Kellogg Community College is offering free forklift and electrical training programs for Battle Creek residents starting October 12. The five-week forklift program and eight-week electrical production operator program provide industry-recognized training, certifications, and career coaching at no cost through KCC's STEP UP initiative. Application deadline is September 3.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi are investing $180,000 to build a new multi-purpose facility at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds in Marshall, Michigan. The investment will enhance community events, support 4-H agricultural programs, and provide year-round usability for local gatherings.

Battle Creek is settling into a relatively comfortable stretch of August weather, with temperatures hovering near 80 degrees and only a couple of opportunities for thunderstorms over the next seven days.

Wednesday begins warm and humid with a mix of clouds and sunshine, along with the possibility of a spotty thunderstorm. Thursday remains humid but should feature more dry time before noticeably more comfortable air arrives Friday. Highs will reach the low 80s, while lower humidity should make it feel especially pleasant outdoors.

The main weather concern arrives Saturday, when clouds increase and thunderstorms become possible across Southwest Michigan. Anyone with weekend festivals, cookouts, sporting events, or other outdoor plans will want to keep an eye on the forecast.

Conditions improve again Sunday, although it will remain breezy and somewhat humid. The most comfortable weather of the week may arrive Monday and Tuesday, when lower humidity, sunshine, and afternoon temperatures in the upper 70s create an early hint that summer is beginning its slow transition toward fall.

Overall, Battle Creek can expect a pleasant mid-August week with plenty of opportunities to get outside, interrupted only by a couple of chances for showers and thunderstorms.

From August 12 through August 26, Battle Creek and Calhoun County have a packed calendar of festivals, live entertainment, food, art, agriculture, and family-friendly activities.

One of the biggest highlights is the 177th Annual Calhoun County Fair, returning to Marshall for seven days of carnival rides, livestock exhibits, fair food, rodeo action, truck pulls, entertainment, and activities for all ages.

Downtown Battle Creek will be busy, too, with Color the Creek bringing art to the streets and the Battle Creek Caribbean Festival adding music, food, dancing, and culture to the summer lineup.

Local favorites continue with the Battle Creek Farmers Market, Truckin' Tuesdays, and the final Vibe @ 5 concert of the season.

Then, on August 22, downtown turns its attention to food as Backyard Burgers & Brews brings dozens of food trucks, live music, and thousands of visitors to Festival Market Square.

Michigan is experiencing the largest Cyclospora outbreak ever recorded in the United States, with two deaths already reported. Battle Creek residents should know the symptoms, prevention methods, and local resources available.

Do you have a massive tree in your backyard, neighborhood park, or local cemetery that you have always wondered about? Now is your chance to find out if it is one of Michigan's biggest.

The 17th Biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt is now open, inviting residents across the state to help identify and celebrate Michigan's largest trees. The contest opened August 3 and will accept nominations through August 11, 2028.

What Is the Big Tree Hunt?

ReLeaf Michigan launched the Michigan Big Tree Hunt in 1993 to encourage people to notice, measure, and appreciate large trees while highlighting Michigan's incredible natural resources. The contest is open to participants of all ages, making it a perfect family activity or community project.

Large trees can be found everywhere: backyards, parks, cemeteries, schools, farms, neighborhoods, and natural areas throughout the state. You might be walking past a champion tree every day without even knowing it.

Contest Categories

The contest recognizes several types of entries:

The largest tree from each Michigan county - All 83 counties are eligible, so Battle Creek and Calhoun County residents have a shot at recognition.

The largest tree submitted by a Big Tree Hunter age 16 or older - Adults can compete for the biggest finds.

The largest tree submitted by a Big Tree Hunter age 15 or younger - Kids and teens get their own category to encourage young nature enthusiasts.

The largest eastern white pine - Michigan's official state tree gets special recognition.

Trees that could qualify as potential new Michigan State Champion Trees - Your nomination could unseat a current champion.

How to Participate

Entering the contest is simple and free. Here is what you need to do:

A groundbreaking study reveals lake sturgeon in Michigan's Great Lakes can live up to 400 years. Some fish swimming today may have been alive during Pilgrim times. Learn about conservation efforts and how you can help protect these ancient creatures.

The Michigan Strategic Fund has awarded a $930,000 grant to expand entrepreneurial support services across Southwest Michigan's seven-county region. The funding will provide business coaching, mentorship, technical assistance, capital-readiness support, and AI-powered tools through the Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Hub and its network of regional partners including Battle Creek Unlimited.

Weekly Featured Home: 238 Jacaranda Dr, Battle Creek

Some homes stand out because of what’s inside. Others grab your attention because of the location. This week’s Featured Home brings both together—and adds an impressive amount of outdoor space to the mix.

Located at 238 Jacaranda Dr in Battle Creek, this beautifully maintained home sits in Jacaranda Estates within the Lakeview School District. Priced at $375,000, the property offers three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, approximately 2,320 square feet of living space, and one of the larger lots in the subdivision at nearly 0.8 acres.

From the street, the charming wraparound front porch

Fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy life with a dog in Southwest Michigan. The temperatures become more comfortable, the leaves begin changing color, and an ordinary walk around the neighborhood can turn into an adventure shared with a new best friend.

Right now, 34 dogs at the Calhoun County Animal Center are waiting for that chance.

Each one has a different face, personality and story—but they all share the same hope: finding a safe, loving home where they can finally belong.

Among the dogs currently waiting are Jim, a playful Husky-type dog who already knows how to carry his own soccer ball; Addie, a two-year-old Terrier-type girl with an unforgettable expression; and Kronk, a smiling Terrier/Corso-type fellow who appears ready to greet his future family.

There is also Carmen, a beautiful Husky-type girl with bright eyes and plenty of fall adventures ahead of her, and Mickey, a smaller Terrier-type dog whose compact size could make him a wonderful walking companion.

Bill Burr, one of the most sought-after comedians in the world, is bringing his stand-up tour to FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek on October 1. Tickets are on sale now.

The Battle Creek and Calhoun County job market remains active this week, with employers across a wide range of industries continuing to recruit. Manufacturing remains an important source of opportunities, while healthcare, retail, education, government, hospitality and professional services are also showing hiring activity. Current postings range from entry-level and part-time positions to skilled technical, healthcare and management careers, giving local job seekers plenty of options to explore.

There are opportunities throughout Battle Creek and nearby communities for people entering the workforce, changing careers or looking to move into a better-paying position. With new openings appearing and older positions being filled regularly, job seekers should check employer career pages frequently and apply quickly when they find a good match.