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🍜 New Eats, Rock Legends, and What’s Next in the Creek

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🍜 New Eats, Rock Legends, and What’s Next in the Creek

🍜 New Eats, Rock Legends, and What’s Next in the Creek
Get the scoop on the latest restaurant opening, upcoming concerts, and how to lead in our community.

Smiling Stu Sutherland assisted by AI

Jan 7, 2026

Omurice Ramen is brand new to town, but they are already delivering an experience that feels both polished and deeply authentic.

The "First-Timer" Revelation

For those who have only ever experienced ramen from a grocery store shelf or a quick truckstop cup, this restaurant is a complete revelation.

 

It isn't just a meal; it’s an education in flavor.

 

Moving from instant versions to a handcrafted bowl where the broth has been simmered to perfection is a "missing out" moment you have to experience for yourself.

The Signature "Show": Japanese Omurice

If you order only one thing, make it the Japanese Omurice (No. 10) with Demi-Glace sauce.

 

The presentation alone is worth the trip. The egg is incredibly light and fluffy, and in a true display of skill, it is sliced open beautifully right at the table to spill over perfectly cooked fried rice.

 

For a hearty addition, we recommend the Pork Tonkatsu on the side; the cutlet is high quality and comes with a fantastic dipping sauce that complements the meal perfectly.

 

The Ramen Report


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Trivia Question❓

In 1896, a devastating fire swept through the town of Marshall, located about 20 miles east of Battle Creek, Michigan. The fire destroyed much of the downtown area and led to the formation of an organization that played a crucial role in the development of firefighting techniques and equipment. What is the name of this organization, and what impact did it have on the history of firefighting in the United States?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

The KCC Foundation has opened its scholarship application window for the 2026-27 academic year, a critical opportunity for students across Calhoun County.

 

Graduating high school seniors, current KCC students, and those transferring to a four-year university are all encouraged to apply.

 

The firm deadline for priority consideration is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.

 

Last year, the foundation awarded more than $1 million through 914 scholarships, removing financial barriers for local students.

 

A diverse range of aid is available, including prestigious Gold Key Scholarships for high school graduates and various awards for current students.

 

The entire process is managed through a single, free online application that automatically matches students to every scholarship for which they are eligible, making it easier than ever to secure funding for your education.


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The unmistakable swagger of a rock and roll generation is set to ignite Battle Creek this summer.

 

Legendary Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth is bringing his electrifying stage presence to the FireKeepers Casino Hotel on Saturday, June 13.

 

The highly anticipated performance will take place at the FireKeepers Event Center, with the show kicking off at 8 p.m.

 

This major concert announcement reinforces the venue’s growing reputation as a premier entertainment destination in Southwest Michigan, promising a powerful evening for rock fans.

 

For decades, Roth’s voice has powered timeless hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.”

 

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 10.

 

Prices will start at $79, and fans can secure their spots by visiting the FireKeepers Casino Box Office.

 

Given the rock icon's popularity, this is a show that is expected to sell out quickly.


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Battle Creek residents are in for a dramatic January warm-up this week.

 

After last week’s harsh freeze, temperatures will surge into the 50s, bringing a quick break from winter’s grip.

 

Wednesday brings a quieter start at 39°F, but things get interesting Thursday as rain arrives and highs leap to the low 50s.

 

Friday offers the peak warmth — up to 52°F — though it’s expected to be wet, with steady rain soaking the region.

 

By the weekend, cooler air creeps back in.

 

Rain showers linger on Saturday with dropping temps, and Sunday sees a return to classic Michigan winter as snow flurries move in and highs retreat to 35°F.

 

Looking ahead, expect a cloudy, chilly start to next week as winter reclaims its hold on Cereal City.


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Battle Creek kicks off 2026 with a lively slate of events, blending community gatherings, sports excitement, and cultural fun.

 

Week one brings the *Next Level Gymnastics Podium Challenge* at Kellogg Arena, where athletes compete on raised podiums for an Olympic-style atmosphere.

 

The Franke Center for the Arts transforms into a bustling Irish pub, featuring live Celtic music from On The Lash—tickets for this popular Saturday night sell out quickly.

 

Other local highlights include food trucks at the Federal Center, the new "Avatar: Fire and Ash" film at Bohm Theatre in Albion, and neighborhood council meetings where residents can voice concerns.

