Local News
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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.…
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Victim advocacy at the heart of Kayla Davis’ local true crime podcast
Calhoun County Storytellers: Kayla Davis By Lucy Hough / For Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — When Kayla Davis couldn’t find a true crime podcast about the Battle Creek area, she started thinking about making one herself. “Well, could I…
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Bernarr Macfadden: Battle Creek’s health rabble-rouser
Long before social media influencers, fitness became spectacle. From the Downtown Battle Creek Zine, now available in downtown Battle Creek. Before Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons or the era of the viral fitness influencer, there was Bernarr Macfadden. His story ran…
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What to Know About Ride Calhoun and the New Transit Authority
After voters approved a transportation millage in 2024, Ride Calhoun is expanding fixed-route, paratransit and on-demand service across the county. By: Lucy Hough / For Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — Ride Calhoun is the operating name of the Transportation Authority…
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Child care workers celebrate, talk about current pressures
Recognition ceremony honors early learning professionals while pointing to the pressures facing the sector By Nick J. Buckley / For Black Squirrel News BATTLE CREEK — Battle Creek’s early learning and care professionals stood together on stage in a spotlight they…
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How Cassidy Porter is changing the narrative in Albion
Calhoun County Storytellers: Cassidy Porter By Lucy Hough / For Black Squirrel News ALBION—No one knows Albion quite like Cassidy Porter. She is a fourth generation Albion resident, she is an Albion College alumna who also served as a Build…