Local 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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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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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…
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The Wall That Heals arrives in Calhoun County
Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica at Harper Creek High School through Sunday By Black Squirrel News The Wall That Heals arrived in Calhoun County on Tuesday, escorted by more than 350 motorcycles ahead of public viewing through Sunday at Harper…
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How opioid settlement dollars are showing up in Calhoun County
$13.2 million expected locally in response to the opioid crisis By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — City leaders, community partners and neighbors gathered in the back parking lot of 614 Capital Ave. NE on May…
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A child care center needed a home. Battle Creek had an answer.
A yearslong collaboration transformed the vacant, city-owned Valentine Center into the new home of Garden of Dreams By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK – Garden of Dreams needed a new home. The Valentine Center needed…
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A Battle Creek historian who lives the story
Calhoun County Storytellers: Kurt Thornton By Lucy Hough / For Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — Kurt Thornton’s interest in Battle Creek history permeates his home. He has pieces of some of Battle Creek’s most famous buildings that have been…