City of Portage, MI Podcast: Recent Episodes
City of Portage, Michigan
Official City of Portage, Michigan podcasts. Listen to the latest podcasts about topics important to Portage residents.
City Clerk Erica Eklov sits down with host John Hart to discuss the upcoming Michigan primary election, and how Portage residents can properly cast their votes.
Lauren Bodamer, owner of 468 Urban Winery, sits down with host John Hart to discuss the Portage Road business, its unique selection of wines, and what makes it a destination for both wine enthusiasts and first-time visitors.
Andra Lee, owner of Michiganders WindyCity DawgHouse sits down with host John Hart, to discuss the business on Portage Road, its extensive menu, and what makes a Chicago hot dog special.
Host John Hart sits down with Julie Ahlberg, owner of troVe on Portage Road, to talk about the business, how it all started, and how shopping local makes a difference.
Presidential Brewing Co. owner, Jake Lohse, joins host John Hart to discuss the family owned business on Portage Road.
Kristen, Amber, and Kelcey from Hounds & Co. Pet Supply join host John Hart to discuss the business on Portage Road, their special selection of dog treats and treatments, and the importance of shopping local in the City of Portage.
Rex Simpson, Leader of Hobby-Sports.com joins host John Hart to discuss the 37-year old business on Portage Road, how it all began, and why shopping local matters in the City of Portage.
Deputy Director of Economic Development, Jonathon Hallberg, joins host John Hart to discuss Stanwood Crossings, the new housing project in the City of Portage.
Members from the Portage Youth Advisory Committee join host John Hart to discuss the Green-a-Thon Earth Day Festival, May 3 from 9 AM to 1 PM at Portage City Hall.
Newly appointed City of Portage Fire Marshal Heather Jozwik joins host John Hart to talk about her new position, what residents should know about fire safety, and the work happening behind the scenes to protect the Portage community.
Neighborhood and Housing Specialist Tina Perry joins host John Hart to discuss the Community Human Services Open House, an event to spread helping hands to residents across Portage.
Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Farmers Market Manager Brianna Wurtsmith and City of Portage Chief Operating Officer Adam Herringa join host John Hart to discuss the City of Portage Farmers Market, and a permanent Farmers Market coming to town.
Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Portage City Councilmembers Nicole Miller and Jihan Young join host John Hart to discuss the 2025 Battle of the Bins: Portage Central vs. Portage Northern Football Rivalry Food Drive Challenge.
Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Bryan Mayhew, Assistant Chief of the Portage Department of Public Safety - Police Division joins host John Hart to discuss the 2025 Thin Blue Shoreline Ride.
Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
John Hart, the new Multimedia Specialist joins host Mary Ruple to discuss his new role with the City of Portage.
Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Brianna, the Portage Farmers Market Manager, joins host Mary Ruple to talk about Opening Day, the 2025 Market Season, and more! Make sure to visit us on Facebook and Instagram @PortageMarketMI for more information. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Paarth and Hameed from the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) join host Mary Ruple to discuss the 17th Annual Green-A-Thon and more! Find out more at https://portagemi.gov/440/Youth-Advisory-Committee. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Officer Fisher and Officer Martin from the Portage Department of Public Safety- Police Division join host Mary Ruple to discuss the Community Engagement and Resolution Team (CERT) Program and more. To learn more about the CERT Program and the team, visit portagemi.gov/345/. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Aanya & Sonya from the Youth Advisory Committee joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the third annual Recycled Art Contest and more. For more information or to enter the contest, visit https://portagemi.gov/878/YAC-Events. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Brianna Wurtsmith, the Farmers Market Manager, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss vendor opportunities for markets and events, the farmers market opening day, and more! Visit portagemi.gov/634 to learn more and apply. Do you have a podcast idea? Please send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Brandi Janes, the Director of Emergency Management at Kalamazoo County, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss severe weather planning, Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, March 19, at 1 PM. For more information and resources, visit www.weather.gov, www.michigan.gov/miready, www.kalcounty.gov/206/Emergency-Management, and