A summer full of hard work in the weight room and perfecting skills on the field during 7-on-7 passing camps will finally be rewarded today, as prep football teams across the state of Michigan open up their seasons with their first official practice. Over the next three days the Grand Haven Tribune sports staff will feature an early glimpse of area football teams at Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Fruitport - three programs that are coming off shared conference championships and playoff berths a year ago.

Heavy rainfall will contribute to high water levels on many rivers and streams, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in its weekly fishing report. Shore and boat anglers will need to use caution, the DNR said. It said warm water temperatures on the inland lakes as well as the Great Lakes have anglers fishing in deeper water. SOUTHWEST LOWER PENINSULA

A total of 51 people took part in the inaugural Grand Haven 5K Run/Walk Series this summer, according to Brook Sheldon, who serves as the race director for two of the three participating events. The series wrapped up with last Saturday's Coast Guard Festival run. Heading into that event Sheldon noted that nearly 80 people had participated in the opening two events - the Klever Innovations Kick Off to Summer Run, held over Memorial Day weekend; and the Grand Haven High School Patriot's Day Run, held over the 4th of July holiday.

There's no doubt the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival has always been child friendly, with events such as the annual Kid's Day and the ever-popular downtown carnival. Thanks to an effort from the North Ottawa County Council on Aging (NOCCOA), there's also an event now dedicated to those 50 and older.