A special edition of Mustang Minutes for Wednesday, July 22, 2026
First, thank you.
So many families as well as our local youth groups and churches have provided incredible support to our kids as we all grieve the loss of Levi Newland. And our students… I am so sorry, so sad, and so deeply proud of how thoughtful, caring and compassionate you have been through this heart-breaking experience. I don’t have words to express how grateful I am.
Services for our kids and community
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Levi's life will be held this Friday, July 24, beginning at 4 p.m., at The Bridge Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Memorial contributions may be given to Youth for Christ, through the funeral home, which provided more information here.
Too, if you would like to help the family directly during this time, click on this link for ways you can support them. Too, if you would like to provide food for the potluck dinner after the services, please hit this link.
Grieving unfolds differently for each of us – and for our kids
I lost my mom when she was very young, and that was nearly 30 years ago. And sometimes it still shakes me to my knees. Just know that we are always around, if we can help in any way.
In the days and weeks ahead, if your children need support, please reach out to me anytime.
And when the school year begins, if any of our kids need additional support, please connect with your son’s or daughter’s counselor.
Todd Tarnutzer Last names starting A-E
Lisa Jepson Last names starting M-R
Shannon Schippers Last names starting F-I, K, L
Karen Kreis Last names starting N, S-Z
Click here for a few ideas on how to support your children through grief, and here for a list of signs and symptoms of stress so that together we are giving our kids what they need.
Students, please click here to help you think through what you are feeling and how you can help yourself during this difficult time.
In the days and weeks ahead, students and families may need other support. We are fortunate in our community to have the Gryphon Place Helpline, which you can call anytime – (269) 381-4357 – to talk with someone for support.
We are always here. If you have any questions, or if there is some other way we can help, please reach out to me anytime and I will be there; that is simply what friends do for one another.
Deeply sad, and so grateful for our community and kids,
Eric Alburtus and all of us at Portage Central
P.S. Forgive me for adding one piece of news here…
Are you an athlete who needs a physical to participate in PC athletics this year?
We are grateful that local doctors will be doing physicals at Portage Northern High School on Monday, August 3 at 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Cost will be $35. One can pay with cash or with credit cards; sorry that no checks are accepted.