portagemi.gov/372/Emergency-Management. Do you have a podcast idea? Email it to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Nick Haines, the Deputy Director of Streets & Parks, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the 2025 Spring Cleanup Program, the NEW Food Scraps Collection Program, and other collection programs. For more information on these programs, visit portagemi.gov/279. Do you have a podcast idea, send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Join us for this Special Edition of Portage Connect. Guest hosts Councilmember Ledbetter and Councilmember Young interview the featured speaker of the 2025 Black History Month Presentation, Jackie Joyner-Kersee. This year's presentation takes place at the Portage Zhang Senior Center (203 East Centre Avenue) from 6 to 9 PM. Doors open at 5:30 PM. The event is FREE and open to the public. No registration is required. For more information, visit portagemi.gov or our social media pages @CityofPortageMI. If you have a podcast idea, send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
The YAC Join host Mary Ruple to talk about the Winter Snow Party! and more. The YAC Winter Snow Party! takes place on February 1 from 12 to 2 PM at Oakland Drive Park, 7650 Oakland Drive. To find out more, visit our social media pages or the City of Portage website at portagemi.gov. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Bill Graham, The Deputy Fire Marshal joins host Mary Ruple to discuss Community Risk Reduction Week, Fire Safety, and more. Community Risk Reduction Week is January 20 - 26. Visit us on our social media pages throughout the week for more information. Do you have a podcast idea? Send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Brianna Wurtsmith, the Farmers Market Manager, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Portage Holiday Market, vendor recruitment, and more. Find out more at https://www.portagemi.gov/643/Markets. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Tina Perry, the Services Neighborhood & Housing Specialist at the City of Portage, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the annual Community Services Open House and more. The Community Services Open House is FREE and open to the public. It takes place on Thursday, November 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at the Portage Zhang Senior Center, 203 East Center Avenue. For more information, visit the Facebook event @CityofPortageMI. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Jereme Rowland, the Deputy Director of Fleet & Facilities at the City of Portage, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss what's going on at City Hall, winter preparation, Snowpaths, and more. For more information on the Department of Public Works and its programs, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/278/Public-Works. Do you have a podcast idea, send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Rob Leatherman, the Administrative Battalion Chief - Training, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Portage Department of Public Safety - Fire Division training programs and protocols, fire safety, and more. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Erica Eklov, the Portage City Clerk, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the November Election, voting options, registering to vote, and more. To find out more, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/236/Elections-Voting. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
City Manager Pat McGinnis joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Tricked Out Home 3 Halloween Decorating Contest. To enter your home, comment on the Facebook post at https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=952848403541405&set=a.219734500186136 or send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov by Tuesday, October 22 at 11:59 PM EST. Judging will take place from October 23 to 27. The first, second, and third-place winners will be selected and announced on Facebook on Tuesday, October 29. The winners will also be awarded a special certificate and prize, in person, at the November 6, 2024, Portage City Council Meeting at 6 PM. Special thanks to our sponsors, Millennium Restaurant Group, Alibi, and Fiesta Burrito.
Please remember that:
- Entries must be submitted in the comment section of the “Tricked Out Home” Halloween Decorating Contest Facebook post or by email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov on October 22, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. A Portage, Michigan (49002 or 49024 zip codes) address MUST BE included in the submission.
- You must be 18 years or older to enter.
- Participation is FREE and open to the public.
- Only one entry per address. You must live at the address to enter.
- You must have Internet access or a valid Facebook account to participate.
- No cash prizes will be awarded. The certificate holds no cash value.
For more information, visit www.portagemi.gov.
