teachers through this program, PFCU surprised five additional teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4th-8th, with a Cash

After winning their district last weekend, the Shamrocks faced Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central on Wednesday in the regional semi-finals. The shamrocks defeated Panthers 15-0 in three innings. Jerryd Scheurer, Tyler Thelen and Mason Simon each had two hits in the game. Tyler Thelen got the win on the mound striking out two and holding Nouvel hitless. You can find the Bleacher Denizen write up of the Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central game HERE. On Saturday, St. Patrick de

After winning a district title last weekend, the Raiders traveled to Hudsonville Unity Christian on Saturday to compete in regionals. In the semi-finals, Portland topped Grand Rapids Christian 14-4. Portland tallied 13 hist in the game led by Bella Spitzley who went four for four with one RBI. Molli Miilu had two hits and four RBIs. Lilly Thelen and Kameryn Burnham each added two hits. Spitzley got the win in the circle for Portland striking out five while allowing sev

Orville Jacob Hartner of Portland, Michigan, was born on November 8, 1947, to Max and Margaret (Dietrich) Hartner in Saginaw, Michigan. He passed away on May 12, 2026, after an extended battle with Parkinson’s disease. After High School, Orv enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a mechanic during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he returned to his family farm in Beaverton, MI. He married Jacquelyn in 1979, and he taught her what it meant to li

Ryan S. Humphrey passed away on May 29, 2026, at the age 54. He was born on September 6, 1971. He attended college at CMU, where he earned a double major in statistics and actuarial science. Ryan was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He enjoyed bowling and coached the Portland girls bowling team. He also enjoyed trivia, board games, Strat-O-Matic baseball, and fantasy football and baseball. Ryan married Kim (Spitzley) on November 9, 2002, and together they shared t

The band "Unusual Suspects" is playing at the band shell on Thursday, July 9th, with a theme of celebrating America’s 250 birthday. The show starts at 6:30 PM.

Brandon Strong, a longtime school administrator at Barry County Christian Schools, announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in Michigan’s 78th House District. Strong is running to succeed current State House Representative, Gina Johnsen’s seat. The district represents portions of Eaton, Barry, Kent, and Ionia counties. A longstanding resident of the 78th District, Strong expressed his excitement to enter the race and represent his community, saying, “Michigan

On Saturday, several members of the Portland High School track and field team traveled to Hamilton High School for the MHSAA LP Division 2 Finals. Senior Brady Rowe won the 400m title with a new meet record of 47.9. The previous record was 47.94 and was set in 2009 by Stephen Murphy of Madison Heights. Rowe won this year’s event by almost a full second. Second place was Gavin Shaw of Detroit Country Day with a time of 48.72. Rowe was the favorite and started in lane four

Gary Monroe Merrill, age 88, of Portland, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026 peacefully at his home. He was born on June 4, 1937, the son of Royce and Mildred (Friend) Merrill. Gary proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He was an avid hunter, which included deer, rabbits, squirrels, and birds. Gary also enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing shuffleboard. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dean Merrill and Ralph Merrill and his wives, Nancy Merrill and S

Mary Louise Martin (Barley), 90, of Traverse City, MI, passed away on May 21, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mary Lou was born on December 10, 1935, to Albert C. and Elizabeth J. (Gregg) Barley. She was raised in Portland, MI. She graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1954. After high school, she attended Wells College in New York, earning a degree in Education. After college, she returned to Portland, and in 1959 she married Dennis W. Martin. They ra