Black Squirrel News
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July 16, 2026
Demolition begins on Southwestern Junior High Source: WWMT Demolition has officially begun on the former Southwestern Junior High in Battle Creek. The Battle Creek Public Schools building served students from 1926 until 2006. The community had one final tour in…
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Mitts 2 Pits brings soul food to downtown Battle Creek
Family-owned caterer and eatery relocates to the heart of the city By Nick J. Buckley / Downtown Battle Creek Zine For Benjamin and Denise Young, the move to Michigan Avenue has been years in the making. What began as a…
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July 9, 2026
Michael Loves Shannon: The history of a local landmark Source: KCC Daily On M-37/Bedford Road for years there was a road sign with the hand-painted words, Michael Loves Shannon. Then, a commercial billboard was erected in its place, and the…
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The Powell Experience amplifies a family tradition
By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News James and Jon Powell’s first recordings required a reel-to-reel machine, long microphone cables and plenty of running up and down the stairs of their parents’ Portage home. The microphones were set…
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For The Fat Animals, the music starts with a good hang
By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News Everybody loves a fat animal. Alvin Lautzenheiser’s youngest daughter was about 11 when she said it during a family conversation about possible band names. Lautzenheiser heard it and knew. “Yep,” he…
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Why an internationally known guru is coming to Battle Creek
Gurudev from India speaks at WK Kellogg Auditorium on July 9 By Lucy Hough / For Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — A spiritual leader from India is visiting Battle Creek July 9 for an event focused on handling stress and…
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July 2, 2026
Battle Creek gets $2.9M state grant to convert building into apartments, rooftop venue Source: WWMT A grant from the state’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program will invest $2.9 million in a downtown Battle Creek building at 99 West Michigan Ave.…
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How Calhoun County is celebrating America’s 250th
By Black Squirrel News Communities across Calhoun County are preparing to mark the United States Semiquincentennial on July 4, 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Here are some upcoming events tied to the celebration:…
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What Calhoun County residents should know about broadband expansion
By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News After years of planning, Calhoun County’s broadband expansion effort is entering a new phase in 2026: getting more residents connected. That means residents could see more construction, hear more from internet…
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June 25, 2026
More than 500 jobs later, BlueOval’s impact reaches Marshall businesses Source: Fox 17 As BlueOval Battery Park Michigan begins production, its economic impact is reaching beyond the plant and into Marshall businesses. Employers are preparing for continued growth as more…