Portage Area students (from left) Konner Zock, Easton Slanoc and Gabe Johnson build dams in Kane Run after stocking the stream with 750 rainbow trout Friday in preparation for an upcoming May 16 fishing derby for children age 12 and under. The derby will take place from noon to 4 p.m., and all kids who participate will receive a prize and a free meal, according to Dennis Beck, chairman of the Trout Run Watershed Association.

Portage Area juniors (from left) Kendall Stancovich, Vanessa Barnyak and Kaylie Grove spread mulch at a children’s play area inside Crichton McCormick Park. About 250 Portage Area High School students engaged in an annual community cleanup project Friday afternoon to beautify Crichton McCormick Park and the Kondisko Park site at the intersection of Munster Road and Portage Street. A fire company squad unit, an ambulance and police were on hand throughout the day in case of any injuries or accidents for the students’ safety, Beck said.

Portage Area freshman Kayden Brunnet shovels leaves onto a tarp while cleaning up Crichton McCormick Park with his peers Friday.

Mirror photos by Matt Churella