 

The second week features the MLK People’s Belonging Ball at Kellogg Arena, comedy at Squirrel Hollow Golf Course, and ongoing city meetings—all designed to foster unity and community spirit.

 

Mark your calendar for upcoming favorites: Ice, Wine, Beer & Blues in Marshall and the return of Monster Truck Wars.


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Michigan is in the grip of a severe flu season, with health officials declaring the spread has reached a "very high" level.

 

This aggressive surge is putting unprecedented strain on our local hospitals, which are reporting a dramatic spike in patients seeking care.

 

Emergency rooms are feeling the most intense pressure.

 

At University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing, officials confirm their emergency department is being flooded with flu cases, causing them to operate at capacity.

 

The situation is mirrored across the state.

 

Corewell Health, Michigan’s largest system, has seen its number of patients hospitalized for influenza nearly double in a single week, hitting Southeastern Michigan especially hard.

 

But influenza isn’t the only concern.

 

Cases of COVID-19 and RSV are also climbing, creating a dangerous triple threat of respiratory viruses complicating the public health response statewide.


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A quirky Michigan tradition has officially put the year's most confusing slang on notice.

 

Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie released its 50th annual “Banished Words List,” with the viral Gen Z phrase ‘6-7’ topping the 2025 decree.

 

What began as a New Year’s Eve party gag in 1976 has evolved into a global barometer of linguistic fatigue, drawing submissions from around the world.

 

This year, the nonsensical term ‘6-7’ earned the top spot, capturing the frustration of many who find the phrase utterly baffling.

 

Joining it in the doghouse are other popular terms like “cooked,” which signifies that something is over or finished.

 

Corporate-speak favorites such as “incentivize” and the returning offender “reach out” also made the list.

 

The university's lighthearted tradition continues to highlight words deemed overused, misused, or generally useless.


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Michigan’s health care system is bracing for a perfect storm of change in 2026, with local families set to feel a direct impact.

 

The most immediate threat is a looming health insurance affordability crisis.

 

Enhanced federal subsidies are expiring, which experts like Dr. Anand Parekh of the University of Michigan warn could cause insurance premiums to skyrocket for many residents.

 

State officials, including Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, worry this will force families into an impossible choice between coverage and other essential expenses.

 

Beyond costs, technology will also see major shifts, with artificial intelligence becoming more integrated into diagnostics and treatment plans.

 

On a positive note, patients may see lower prices for certain high-cost prescription drugs, including popular GLP-1 medications used for weight loss and diabetes management, making them more accessible.


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Unemployment claims in Michigan surged last week, signaling potential economic headwinds for the start of 2026.

 

New filings for jobless benefits jumped to 15,609 for the week ending December 26, a significant increase that starkly contrasts with a declining national trend.

 

This troubling spike comes just as a new law boosts the maximum weekly unemployment payment to $530, creating a painful paradox for families facing job uncertainty.

 

Economists at the University of Michigan project the state's unemployment rate could climb to 5.6% by the middle of the year.

 

Recent local layoffs add to the concern, including job cuts at a Mercedes-Benz office in Farmington Hills and within the auto sector in Oakland County and Detroit.

 

While enhanced benefits offer a stronger safety net, the data points toward a challenging climate ahead for Michigan's workforce.


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The year 2025 brought seismic shifts to Michigan under the second term of President Donald Trump.

 

New trade tariffs targeting Canada and Mexico have rattled the state's vital auto industry, creating widespread uncertainty for giants like General Motors and Ford.

 

Simultaneously, immigration enforcement has been dramatically ramped up across the state.

 

This new focus is underscored by the opening of a massive new ICE detention center in Lake County.

 

Federal funding for health, education, and tribal services also saw significant cuts, impacting institutions like Michigan State University.

 

In response, state leaders are pushing back.

 

Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed dozens of lawsuits challenging the administration’s actions.

 

Meanwhile, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has worked to navigate the turbulent climate, securing a new mission for the Selfridge Air National Guard Base amidst the changes.


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A rare opportunity has emerged in Battle Creek’s sought-after Carriage Hills subdivision.

 

The home at 112 Old Lantern Trail offers over 3,200 square feet of updated living space on a quiet cul-de-sac.

 

Located in the highly regarded Pennfield Schools district, the property features a dramatic open foyer, a spacious main floor, and four bedrooms upstairs.

 

The expansive primary suite includes two walk-in closets and a modern, updated walk-in shower.

 

Entertainment space continues in the finished lower level with a recreation room.

