Black Squirrel News
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SXX plays the hits, but original music drives the band
Battle Creek rockers have adapted to a changing local music scene By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News According to members of the Battle Creek rock band SXX, the name doesn’t mean anything. A former guitarist created a…
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Lucid Vibe finds lessons in the music
Battle Creek band’s founder learned quickly while assembling experienced musicians Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News Doug Borton was the least experienced musician in the band he was trying to build. He had written songs for years, but…
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Sept. 10, 2026
In a Nutshell aggregates the best stories of the week from Calhoun County. Two Soups wins Walk the Beat 2026 among competitors from across Michigan Source: Albion Recorder & Morning Star Albion’s Walk the Beat music festival raises money each…
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Sept. 3, 2026
In a Nutshell aggregates the best stories of the week from Calhoun County. Historic train depot-turned-restaurant announces closure Source: WOODTV Clara’s on the River opened in downtown Battle Creek in 1992 at the former Michigan Central Railroad Depot. The restaurant…
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Marshall’s downtown experiences a ‘road diet’
MDOT-funded project reduces lanes and improves crosswalks By Lucy Hough / For Black Squirrel News MARSHALL — Marshall’s downtown traffic has changed after recent construction reduced the number of lanes. The project, funded entirely by the Michigan Department of Transportation,…
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Shannon’s Sourdough rises inside historic Athens home
Bakery’s new storefront is helping turn Greenfield House into a gathering place. By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News ATHENS — Shannon Steele wanted a storefront. Greenfield House wanted a spark. Steele’s baking business, Shannon’s Sourdough Co., had grown…
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Aug. 27, 2026
In a Nutshell aggregates the best stories of the week from Calhoun County. KCC installs eight new sculptures on campuses as part of Triennial Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, running through 2029 Source: KCC Daily As part of the College’s KCC Triennial…
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Aug. 20, 2026
In a Nutshell aggregates the best stories of the week from Calhoun County. The 177th year of the Calhoun County Fair in Marshall Source: WWMT The 177th annual county fair is happening now through Saturday, Aug. 22. Hours are 8…
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For loyal customers, Figgs Fast Food is a ‘legend spot’
Generations have returned to the same Battle Creek corner for burgers since 1988 By Nick J. Buckley/Downtown Battle Creek Zine Customers dapped each other up as they stood on the corner of Angell Street and Hamblin Avenue, patiently waiting for…
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The War and Treaty’s Homer festival builds on deep Albion roots
Grammy-nominated duo opens family ranch for sold-out festival By Black Squirrel News Grammy-nominated duo The War and Treaty will welcome a sold-out crowd to their family ranch in Homer on Aug. 22 for the inaugural HeartsTown Music Festival. For Michael…