The new Cereal City Buzz Food Truck Finder is officially live, marking the first public section of the new Cereal City Local directory, and the response to its debut has been exciting.

We introduced the Food Truck Finder last Saturday during the Backyard Burgers & Brews Fest in Battle Creek, Michigan, loading more than 40 participating food trucks into the system.

Festival visitors could pull up the Finder on their phones, browse participating food trucks, narrow down their choices and see where each truck was located at the event.

Hundreds of people used the Food Truck Finder throughout the day, giving us a successful first real-world test of a tool designed specifically to help people discover food trucks in Battle Creek and throughout Calhoun County.

Calhoun County residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose of household hazardous waste during a free collection event on September 14. The event takes place at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds in Marshall from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Accepted items include paint, batteries, cleaners, motor oil, pesticides, and many other household hazardous materials. This is a great opportunity to clear out potentially dangerous materials while protecting the environment.

Take-A-Break Child Care is bringing the community together for a free Fall Festival on October 3 in Battle Creek. The event features games, music, prizes, and family-friendly activities at their 28th Street location. Open to the public, this autumn celebration offers something for everyone to enjoy as the seasons change.

Kellogg Community College has been honored with a Beautiful Battle Creek Award from the City Commission for its commitment to maintaining and improving the North Avenue campus. The recognition highlights student-led initiatives and college programs that prioritize beautification in planning decisions, creating spaces where students and employees take pride in their environment.

The Wall That Heals, a powerful three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, has returned to Battle Creek. Located at Harper Creek High School, this moving exhibit bears the etched names of every service member who died in the Vietnam War. Open 24 hours with free admission through Sunday, it offers families and veterans a sacred space to reflect, remember, and honor those who served.

Mary S. Coleman broke barriers as Michigan's first female Supreme Court justice and the first woman to serve as Chief Justice. Her journey began right here in Calhoun County, where she served as Probate and Juvenile Judge from 1961 to 1973. Now, the former Justice Center bears her name, honoring a legacy of justice reform and trailblazing leadership that started in Marshall.

The Franke Center for the Arts is kicking off its event season with Puppy Pals Live, a family-friendly show featuring talented adopted and rescued dogs. The performance takes place at Marshall High School Auditorium and showcases the incredible abilities of dogs given a second chance. With special student ticket pricing available, this heartwarming event celebrates the bond between humans and their rescue companions while supporting the arts in our community.

Binder Park Zoo has unveiled its newest attraction, the Msaga Shamba exhibit, replacing the former Forest Farm with an immersive experience featuring new animal species. Visitors can now observe blue duikers, cheetahs, and serval in thoughtfully designed habitats while learning about wildlife conservation. The exhibit includes interactive spaces where guests can engage with educational displays and get closer to nature than ever before.

Battle Creek is heading into a week of changing weather, beginning with the possibility of strong thunderstorms before several beautiful late-summer days arrive.

Wednesday will be the most unsettled day of the week, with showers and thunderstorms developing as the day progresses. Some storms could become strong, bringing heavy downpours and gusty winds, so residents with outdoor plans should keep an eye on changing conditions.

A dramatic improvement arrives Thursday as sunshine returns and humidity drops. That comfortable pattern continues Friday and Saturday, with highs near 80 degrees, cooler nights, and plenty of sunshine. These could be some of the nicest outdoor days we've seen during the second half of August.

Summer makes another appearance Sunday as temperatures climb into the mid-80s. Warm and increasingly humid conditions continue Monday, along with another chance for showers and thunderstorms.

By Tuesday, September 1, cooler air returns to Southwest Michigan, dropping afternoon temperatures into the mid-70s and overnight lows into the 50s.

Overall, Battle Creek will get a little bit of everything this week, from thunderstorms and summer warmth to comfortable sunshine and the first hints that fall is just around the corner.

The calendar may be turning toward September, but there's still plenty happening around Battle Creek and Calhoun County. From August 26 through September 9, the area offers a mix of live entertainment, local food, outdoor activities and community gatherings to help make the most of the final days of summer.

