The stories that stayed with us: A year of Second Wave journalism
Through bikes, poetry, wetlands, old theaters, and everyday helpers, Second Wave writers and photographers revisit the stories that defined their year.
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.
Ford’s $1.3M gift empowers three Calhoun County community foundations to fuel local projects
Ford Motor Co. is investing $1.3 million in a collaborative effort with three Calhoun County community foundations to deliver immediate impact and long-term support across the region.
It’s scholarship season at the Battle Creek Community Foundation
Battle Creek Community Foundation scholarships help local students like Nylayiaha Smith afford college and inspire them to give back to their community.
Voices of Youth: A safe haven for children entering foster care comes to Battle Creek
Battle Creek’s Isaiah 117 House, set to open in March of 2026, seeks to reduce trauma for children entering foster care by providing a safe and supportive place during removal and placement.
Susan Balbaugh passes the baton as executive director of Battle Creek’s The Music Center
After 12 years of guiding The Music Center through growth and sustainability, Executive Director Susan Balbaugh will retire in January, transitioning to a part-time donor relations role as Teri Noaeill steps in as the organization’s new leader.
New city manager aims to tackle Battle Creek’s challenges — and harness its assets
Three months into her role, Amanda Zimmerlin discusses how her Ohio background prepared her to tackle Battle Creek’s housing, homelessness, and childcare challenges while championing the city’s assets.
Family’s culinary vision takes flight with newest Latin American eatery at Kellogg Field
San Francisco Latin American Cuisine, a high-end eatery featuring bold flavors from across Latin America, has taken flight inside the Battle Creek Executive Airport, bringing a major-city dining experience to Kellogg Field.
Voices of Youth: What A Do Theatre helping the performing arts thrive in Battle Creek
What A Do Theatre is helping keep the performing arts vibrant in Battle Creek by giving young actors (and adults) a welcoming space to build confidence, skills, and community on stage.
Family turns loss into lifeline with $17k gift for diabetes patients
Honoring Amanda Ostrander’s legacy, her family presented a $17,000 donation to Oaklawn Hospital to help local diabetes patients access essential care, medication, and urgent support.
Know Your Rights: Protesting without fear of retribution in Battle Creek
A recent “Know Your Rights” panel in Battle Creek brought together community leaders, legal experts, and organizers to educate residents on how to protest safely and effectively — emphasizing nonviolence and the power of collective civic action.
