Portage

Portage Unites for May Day March; Community Still Rebuilding from Tornado Aftermath

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Portage, Michigan, witnessed a week marked by significant community events and ongoing challenges. From protests advocating for workers’ rights to the lingering aftermath of natural disasters, the city was alive with activity and reflection. On Saturday, the streets of Portage overflowed with thousands of demonstrators who gathered for a May Day rally. Organized by Indivisible Greater Kalamazoo, the event emphasized workers’ rights and called for proactive community engagement. Participants waved signs and chanted slogans, showcasing their solidarity on this observance of International Workers’ Day. Meanwhile, a year after an EF2 tornado ravaged the area, residents … Read more

Portage County Joins Select Ohio Counties in New ICE Collaboration to Enforce Immigration Laws

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RAVENNA, Ohio — Portage County has become one of three counties in Ohio to forge a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), enabling selected deputies to perform federal immigration law enforcement duties. This collaboration follows a national trend as more local law enforcement bodies align themselves with ICE to broaden their operational reach. Under the 1996 Immigration Reform Act, local agencies can enter into 287(g) agreements which empower appointed deputies to act in capacities similar to ICE agents, including the execution of immigration warrants and detaining individuals on immigration grounds. Currently, Portage joins … Read more

Portage County Man Files Lawsuit Against Jackson-Milton School District, Alleges Violation of Ohio’s Sunshine Laws

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North Jackson, Ohio – A Portage County man has recently filed a lawsuit against the Jackson-Milton Local School District, claiming that the district has violated Ohio’s Sunshine Laws. These laws stipulate that government meetings and records must be made public. Brian Ames, the president of Open Government Advocates, initiated the lawsuit, which was submitted to the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas on February 1. According to the lawsuit, the district has failed to properly inform the public about its school board meetings and maintain accurate and complete meeting minutes. It also alleges that the … Read more