Justin Williams, the Assistant to the City Manager, joins host Mary Ruple for a fun journey through the history of Portage, Michigan. After you listen to the podcast, don't forget to go to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CityofPortageMI/, look for the post for the quiz, and post your answers to the quiz in the comments. The first three people to post all of the correct answers in the comments will win a prize! Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Recreation Program Manager Barbie Dunn joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the 2024 Fall Festival, upcoming events, and more! For more information on Fall Festival visit our social media pages @CityofPortageMI. More information is also available in the Portager newsletter and the 2024 Spring & Summer Parks & Recreation Guide. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Steve and Pete from the Portage Parks Foundation join host Mary Ruple to discuss the second annual Oktoberfest, the Leaf-A-Legacy project, and more. For more information on the Portage Parks Foundation, visit https://portageparksfoundation.org/. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Brianna Wurtsmith, the Farmers Market Manager at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the August Farmers Market, National Farmers Market Week, and more! Visit https://portagemi.gov/643/Markets for more information on the Portage Farmers Market. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Erica Eklov, the Portage City Clerk joins host Mary Ruple to talk about the State Primary Election on August 6, 2024, and the First Time Voter Sticker Contest. For information on voting and the election, visit portagemi.gov/236. Visit portagemi.gov/158 for more information on the First Time Voter Sticker Contest. If you have a podcast idea, send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Bill Graham, the Deputy Fire Marshall at Portage Department Public Safety - Fire Division joins host Mary Ruple to discuss summer fire safety, bicycle safety, and more. Visit https://portagemi.gov/316/Fire-Prevention for fire prevention resources. Do you have a podcast idea? Email it to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Nick Haines, the Deputy Director of Streets and Parks, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss disaster recovery updates, the July Brush Pickup, road construction updates, and more! If you have a podcast idea, send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Jereme Rowland, the Deputy Director of Fleet & Facilities at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss NEW solar energy updates, parking lot improvements, and other sustainability updates that will be occurring at Portage City Hall and other facilities this summer. If you have a podcast idea, send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Brianna Wurtsmith, the Farmers Market Manager, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss Portage Farmers Market Opening Day, the 16th Annual YAC Green-A-Thon event, the 2024 season, food assistance programs, and more! For more information on the Portage Farmers Market, visit https://portagemi.gov/643/Markets. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Riley and Kat from the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) join host Mary Ruple to discuss the 16th Annual Green-A-Thon event occurring during the opening day of the Portage Farmers Market. Both take place at Portage City Hall, 7900 South Westnedge Avenue from 9 AM to 1 PM on Sunday, May 5, 2024. For more information on this event, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/878/YAC-Events. Do you have a podcast idea? Send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Join us for this Special Edition of Portage Connect where Sean McBride, the Executive Director of Metro, joins host Pat McGinnis to talk about Metro, the new Metro Link program, and other services. More information can be found in the April Portager or by visiting https://mi-portage.civicplus.com/481/Transportation. If you have a podcast idea, send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Nick Haines, the Deputy Director of Streets & Parks at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Spring Cleanup Program, the Brush Pickup Program, and more. For more information on these programs, check out the March Portager or visit https://www.portagemi.gov/507/PickupCleanup-Programs. If you have a podcast idea, send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Mike Corfman, the Director of Emergency Management at Kalamazoo County joins host Mary Ruple to discuss Severe Weather Awareness Week, severe weather preparedness, and more. For more information or resources discussed in this podcast, visit www.michigan.gov/miready and www.weather.gov. Severe Weather Awareness Week takes place from March 17 to 23. Watch our social media pages for daily tips and information. If you have a podcast idea, send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Travis Helmer with the Portage Department of Public Safety - Fire Division joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the importance of CPR and the FREE Community CPR Class on March 23 from 9 AM to 11 AM at Fire Station No. 1, 7830 Shaver Road. To register for the class, visit https://portagemi.gov/FormCenter/Fire-Division-Police-Division-Public-Saf-10/Community-CPR-Class-SignUp-Form-143. If you have a podcast idea, email us at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Brianna Wurtsmith, the Farmers Market Manager, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the 2024 Portage Farmers Market, how to apply to the market, and the Vendor Meeting on February 29 at Portage Parks & Recreation, 320 Library Lane. If you have a podcast idea, send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Bill Graham, the Deputy Fire Marshal with Portage Public Safety - Fire Division, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss winter safety tips, fire safety tips, and more. For resources, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/316/Fire-Prevention. If you have a podcast idea, please send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Riley, Paarth, and Alex from the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) join host Mary Ruple to discuss the Winter Snow Party and more. The YAC Winter Snow Party takes place on February 3, from 12 - 2 PM at Oakland Drive Park, 7650 Oakland Drive - with or without snow on the ground!
City Clerk, Erica Eklov joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Presidential Primary, Early Voting, and more. If you have a podcast idea, send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Annie Pryor, the Recreation Program Manager at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss City Hall Exhibitions, exhibition artwork, and Portage Parks & Recreation programs and events. To see the artwork discussed in this podcast, visit the "Wild Wetlands: The Secret Life of Bogs" Exhibition at Portage City Hall, 7900 South Westnedge Avenue during normal business hours until September 5. You can also view the artwork by visiting https://www.portagemi.gov/867/Native-Landscaping. If you happen to have a podcast idea, email the Office of Public Information at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Jonathon Hallberg, the Deputy Director of Economic Development at the City of Portage sits down with host Mary Ruple again to discuss how to start a small business and the resources that you will need. Click on the links below for more information. If you have a podcast idea, email publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Starting Points:
· US Small Business Administration: https://SBA.gov
· Southwest Michigan SCORE Chapter: https://www.score.org/swmi
· Southwest Michigan APEX Accelerator: https://www.ptacsofmichigan.org, swmiapex@nemcworks.org or 269-491-6585.
