Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Katherine Yale, a Kalamazoo woman who overcame addiction, was named Goodwill Industries International’s 2026 Achiever of the Year at an awards banquet in Philadelphia.

She rebuilt her life with Goodwill’s support & now works as a recovery coach helping local residents overcome employment barriers.

Gull Meadow Farms will host its annual Sunflower Days celebration from July 30 through Aug.

16 in Richland. Visitors can explore five acres of sunflowers, zinnias and gladiolus + enjoy wagon rides, photo ops and a family activity area with tickets starting at $14.98.

The Ladies’ Library Association replaced its stained glass window, Lines of Knowledge, after it was damaged by a rock on Feb.

19; Andy Davis restored the piece (matching the original design by local artist Jamie Rife) in the historic library building.

Three Southwest Michigan school districts will ask voters on Aug.

4 to renew 18 mill operating tax measures for non-primary residences. Proposals from Lawton Community Schools, Athens Area Schools, and Plainwell Community Schools will restore full per-pupil state funding + allow adjustment for inflation controls.

West Michigan received much needed rain Monday as storms produced tornadoes, hail, and high winds in Wisconsin and Illinois — leaving damage there — while earlier showers over Lake Michigan protected local communities.

FEMA disbursed nearly $13M to residents and business owners affected by April storms with heavy rain and nine tornadoes in 27 counties — including Kalamazoo — and recovery centers remain open until Aug.

31 for aid applications.

Kalamazoo Township Supervisor David Combs said there is no plan to sell Grand Prairie Golf Course even though two longtime managers will retire at season end; the township is appraising the property to explore options like adding a restaurant + invites community input at the Aug.

10 board meeting.

Families on Michigan WIC can now shop online using benefits at all 122 Meijer stores as they can choose curbside pickup + free home delivery, and Michigan WIC Director Christina Herring said this service makes it easier for families to get healthy food.

Jakari Lipsey, a 6-foot-5, 290-pound 4-star recruit from Loy Norrix (known for making opponents hit the ground), committed to Michigan and is now one of Kalamazoo’s top high school football prospects fueling local pride in the sport.

The 2026 football season starts on Aug.

11 as six SAC-Lakeshore teams (Allegan, Constantine, Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep, Parchment, South Haven, Watervliet) gear up for a conference title with fall games scheduled locally.

Moonlight Festival with Matt Giraud

— Time Range — Old Dog Tavern — Cost Info — Experience a musical journey with Matt Giraud and Wavy Awakening at this lively festival.

Dead Letter Fest 2026

4-11:45 p.m. — Old Dog Tavern — Expected capacity 500 — Celebrate alternative music and DIY culture at a vibrant festival connecting artists and audiences.