Music takes center stage with legendary rock band ZZ Top performing at FireKeepers Casino on August 28, while free Live Music Wednesdays continue downtown at Wave Square. August 26 is especially busy around Festival Market Square, with the Battle Creek Farmers Market followed by the Battle Creek Community Foundation Block Party and an evening of live music.

Weekly favorites also continue with Truckin' Tuesdays, the Farmers Market and Wednesday night karaoke, while cyclists can hit the trails and roads with local group rides and time trials. Young athletes take the field as well, with New Level Sports Rocket Football bringing hometown football action to Battle Creek.

It's a slightly quieter stretch following the excitement of the Calhoun County Fair, but there are still plenty of reasons to get out, support local businesses and enjoy Battle Creek as summer begins making way for fall.

Automatic license plate readers known as Flock cameras are scanning vehicles across Michigan, including right here in Battle Creek. These cameras capture images of license plates and record location data, raising both security and privacy questions. Residents can now check if their vehicle has been scanned and learn more about where these cameras are located throughout the state.

A new CDC diagnosis code is revealing a dramatic increase in emergency room visits tied to cannabis use across Michigan and the United States. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, a condition causing severe nausea and vomiting linked to cannabis consumption, saw ER visits triple after hospitals began tracking it specifically. West Michigan health officials and cannabis industry experts are weighing in on what this data means for public health and regulation.

Bill Gates has published a lengthy essay warning about the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the lack of comprehensive planning around the technology. The Microsoft co-founder outlines three major concerns about AI's trajectory, emphasizing that while the technology holds tremendous promise, the world is not adequately prepared for its implications. His insights offer valuable perspective for business owners and community members in Battle Creek considering AI's impact.

Weekly Featured Home: 21095 North Ave, Battle Creek

For many homebuyers, living near the water means choosing between space, location, and affordability. This week’s Featured Home brings all three together, with a recent price reduction making the opportunity even more interesting.

Located at 21095 North Ave in Battle Creek’s Pennfield area, this spacious traditional-style home is now listed at $350,000, down $25,000 from its original $375,000 asking price.

Built in 1999, the home provides an impressive 3,226 square feet of living space, with four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. For buyers who need room for family, guests, entertaining, or working from home, there is plenty of flexibility here.

But what really makes this property stand out is the setting.

The home offers deeded access to Saint Marys Lake, giving its next owners an opportunity to enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and relaxing days on the water. Beautiful lake views add to the experience without sacrificing the convenience of being close to everyday Battle Creek amenities.

A new federal housing bill working its way through Congress could bring significant changes to the Midwest housing market. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act aims to increase housing inventory, make mortgages more accessible for smaller homes, and expand manufactured housing options. For Battle Creek residents struggling with housing affordability, this legislation could open new doors to homeownership.

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.

Battle Creek resident Melissa 'Santa Mel' Rickard has been formally inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame after more than three decades of work as a professional Santa Claus ambassador. She is recognized as one of only three known professional female Santa Claus ambassadors in the United States. Throughout her career, Rickard has promoted the idea that the spirit of Santa Claus is defined by compassion and service rather than appearance.

Job seekers have plenty to explore across Battle Creek and Calhoun County this week, with hiring activity spread across nearly every major sector of the local economy. Manufacturing remains a major source of opportunities, including openings connected to Post Consumer Brands and Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, while healthcare, retail, education, government, hospitality, transportation and professional services are also recruiting. Positions range from entry-level and part-time work to skilled technical jobs and professional careers, giving workers at different experience levels multiple paths to consider.

For anyone thinking about changing jobs, returning to the workforce or starting a new career, now is a good time to see what is available locally. New positions are being added while others can disappear quickly, so applicants should check employer career pages regularly and apply promptly when they find a strong match. Our complete weekly roundup below brings many of those Battle Creek, Marshall and Calhoun County opportunities together in one place.