· Michigan Small Business Development Center: https://michigansbdc.org or contact Sarah Forrest, Business Consultant, at sarah.forrest@wmich.edu, 269-387-6209.
· Southwest Michigan First Chamber: https://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/chamber
For a complete list of resources discussed in the podcast, visit portagemi.gov and look for the article "Portage Connect: Starting A Small Business Part 2" in the "Spotlight" section.
Jonathon Hallberg, the Deputy Director of Economic Development at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss entrepreneurship, starting and owning your own business, and more. Join Jonathon and Mary in late August for the second part of this podcast. If you happen to have a podcast idea, email publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Visit the Small Business Association at https://www.sba.gov for additional resources and South West Michigan First at https://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/business-services/sites-and-buildings for a list of available sites and buildings.
Jereme Rowland, the Deputy Director of Fleet and Facilities at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss sustainability plans as well as sustainability and green technology updates at the City of Portage (fleet and facilities). For more information on the Environmental Board, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/414/Environmental-Board. For more information on the Department of Public Works, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/278/Public-Works. Email publicinformation@portagemi.gov if you have a podcast idea.
Captain Bill Graham of Portage Public Safety - Fire Division joins host Mary Ruple to discuss fire prevention tips for grilling, the Fourth of July, and more. For more information on Portage Public Safety - Fire Division, visit portagemi.gov/311/Fire-Division. You can also follow them on Facebook @PortageMIPublic Safety and on Twitter @PDPDPortageMI. Fire prevention resources can be found at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education. If you have a podcast idea, email publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Ray Waurio, the current Deputy Director for Streets & Parks and Nick Haines, the soon-to-be Deputy Director for Streets & Parks join host Mary Ruple to discuss mill and fill, crack sealing, chip sealing, DuraPatching, job opportunities, and more! If you have a podcast idea, email publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Betsy Loebig, the Senior Human Resources Specialist at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss tips for success when applying for jobs and interviewing as well as current job openings with the City of Portage. If you have a podcast idea, please email us at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Hannah Martin, the Portage Farmers Market Manager joins host Mary Ruple to discuss Opening Day, what to expect at the market, food assistance programs, volunteering, and more! To learn more about the Portage Farmers Market and vendors, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/643/Markets. If you happen to have a podcast idea, email publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
City Clerk Erica Eklov joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the May 2, 2023 Special election, how to register to vote, and more! Visit portagemi.gov/236/Elections-Voting for additional information. If you have a podcast idea, email publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
J.J. VandenBussche from PC Mustang Athletic Club and Chief Ranger Russ Phillips from Portage Parks & Recreation join host Mary Ruple to discuss the Inaugural PC Mustang Gallop 5K and the Portage park and trail system that is part of the race route. To register for the PC Mustang Gallop 5K, visit https://www.pcmustangac.com/. For more information on Portage parks and trails, visit mypark.portagemi.gov. If you happen to have a podcast idea, email publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Ray Waurio, the Deputy Director of Streets & Parks at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Spring Cleanup program and other Spring Curbside Collection Programs. To find out more information on these programs, visit portagemi.gov/279/Collection-Programs. If you happen to have a podcast idea, email publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Biqi Zhao, the Deputy Director of Planning joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the City of Portage Master Plan and the Community Visioning Workshop. The Community Visioning Workshop will take place on March 20 from 5:30 to 8 PM at the Portage Zhang Senior Center (203 East Centre Avenue). If you have a podcast idea, email publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Due to an unforeseen personal matter, Lt. General Russel Honoré was not able to attend the City of Portage’s Black History Month Celebration on February 4. We were fortunate enough to have Portage City Councilmember and guest host Vic Ledbetter sit down with Lt. General Russel L. Honoré for an in-depth conversation in January. Please enjoy this special Portage Connect Podcast.
