Good morning, Kalamazoo.

The Rotary Club of Kalamazoo will present its 2026 Red Rose Citation to entrepreneurs Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang on June 29 at noon at City Centre Events in downtown Kalamazoo, honoring their lifetime of community service including scholarships, arts programs, and animal care (supporting local institutions).

A new Meijer grocery store is proposed for Rutland Township near Hastings, and a special-use permit hearing was held on Wednesday, June 17.

The planned 160,000 sqft supercenter will include a garden center, a seven-pump gas station and space for future development to serve nearby residents.

Community groups are hosting free Juneteenth celebrations with live music, art and family activities across town.

Events begin today—featuring a screening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum—and continue through the weekend at Spring Valley Park, Bronson Park, Dabney and Co and First Congregational Church.

After a sewage overflow on June 10 in Ross Township, officials approved a $300K contract to replace 400 feet of aging pipe.

The Gull Lake Water & Sewer Authority is set to install a new 14-inch polyethylene line soon to address a decades-long corrosion issue.

Deputy Fire Chief Patrick Doran became the new fire chief of Richland Township on June 16; he brings 38 years of emergency services experience and will continue initiatives such as securing equipment grants and running education programs for Medical First Responders.

Schoolcraft Township admitted mistakes in assessing home values that caused tax bills to jump from about $1,000 last year to nearly $7,000 this year + 38 homes face similar increases.

The state is investigating the issue while affected homeowners await clear explanations from township officials.

Bronson Healthcare received an $80,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to expand its sickle cell care program for adults in southwest Michigan, adding dedicated nursing staff + expanding education ahead of World Sickle Cell Day tomorrow.

Davier White, a 6-foot-5 star guard at Kalamazoo Central, accepted an in-state Division‑I offer from Western Michigan on Monday—boosting his profile as a top Mr. Basketball hopeful while he already had interest from other programs.

The Wolverine all-conference baseball team for 2026 is announced, spotlighting players from Vicksburg, Edwardsburg, and Niles + final league records.

Vicksburg won the conference championship with a 12-2 league run.

Twenty Kalamazoo-area softball stars were named all-state by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association for the 2026 season—with Mendon, Gobles, Paw Paw and other schools earning multiple honors.

The recognition spotlights local talent and celebrates community athletic achievements.

On May 6, Otsego High School hosted a girls soccer game where Otsego clinched the Wolverine Conference championship (7-0 in league play) and led in all-conference selections for 2026.

The Wolverine Conference named its all-conference softball team for 2026 (highlighting the season's top talent) after Paw Paw clinched the league championship, honoring players from Paw Paw, Three Rivers and Vicksburg.

Portage Central running back Cam Noe, one of Michigan’s top 2028 recruits, received his 13th Division-I offer on Tuesday from Michigan State while also visiting Notre Dame, building on a breakout season that helped his team reach the state semifinals.

Dixon's Violin Live Concert

3:50-5:15 p.m. — Milham Park — General Admission $32 — Experience a mesmerizing performance by acclaimed violinist Dixon with an extraordinary twist on the electric violin.

Kalamazoo Caribbean Festival

June 26-28 — Arcadia Creek Festival Place — Prices vary — Celebrate the vibrant culture with delightful food, island vendors, and rhythmic festivities.

John R. Miller Concert

8 p.m. — Bell's Eccentric Cafe — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy live music at one of Kalamazoo's favorite venues.

Kindleberger 5k Run/Walk

7:30 AM — Lower Kindleberger Park — Free entry — Kickstart your day with energy and community spirit at this charming 5K run/walk.

Sierra Shame Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Texas Drive Park — Free entry — Experience a high-energy blend of Classic Rock and Kickin' Country from Sierra Shame.

2026 PZSC Cars & Cocktails Car Show

4-7 p.m. — Portage Zhang Senior Center — Cost varies — Enjoy a vibrant car show with live entertainment, food, and fun contests.