Our visit to Los Aztecas Mexican Grill & Bar in Battle Creek started with a colorful dining room full of individually decorated chairs.

For dinner, I enjoyed the Burrito Bandera with grilled skirt steak, while my wife ordered a chicken quesadilla generously filled with large chunks of chicken.

Our server, Belinda, was friendly and attentive without being intrusive, making the evening even more enjoyable.

And the finale? An amazing French vanilla Xango cheesecake dessert, wrapped in a crisp pastry tortilla and finished with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.

Amanda Lankerd will take over as CEO of the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance on November 30th, 2026.

The longtime Marshall resident brings more than 20 years of business and nonprofit leadership experience, including prior work in Marshall economic development and nearly nine years leading the Battle Creek Area Association of REALTORS.

Her background includes startup support, business recruitment and retention, grant administration, public-art programs and industrial-park expansion.

Lankerd also serves as president of the Marshall Public Schools Board of Education.

The appointment gives the alliance a leader with deep local ties as it continues helping businesses and developers navigate growth resources, available property and workforce needs.

The Kellogg Singers and KCC Choral Union are celebrating 70 years of music during the 2026–27 academic year.

KCC’s broader anniversary season also recognizes milestones for the Concert Band, Jazz Band and Branch County Community Chorus.

The college says more than a dozen formal concerts are planned and offered free to the public, with current details available through KCC Music and KCC Performing Arts.

Kellogg Community College has added a band saw, precision lathe and five-ton overhead crane at its Battle Creek Regional Manufacturing Technology Center.

The college says the equipment strengthens hands-on instruction, workplace safety and preparation for modern industrial careers.

Students can explore KCC Industrial Trades programs, complete the orientation process and meet with an instructor to choose training modules that fit their goals.

There's plenty happening in Battle Creek and Calhoun County, and the Cereal City Buzz Local Events Calendar helps neighbors find it. Some listings were initially added using AI and may not yet have images.

We're inviting organizers to take charge of their events, add flyers and photos, and make their listings shine. Basic event listings are free, and organizers can explore the calendar and submit events at CerealCityBuzz.com/events.

At 1700 Hamilton Road in Battle Creek, a custom-built ranch sits in a private clearing surrounded by approximately 44.2 acres of woods, trails and natural beauty.

Currently listed at $610,000, the 1997 home features four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, one half bathroom and approximately 2,934 finished square feet, including the walkout lower level.

Inside, a warm wood-paneled four-season room overlooks the forest. Outside, two streams, fruit trees, a detached garage with workshop and generous recreational acreage create a distinctive country lifestyle. Buyers should verify current listing details and availability.

During National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, November 2–8, Cereal City Animal Alliance celebrates three organizations helping animals throughout Battle Creek and Calhoun County.

Discover the work of the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, All Species Kinship, and the Calhoun County Animal Center, and learn how to support them through adoption, volunteering, donations, and community involvement.

The Calhoun County Animal Center is highlighting 37 dogs waiting for loving homes in Battle Creek.

Meet Bailey A., Curry, Maxx, Cookie and Finley, and discover how adopting, sharing or volunteering can help local dogs this fall.

Cereal City Buzz is expanding its popular weekly Jobs Hiring Now roundup with a new system that allows local employers to submit their hiring information directly.

After successfully adding one local business to the system, we're looking for two more employers to help test the process before launching this free community service throughout Battle Creek and surrounding Calhoun County communities.

Explore eight employment categories in Battle Creek and Calhoun County, including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, hospitality, skilled trades, public service, logistics and staffing.

Find direct employer career pages, a CHS Group caregiver lead requiring reconfirmation, and a free link for employers to submit openings.