Riley from the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the YAC Winter Snow Party, the committee objectives, how to join, and more. If you have a podcast idea, send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Ray Waurio, the Deputy Director of Parks & Streets at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss winter guidelines, plowing, & brush pickup. If you have a podcast idea, email it to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Lieutenant Matt Wolfe from Portage Public Safety - Police Division joins host Mary Ruple to discuss winter driving safety, holiday parcel safety, and holiday shopping safety. If you have a podcast idea, send us an email a publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
City Clerk, Erica Eklov, joins host Mary Ruple to talk about the November 8 election, spoiling your ballot, registering to vote, and more! Please remember that the deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you is Friday, November 4. You can still request and fill out an absentee ballot in person on Monday, November 7. For more information on Election Day or voting, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/236/Elections-Voting. If you have a podcast idea, email publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Alexis Conklin, the Recreation Program Manager - Events, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss, Monster Mash, Traditional Holiday, Fall Park hours, and more. If you have a podcast idea, send us an email at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Jed Wild, the Community Risk Reduction Division Chief joins host Mary Ruple to discuss Fire Prevention Week and fire safety. If you have a podcast idea, email the Office of Public Information at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Ray Waurio, the Deputy Director of Streets & Parks joins host Mary Ruple to talk about the Fall Leaf Pick-up Program. To learn more about this program or to find your pick-up date, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/282. If you have a podcast idea, send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Ray Waurio, Deputy Director of Streets and Parks, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the Fall Brush Collection program. If you have a podcast idea, send an email to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
City Clerk, Erica Eklov joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the new voting districts, the August 2 election, and more! If you have a podcast idea, email us at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Alexis Conklin, the Recreation Program Manager (Events) with Portage Parks & Recreation joins host Mary Ruple to discuss summer events, Portage parks, and rentals.
Ray Waurio, the Deputy Director of Streets & Parks joins host Mary Ruple to discuss chip sealing and major road construction projects for this summer. For a complete list of chip sealing and mill & fill projects, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/288. For a complete list of road projects in Portage, visit https://www.portagemi.gov/295. If you have a podcast idea, email it to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Portage City Clerk, Erica Eklov joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the upcoming election, voting information, how to apply to be an election worker, and more! If you have a podcast idea, email the Office of Public Information at publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Members of the Youth Advisory Committee as well as vendors for the Portage Farmers Market join host Mary Ruple to discuss the annual Green-A-Thon event & Sneak Peek Farmers Market on May 1 from 11 AM - 3 PM in City Hall Parking Lot (7900 South Westnedge Avenue).
Are you ready for spring? Ray Waurio, the Deputy Director of Streets & Parks at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the 2022 Spring Cleanup & Quarterly Brush Pickup Programs and all of the changes that have been made! Ray also talks about job openings at the Department of Public Works. Do you have a podcast idea? Email them to publicinformation@portagemi.gov.
Maurice Hudson, the Operations Manager for Technology Services at the City of Portage joins host Mary Ruple to discuss Internet safety & security in the digital age.
Host Mary Ruple is joined by Portage Parks & Recreation to discuss heated restrooms, plowed trails, winter activities, animal habitats and more!
Host Mary Ruple speaks with Shoshana Johnson, a second-generation Army Veteran and the first Black female American POW. Johnson is the featured speaker at the 2022 City of Portage Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 5 at 6 PM. The event will take place at the Air Zoo (6151 Portage Road).
In 2003, Army Specialist Shoshana Johnson was traveling in a convoy while deployed in Iraq, when her vehicle was attacked. Iraqi forces killed 11 soldiers in her company and captured six, including Johnson. She retired from the Army and received an honorable discharge on December 12, 2003. Her awards and decorations include the US Army Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, and the Prisoner of War Medal.
Hear Johnson speak about her story of survival and participate in a Q&A session. After the presentation, enjoy the Air Zoo’s featured exhibitions. A limited number of Shoshana’s book, I’m Still Standing, will be available for purchase (while supplies last). Attendees are encouraged to bring their own copy for signing. This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30 PM, with the presentation beginning at 6 PM.
For more information, visit Facebook @CityofPortageMI or contact Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522.
The Director of Portage Public Works, Rod Russell, joins host Mary Ruple to discuss winter reminders (sidewalks, fire hydrants, bus stops), Plow Traxx and the January Brush Collection program.
Rod Russell, the Director of Portage Department of Public Works joins host Mary Ruple to discuss the City of Portage Snow Removal Program and what you can do to help keep the roads safe and clean this winter.
Parks & Recreation Program Manager, Alexis Conklin discusses Monster Mash & Traditional Holiday, 2021.
The City Manager explains the progress being made with the emergency pumping of Hampton Bog.
City Manager Shaffer updates the community on the effort to reduce water levels at Hampton Bog.