Michigan is one of the most productive farming states in the country. We are second only to California in variety of crops. The only reason we are not first is we cannot grow citrus. But our farmers are drowning in regulations, taxes, and red tape that make no sense. Some of the most impractical rules in the entire country are right here in Michigan. The average family now spends about 10% of their income on food. Prices keep climbing right along with gas prices. The farm

On Saturday, August 8, Monkey Llama Games is inviting families from across the region to gather for an afternoon of laughter, music, and community at Free Family Fun Day at Two Rivers Park in Portland. Family activities begin at 4:00 p.m., featuring giant lawn games, bubbles, prizes, and activities designed for children and families of all ages. At 6:00 p.m., local favorites Piper Avenue will take the stage for a free outdoor concert, performing until 8:00 p.m. The event

With the start of the high school fall sports season just weeks away, we are looking for local businesses who may be interested in sponsoring high school sports coverage on The Portland Beacon. Between Portland High School and St. Patrick School, we will have 11 local varsity sports teams in action this fall. These sponsorship opportunities are available to businesses, groups, individuals and families. We would also be willing to discuss sponsorship of other school spons

Organizers of the Sunfield Farmers Picnic have released their 2026 schedule of events. Activities start Friday, August 14th at 4:00 PM. Full schedule listed below.

PFCU Credit Union has donated $5,000 to the Ionia Free Fair Agriscience Division, demonstrating its continued commitment to supporting agricultural education and youth development throughout the communities it serves. The donation will help enhance educational opportunities and experiences for participants involved in agriscience programs at the fair. The Ionia Free Fair Agriscience Division provides youth with valuable hands-on learning experiences that promote leadership,

Jace Cross of Portland was named to Kettering University's Spring 2026 Dean's List. Cross is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. The Dean's List recognizes overall academic performance based on the student's term grade point average (GPA). To be eligible for the Dean's List, students must satisfy the following requirements: be a degree-seeking student with a minimum term grade point average of 3.5, no grades below B, and a minimum of 16 earned credits for the term. "Bei

It is with great pleasure that Kevin and Lesia Brummette have been honored as the 2026 Sunfield Farmers Picnic Grand Marshal. KEVIN & LESIA BRUMMETTE Lesia Peabody was raised in Sunfield. Kevin was raised in Charlotte. They married in 1980 and have three sons: Matt & Angel, Trent and Eric & Brittni and seven awesome grandkids! They love watching the grandkids in school activities. Kevin is known for his grilling and helping out neighbors. As his sons were in baseball,

Laura Ellen Carpenter, 56, peacefully passed away on July 18, 2026, surrounded by family. Born May 5, 1970, Laura battled with the challenges brought by Down Syndrome. She successfully graduated from Freedom Acres through Ionia School District, in Michigan, and achieved many life skills that the world said she could not. Laura enjoyed music, Pepsi, ice cream and shakes, and loved golf cart rides with her parents. She was a landlubber, averse to any activities involving wa

Lawrence “Larry” N. Kenyon, of Portland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the age of 81. He was born on May 13, 1945, the son of Henry and Hilda (Osman) Kenyon. In his younger years, Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being in the outdoors. He graduated from Lakewood High School. Larry worked his whole life in a factory and spent many years farming as well. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brad Kenyon; siblings, Norma Jean Dietz, Sharon But

Reaching 500 career victories is a milestone few high school coaches ever experience. For Portland St. Patrick baseball coach Bryan Scheurer, however, the number represents far more than wins and losses. It is the culmination of decades spent building one of Michigan's premier small-school baseball programs while mentoring generations of student-athletes on and off the field. Scheurer reached the 500-win milestone during the 2026 season, adding another remarkable chapter to