Patti Wever, a dedicated local healthcare worker, sought comfort during the toughest days of the COVID-19 pandemic by exploring her creative side.

She discovered a lasting joy in making handcrafted wreaths, a hobby that blossomed into her thriving business, Wever’s Wreaths.

Patti now designs custom wreaths for every season and style, from holiday cheer to favorite sports teams, even whimsical animal themes.

Each wreath is made by hand, with attention to detail and a burst of vibrant color, making every piece unique.

Prices start at $45 and go up to $100, offering an affordable way to brighten your door or give a thoughtfully personal gift.

These special wreaths tell the inspiring story of someone who transformed a difficult time into a joyful craft that now brings happiness to others.

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FireKeepers Hotel brought festive cheer to Battle Creek on December 11 by transforming Kellogg Arena into a vibrant holiday center, where over 4,000 toys, 300 turkeys, and fresh food boxes were distributed to local families.

Backed by donations from FireKeepers staff, guests, and community supporters, families received not only toys but also festive meal essentials supplied with help from the South Michigan Food Bank.

The initiative, inspired by the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, aims to uplift those facing hardship during the holidays through respect, love, and humility.

Led by CEO Frank Tecumseh, FireKeepers and dedicated volunteers made it possible for thousands to experience the warmth of the season.

Beyond the holidays, the owners contributed more than $6.2 million in 2023 to support local initiatives, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to Battle Creek’s community spirit.

Battle Creek renters are seeing a slight drop in apartment listing prices, with the typical rent at $969 in November—down from last year’s $998 median.

One-bedroom apartments now list for about $875, unchanged since October but up from $850 year-over-year. Two-bedroom units are holding steady at $1,035, showing a minor decrease from last year’s $1,050.

Across Michigan, rents remain stable, with the statewide median at $1,390 and one-bedrooms averaging $1,065.

Battle Creek stands out for affordability—its typical rent is 31% below the Michigan median. One- and two-bedroom rentals are both well below statewide and national averages.

Nationally, apartment rates are flat at $1,895, making Battle Creek’s rates nearly 49% lower. Current trends highlight the city’s continued appeal for residents and newcomers seeking competitive, budget-friendly housing.

West Michigan roadways became treacherous on Friday as a potent mix of ice, strong winds, and snow triggered a wave of collisions and backups across the area.

Michigan State Police managed 25 crashes and slide-offs throughout the day, with the most severe incident closing southbound US-131 at D Avenue around 11 a.m.

Traffic was rerouted at Exit 44, leaving drivers stuck for miles.

Locals noticed several vehicles stranded in ditches and took extra precautions on slick roads.

US-131 southbound reopened at 2 p.m., but another crash soon followed, as a car flipped on its side along northbound US-131 near Stadium Drive.

Kalamazoo County deputies responded, though injury details remain undisclosed.

The National Weather Service warned of gusts reaching 45 mph, intensifying the hazard for drivers.

Officials urge motorists to stay alert and monitor weather conditions as harsh winter conditions persist.

Battle Creek faces a dramatic weather ride this week, as calm skies give way to rapid changes.

Wednesday starts off tranquil with mostly sunny conditions and a brisk high of 38°F.

But Thursday delivers a sudden warm-up to 48°F—accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds sweeping across the city.

Once the cold front moves in Thursday night, rain will swiftly shift to snow, while temperatures plummet to a frigid 20°F.

By Friday, winter weather returns as persistent snow showers create slick roads and highs struggle to reach just 25°F.

Saturday brings some respite with overcast skies and milder temps near 40°F, yet Sunday marks another drop, with light snow and highs of 25°F.

Prepare for persistent cold as overnight lows dip into the teens—keep winter gear and ice scrapers close at hand.

The next two weeks mark the peak of the holiday season and the fresh start of 2026. While Christmas Week brings a few quiet days for family, the calendar heats up quickly with major casino giveaways, a classic rock legend, and a diverse lineup of New Year’s Eve celebrations ranging from high-energy concerts to traditional Pow Wows.

Week 1: The Holiday Peak & NYE (Dec 24 – 31)

Between unwrapping gifts and popping champagne, there is plenty of action—especially at FireKeepers, which is stacking the deck with events leading up to the 31st.