 

Outside, the private, fenced-in backyard backs up to a quiet wooded area and boasts a stamped patio and even its own private putting green.

 

Significant recent upgrades—including new siding, windows, furnace, and central air—make this home truly move-in ready for a new family.


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Buddy awaits rescue in a stark, abandoned courtyard, longing for warmth and comfort away from cold concrete walls.

 

All Species Kinship (A.S.K.) is urgently seeking a compassionate foster home in Calhoun County for at least six months to help Buddy transition out of isolation.

 

Described as friendly and hopeful, Buddy craves human connection and would thrive in a calm setting—ideally with a fenced yard and fewer animals, where he can finally decompress.

 

The great news: fostering Buddy is entirely free—A.S.K. covers food, vet care, and supplies.

 

All they ask is for kindness and patience, offering Buddy the chance at a brighter future.

 

If you’re in Calhoun County and can open your home—and heart—to this loving dog, consider stepping up or sharing his story.

 

Buddy’s hopeful eyes are counting on your help.


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AARON LEWIS AND THE STATELINERS
Saturday, February 14

Tickets

LEWIS BLACK
Friday, February 27

Tickets

George Thorogood And The Destroyers
Friday, March 27

Tickets

Do you know someone in Battle Creek who’s making a difference?

Here’s your chance to celebrate them! Whether it’s a friend, neighbor, teacher, or local hero, we want to feature their story in the "Citizen Shout Outs" section of The Battle Creek Buzz! Submit your nominations, share inspiring stories, and help us recognize the amazing people who make our community shine.

 

Submit a brief story and their name to cerealcitybuzz@battlecreeknewsandevents.com 

 

let's spread some positivity together!

Interesting Facts
  • Battle Creek is home to the C.O. Brown Stadium, often referred to as the "World's Shortest Ballpark" due to its unique dimensions that have led to numerous memorable baseball moments.


  • The city is known for its annual "Cereal City Concert Band" summer series, which brings together local musicians to perform popular music in outdoor venues throughout Battle Creek.


  • Battle Creek is also famous for its historic underground railroad sites, where escaped slaves were once hidden and protected on their journey to freedom in the north.


This week, David J. Schwartz urges locals to step out of autopilot and rethink how we approach daily life.

 

Chapters 5 and 6 of his bestseller focus on escaping the “average” mindset—encouraging creative problem-solving and reshaping how we see ourselves.

 

Schwartz insists creativity isn’t reserved for geniuses.

 

He says traditional thinking—doing things just because “it’s always been done this way”—kills creativity.

 

To truly innovate, believe new solutions are possible.

 

When you believe you can do better, your mind naturally seeks ways to improve.

 

In Chapter 6, Schwartz pushes for higher self-respect, stating, “You receive the treatment you think you deserve.”

 

He advises paying attention to appearance and posture—dress sharply and stand tall to notice a shift in how others respond.

 

It’s a practical challenge for locals: upgrade your self-image this week and watch opportunities open.


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Quote Of The Week

"The only way to achieve success is to consistently cultivate the habits that lead to success." - Unknown

Battle Creek’s job market kicks off 2026 with new energy as manufacturing, healthcare, and public sector employers post a wave of fresh opportunities.

 

Prairie Farms Dairy, II Stanley, Knoedler, and BlueOval Battery Park are seeking production operators, maintenance techs, and specialized roles as local manufacturing ramps up.

 

Bronson Battle Creek and Grace Health are hiring registered nurses, medical assistants, and surgical techs, while Veterans Affairs seeks support staff.

 

The City of Battle Creek is recruiting police officers and is already hiring for spring and summer recreation roles for local youth programs.

 

Retail and service jobs from FireKeepers Casino, U-Haul on Beckley Road, MyEyeDr., and Dollar Tree add variety, offering positions in customer service, security, and management.

 

Caregivers are also needed at home health agencies, with flexible and weekly pay available. Local job seekers will find more options—and reasons to update their resumes—this week.


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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
The organization formed in response to the Marshall fire of 1896 is known as the Underwriters' Laboratories (UL). Following the fire, insurance underwriters recognized the need for standardized testing of fire protection equipment to prevent such catastrophic events in the future. As a result, UL was established to test and certify various products, including firefighting equipment, electrical appliances, and building materials. Over the years, UL's work has had a significant impact on improving safety standards and innovations in firefighting technology, leading to the development of more effective and reliable equipment for firefighters across the country.

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