Local News
-
Meet your neighbors behind Black Squirrel News
Join us Nov. 5 at Squirrel Hollow to celebrate what we’ve built and help shape what comes next. The community is invited to celebrate the 2026 launch of Black Squirrel News from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5…
-
Why has voter turnout been so low in Calhoun County?
County has ranked near the bottom of Michigan for more than two decades By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News Calhoun County ranked second-to-last in Michigan for turnout among active registered voters in the 2024 presidential election. That…
-
Battle Creek’s Lorena Hickok was more than Eleanor Roosevelt’s companion
Pioneering journalist got her start in Battle Creek before chronicling the struggles of Americans during the Great Depression. By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News In 1913, Lorena Hickok was looking for someone interesting. For $7 a week,…
-
Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hayrides in Calhoun County
Four local destinations offer traditional fall activities for families By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News Fall has arrived in southwest Michigan, bringing pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrides and plenty of cider and doughnuts. Here are four Calhoun County…
-
Marshall’s Cronin building gets new life with two businesses
Local business owner to open an upscale restaurant and cocktail lounge in downtown By Lucy Hough / For Black Squirrel News MARSHALL — It was just over two years ago that Mike Johnson became owner of the Stagecoach Inn and…
-
A walk to remember: How Calhoun County helps families facing dementia
Community stroll highlights a year-round network of education, respite care and safety programs By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — Pete Wines spent Sept. 19 handing out hot dogs as families circled the floor of…
-
Tekonsha food pantry benefits from unclaimed potatoes
Manager at TA Travel Center helps distribute approximately 500 pounds of potatoes By Lucy Hough / For Black Squirrel News TEKONSHA TWP — On Saturday, Sept. 12, a truck driver pulled into the service station at the TA Travel Center…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…