Chris Crail

The Portage Fire Department is preparing to help keep Lake Michigan safe, as the Coast Guard cuts staffing at its Michigan City station.

The Portage Fire Department is getting lots of attention and positive feedback for a recent rescue, but no funding to upgrade the equipment that made it possible. Matthew R. Reum, 27, was trapped for several days in an overturned truck in a creek under I-94.

Portage Mayor Austin Bonta presided over his first city council meeting Tuesday. "What I could say is that the first two days has been like drinking out of a fire hose, but I absolutely love it," Bonta said during his first mayor's report. "It has just been such a joy."