Good morning, Battle Creek.

After Fox 17 highlighted Doug Pickel's milestone in handcrafting his 500th Purple Heart plaque in Trufant, neighbors responded with donations and orders — raising nearly $2,500 toward the Michigan POW/MIA Memorial project in Mount Pleasant.

The outpouring of support has strengthened his ongoing tribute to veterans.

A Michigan family restored a decades-old 48-star flag by sending it to American Flags Express in Butler (Wisconsin) for repairs ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, and they will display the flag at their lake house in Irish Hills to preserve a piece of WWII history.

Gas prices are set to be high this Fourth of July as the national average is predicted at $3.75 per gallon and Berrien County shows $4.07, while prices in West Michigan may drop into the $3 range later this summer if global oil trends ease.

Battle Creek officials remind residents that fireworks are allowed until July 4 but are prohibited on public property, and they advise caution by following safety tips.

City services including administrative offices and recreation centers have modified hours around the holiday.

Michigan now offers two new specialty license plates online; one legacy plate celebrates the country's 250th anniversary (available only in 2026 for $55 with most funds allocated to road repairs) and another honors Black fraternities and sororities for $25.

Extreme heat warnings continue today across southern Michigan as the National Weather Service predicts heat indexes up to 105 degrees with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 90s; residents are urged to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity to prevent heat-related illnesses.

State officials say a heatwave is driving the heat index above 100 today as daytime highs reach the upper 90s and overnight temperatures stay warm through the Fourth of July; they advise residents to stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbors + use cooling centers when needed.

Community Action Michigan plans to deliver signature boxes to the Kalamazoo City Clerk Wednesday to put a health care initiative on the November ballot to lower costs and expand access; the group also hopes to include Battle Creek among other cities in the proposal.

On July 1, the Rx Kids initiative launches in Albion, Battle Creek, Springfield, and Sheridan Township, providing cash support to pregnant families — offering $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for six months to help cover basic needs.

Michigan has backed new redevelopment projects for nearly 40 housing units in Port Huron, Battle Creek and Owosso.

In Battle Creek, a building at 99 W. Michigan Ave will be converted into 10 apartments, space and a rooftop event venue with support from a $2.9M RAP grant (boosting local growth).

Battle Creek Enquirer's Reader's Choice High School Female Athlete of the Year poll is now open for local high school stars starting today, with votes accepted online until Tuesday, July 7 — voters may add write-in names if desired.

The contest features candidates from schools like Lakeview and Harper Creek.

Casey Mize struck out 10 in seven innings as the Tigers won 7-3 over the Yankees Monday night — rookie players added key runs after defensive errors.

The Yankees, missing key sluggers, suffered their fifth straight loss.

Vibe @ 5 Concert Series

5-7:30 p.m. — Friendship Park — Free entry — Enjoy regional performers playing live tunes in a variety of genres at this community concert series.

Vince Gill Concert

8 p.m. — FireKeepers Casino Hotel — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of beautiful country music with Vince Gill.

Vibe @ 5 Concert Series

5-7:30 p.m. — Friendship Park — Free entry — Enjoy regional performers playing popular live tunes in a festive community atmosphere.

Leilapalooza Music Festival

All day — Leila Arboretum Society — $5 parking — Experience a vibrant one-day festival with 60+ bands across 6 stages set in a beautiful arboretum.

Vibe @ 5 Concert Series

5-7:30 p.m. — Friendship Park — Free entry — Enjoy regional performers playing live tunes in this vibrant community concert series.