Local 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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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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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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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…
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Calhoun County nonprofits feel pressure amid funding uncertainty
Survey offers snapshot of challenges facing local service organizations By Nick J. Buckley for Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — The nonprofits many Calhoun County residents rely on for food, child care, housing, health care, transportation and other needs are…
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For the history books: Genealogical Society dissolves after nearly 40 years
The Calhoun County Genealogical Society connected family history researchers across the county and helped preserve local records. Nick J. Buckley for Black Squirrel News Historian Brenda Leyndyke stood before a crowd at Willard Library on April 28, sharing stories from…
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7 fun facts about the animals at Binder Park Zoo
By Annie Kelley / For Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — Binder Park Zoo opened on Earth Day. The good weather over the weekend had the animals out and active – especially the giraffes, who wanted lots of romaine lettuce.…