Black Squirrel News
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‘A reading revolution’ at Willard Library
Downtown Battle Creek Zine spoke with Director Matt Willis about literacy and community. After more than two decades at Willard Library, Matt Willis became the library’s director in 2022. Downtown Battle Creek Zine sat down with Willis to discuss his path…
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May 28, 2026
Q&A with Sojourner Truth re-enactor and lecturer Donna Turner Rickman Source: KCC Daily A little-known fact or facts about Sojourner is that she was the very first African American woman – both as a slave and a freed slave –…
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When Calhoun County ‘Polar Bears’ invaded Russia
By Nick J. Buckley for Black Squirrel News While Europe celebrated the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918, Floyd Allen ‘Pappy’ Wallace of Battle Creek was under fire on Russian soil, a world away from the war most Americans thought was…
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The business of baseball: Inside the Battle Jacks’ new era
By Jane Parikh for Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — The purchase of the Battle Creek Battle Jacks in 2025 didn’t come out of left field for the Massachusetts businessman who bought the team. After a successful career focused on…
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May 21, 2026
Flash Flood Waterpark to open for 2026 season May 23 Source: City of Battle Creek Summer is here because Flash Flood Waterpark opens this upcoming weekend. Flash Flood Waterpark features two 200-foot water slides, a zero-depth entry pool, and a…
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Calhoun County centenarians through the lens of Eric Ebner
Calhoun County Storytellers: Eric Ebner By Lucy Hough / For Black Squirrel News MARSHALL — MARSHALL — Since 2021, Eric Ebner has taken portraits of Calhoun County centenarians. He says it’s a dream creative project because it’s not about selling…
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May 14, 2026
Official results from the May 5, 2026 special election Source: Calhoun County Government Calhoun County has posted official May 5 election results, including Battle Creek voter approval of a charter amendment moving the mayor and city commissioners from two-year to…
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For Allie Garland and Awesome Sauce, there’s no such thing as a set list
By Nick J. Buckley for Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — Allie Garland might pick up a saxophone, sit at a piano, grab a guitar or step behind the drums. With Awesome Sauce, even the band does not always know…
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Barefoot Blonde keeps Calhoun County dancing
By Nick J. Buckley for Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — The first time Julie Lahr sang professionally, she kicked off her shoes. Nervous and tangled in microphone cords while performing in heels, Lahr decided she would feel more comfortable…
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Bombshell finds freedom in rock music
By Nick J. Buckley for Black Squirrel News PENNFIELD TWP. — As the opening riff of Kiss’ “Rock and Roll All Nite” echoed through a pole barn, the members of Bombshell rehearsed in a circle surrounded by amplifiers, cables and…