UPDATE: 6/3/2020
As a result of a quiet night in Portage, the overnight curfew that was in place June 2 - 3 has been lifted. However, the local state of emergency will remain in place through June 8 as a precautionary measure.
The City of Portage is thankful to the residents and businesses for their continued patience and cooperation. “The residents of Portage have a long history of coming together,” said Mayor Patricia Randall. “This has never been more evident than during these unprecedented times.”
City Manager, Joe La Margo said, “We are so grateful to the women and men of the Portage Department of Public Safety. They have worked tirelessly to keep Portage residents, businesses and properties safe.”
The Department of Public Safety and City Administration will continue to monitor the situation locally and throughout the region. “We will continue to work closely and in coordination with other local and state officials and adjust as circumstances warrant,” stated La Margo.
#####
Today, Mayor Patricia M. Randall signed a local state of emergency following several incidents of violence in Kalamazoo County last night. In light of the violence by outside groups not affiliated with the peaceful demonstrations in the City of Kalamazoo, a curfew is in effect from 7 PM on June 2 through 5 AM on June 3 in the City of Portage. This follows similar declarations by Kalamazoo County and the City of Kalamazoo.
Residents can be assured that the City Administration and the Portage Department of Public Safety are closely monitoring events occurring in the region and working with local partner agencies to safeguard Portage residents and businesses. “We are taking these precautions based on violent activity overnight in the City of Kalamazoo,” said City Manager Joe La Margo. “The curfew will be enforced by the Portage Department of Public Safety.” Exceptions to the curfew include individuals driving to and from work, seeking medical care or fleeing dangerous circumstances, as well as federal, state and local officials conducting business.
Mayor Patricia M. Randall said, “I am a firm supporter of the First Amendment and the right to peacefully assemble. The city continues to monitor the situation to ensure that all of our residents, visitors and the business community are safe.”