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.
As other communities struggle with how to help those facing eviction, Calhoun County and Battle Creek agencies and groups are finding ways to assist those in danger of losing their homes.
A three-month pilot program known as “Voices of Youth in Battle Creek” will give youth an opportunity to be heard.
Sharing the food he grows and sharing the knowledge of growing food are some the ways Carlos Fontana of Battle Creek is making the most of his retirement. He's also written books and now wants to plant the seed of growing gardens in young peoples' minds.
A Consumer's Energy program will benefit homeowners and renters and will raise money for the Battle Creek branch of the NAACP.
When those who are in recovery leave a designated program their chances of relapse are high if they don't have a plan. When it opens next year, Hope House in Battle Creek will work with those who have been through the Haven of Rest Ministries Life Recovery Program to increase their odds of making it.
The number of unlicensed and stray dogs in Calhoun County and the City of Battle Creek is an issue, especially during the summer months. Here's how local animal control officers deal with it.
A 96-bed inpatient behavioral health facility in Battle Creek is slated to open in 2022.
Calhoun County's COVID Vaccine Ambassadors want to get information out to the community and for some of them, the work is personal.
Piano lessons, bus rides, and exposure to skilled trades are included alongside reading and STEM activities — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — in summer learning programs that are underway in Battle Creek.
As origin stories go, the Battersons have a real one to tell. Within days of opening the doors of New Story Community Books the state of Michigan shut down to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is how they have stayed in business.
Our Sponsors
Our Media Partners
Common Ground Is Brewing
Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).
Drink Better, Read Local
