Battle Creek

With an economic development organization that is the envy of many communities, Battle Creek is a city building on its food industry roots and the land that makes it the state’s third largest city. For fun, each year the Cereal City, world headquarters to the Kellogg Co., celebrates the significance of the most important meal of the day with the World’s Longest Breakfast table. Bikers, cyclers and joggers take in the parks, forests and streams linked by a 24-mile linear park. Campers and outdoor lovers visit Fort Custer Recreation area for fishing, hiking, cross country skiing and boating. For animal lovers, African creatures, like giraffes, and Asian animals, like snow leopards, make the Binder Park Zoo a must. The Battle Creek Art Center and Battle Creek Symphony stoke the city’s cultural offerings and the new Firekeepers Casino adds to the city’s fun side. B.C’s Math and Science Center is acclaimed and secondary education needs are accommodated by Kellogg Community College, Robert B. Miller College and a branch of Western Michigan University.  And Sojourner Truth, who lived here, watches over downtown from the memorial in her honor.

Midwest bagpipers and drummers skirl and snare together in Battle Creek

An opportunity to hear the ethereal sound of bagpipes and drums happens this Saturday at the Cricket Club in Battle Creek. The Greater Midwest Pipe Band (which has a home base in BC) is preparing for the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships this August.  

BC’s Still Hope Boxing teaches mothers and daughters to cross, jab, bob and weave together

In honor of Mother's Day, Still Hope Boxing offered mothers and daughters a chance to learn some boxing skills together — for self-protection, fun, and bonding

Inner City Music Proving Arts Can Teach makes huge IMPACT in Battle Creek

Battle Creek IMPACT is a free music education program that features the Sojourner Truth Choir, along with drums and piano instruction. About 85 percent of the students represent the area’s African American, Burmese, and Latinx communities. "We train kids and give them the opportunity to go out in the community to share their gifts and talents."

Dr. Tino Smith
Planned closure of overnight Battle Creek Shelter has local faith leader looking for solutions

After three years in operation, the Battle Creek Shelter is slated to close. Dr. Tino Smith of Kingdom Builders Worldwide, the current operator of the shelter, is seeking funding.

Voices of Youth: Student-athletes need mental health support, too

It's not uncommon to take the mental health of student-athletes for granted. Studies suggest that although most teens develop improved resilience through athletics, others experience stress, anxiety, mood disorders, and more that may be less visible due to the stress-related impacts of training and competition.

Voices of Youth: Self-driving vehicles are coming to Calhoun County — ready or not

While the technology is still developing, it's only a matter of time before driverless cars come to Battle Creek — and to other cities across the state. Three larger cities already have robotaxies. What are some advantages to self-driving vehicles and how do we prepare?

Battle Creek’s Washington Heights reaching new heights with affordable housing stock

“We have demonstrated that we’ll do what we say we’re going to do. Some of the barriers we’ve had to overcome we’ve looked at as opportunities. These new homes will be an opportunity for residents to create generational wealth and go from renter-ship to homeownership.”

BC’s Early Childhood Education poised to flourish — and save a church at the same time

“The preschool is one of the most important and vital options at the church. It has a waiting list that continues to expand. One possible future option is that Garden of Dreams would expand to occupy more of our building or an additional childcare center could come in here.”

Voices of Youth: Financial literacy required for Michigan students by 2028

Student debt, living expenses, credit card interest. Many students graduate from high school with little or no financial understanding. By 2028, all Michigan high schoolers will be required to take a financial literacy course. Ahead of the pack, Olivet High School plans to implement the requirement next year.

Expert support for breastfeeding mothers expands in Southwest Michigan

Lactation Medicine is becoming a more recognized specialty given how integral breastfeeding is to infant and maternal health. Dr. Karen Garcia, a Newborn Hospitalist with the Bronson Hospital System, supports breastfeeding families in both Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties.

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Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Enna Foundation
BINDA Foundation
Southwest Journalism Media Collaborative
Southwest Michigan First
Milestone Senior Services

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