Sept. 17, 2026

In a Nutshell aggregates the best stories of the week from Calhoun County

Battle Creek Police Chief Shannon Bagley to retire; search underway for next chief

Source: City of Battle Creek

Battle Creek Police Chief Shannon Bagley plans to retire by the end of the year after more than 30 years in law enforcement and public safety. A four-week national search for his replacement begins Sept. 18, with candidate reviews starting in October. Bagley joined the department as deputy chief in 2021, became chief in 2023 and also served as interim fire chief from 2024 to 2026.

Ford Versus DOT: What The Federal Filings Reveal About Its China Ties

Source: The Auto Wire

A dispute between Ford and the U.S. Department of Transportation over the automaker’s ties to Chinese companies includes BlueOval Battery Park Michigan in Marshall. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized Ford’s use of battery technology licensed from China-based CATL, while Ford says it owns and operates the Marshall plant. Federal filings show Ford owns the facility while CATL provides battery technology and technical support.

Fixing the stink: Emmett Township sewer work in progress, full timeline and cost unknown

Source: WWMT

Emmett Township is working to fix a years-long sewer odor problem along East Michigan Avenue. The first phase of work is nearing completion, but the smell remains and there is no firm timeline for rebuilding the aging lift station at the center of the complaints. Township officials expect the full project to cost millions of dollars.

Miles for Memories: A Community Stroll that Funds Dementia Support Returns to Battle Creek

Source: Community Matters (Podcast)

Miles for Memories will hold its 13th annual Community Stroll on Sept. 19 in downtown Battle Creek, with activities aimed at helping people understand dementia and ways to reduce their risk. Miles for Memories founder Sherii Sherban told Community Matters host Richard Piet that the free event is the organization’s largest fundraiser and that its Safe Return program has now helped safely return 478 Calhoun County residents with dementia after they wandered from home.

Continuing To Be a ‘School People Look Up To’: Wayne Webster Weighs in on Albion’s Future

Source: Albion Pleiad

Albion College President Wayne Webster discussed the college’s future, including plans for 22 apartments in downtown Albion and redevelopment of the former cathedral on Cass Street as a multipurpose college and community space. He also discussed recent campus renovations, enrollment and changes to academic programs.