• HDI Federal Center Food Truck Parking

  • When: Dec 24, 26, 29, 30, 31 (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

  • Where: Champion Street Parking Lot

  • The trucks are rolling almost every weekday (skipping Christmas Day) to keep you fed while you run last-minute errands.

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• FireKeepers Post-Christmas Drawings

  • When: Dec 26 & Dec 27

  • Where: FireKeepers Casino Hotel

  • The details: The casino isn't slowing down after Christmas. Friday (Dec 26) features escalating cash & credit drawings from 6–10 PM. Saturday (Dec 27) is the "No Boundaries Bronco Giveaway," where someone will win a rare throwback 2025 Stroppe Edition Bronco.

• Concert: Jefferson Starship

  • When: Monday, Dec 29, 8:00 PM

  • Where: FireKeepers Casino Event Center

  • Catch the legendary classic rock band performing hits that have spanned decades. A perfect high-energy show to bridge the gap between Christmas and New Year's.

• Noon Year's Eve (Family Event)

  • When: Wednesday, Dec 31 (Daytime)

  • Where: Kids 'N' Stuff Children's Museum (Albion)

  • A countdown for the kids who can't quite make it to midnight, complete with crafts and noise-makers.

• NHBP NYE Sobriety Pow Wow

  • When: Wednesday, Dec 31, 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM

  • Where: Kellogg Arena

  • A powerful, community-centered way to ring in 2026. This traditional Pow Wow features drumming, dancing, and a sober environment to celebrate the new year with clarity and culture.

• New Year's Eve: Haute Chile

  • When: Wednesday, Dec 31, 9:00 PM

  • Where: FireKeepers Casino Hotel

  • The casino's main event features the high-octane show band Haute Chile. Expect a packed dance floor and a massive balloon drop at midnight.

• NYE at Villa on Verona

  • When: Wednesday, Dec 31

  • Where: Villa on Verona (Marshall)

  • If you prefer a more intimate, elegant vibe, the historic villa is hosting a boutique party with beer, wine, and spirits.

Week 2: Ringing in 2026 (Jan 1 – 7)

After the confetti settles, the first week of January offers a chance to reset with creative workshops and local blues.

• First Day Hikes

  • When: Thursday, Jan 1

  • Where: Fort Custer Recreation Area (Self-guided)

  • Start your "New Year, New You" resolution immediately with a brisk winter hike on the trails. (Check the park office for guided hike times).

• Saucy Snowman Paint n' Sip

  • When: Saturday, Jan 3

  • Where: The Busy Paintbrush (Marshall)

  • A relaxed, guided painting session perfect for unwinding after the busy holiday season. BYOB and paint a winter-themed masterpiece.

• Blues at the Bohm: Keith Scott Blues Band

  • When: Monday, Jan 5, 7:00 PM

  • Where: Bohm Theatre (Albion)

  • The 2026 blues season kicks off with Chicago blues veteran Keith Scott. Stick around afterward for the local jam session.

• Winter Art Class: AS1 T@4

  • When: Tuesday, Jan 6, 4:00 PM

  • Where: Eastend Studio & Gallery (Marshall)

  • A great way to get the kids (ages 5-8) back into a creative routine as school breaks wind down.

Save the Date

• Next Level Gymnastics Podium Challenge: Coming to Kellogg Arena Jan 9–11.

• Irish Pub Night: Coming to the Franke Center (Marshall) Jan 10.

We enjoyed a delightful dinner at Salsas Mexican Restaurant, a spot we’ve often visited for takeout but hadn’t dined in for a while.

The food was just as delicious in the dining room as at home.

The night was lively, with a bustling crowd and a big birthday celebration adding vibrant energy.

Our server, Yosa, truly stood out—she managed the busy scene effortlessly and still gave us attentive care.

We also appreciated the team’s fast, friendly service, including help from kitchen staff bringing chips and drinks to our table.

The Cheese Sauce starter was creamy and satisfying, setting the stage for flavorful entrees like the Chicken Chimichanga and a generously sized Carne Asada Burrito.

Don’t miss the Steak Street Taco—a standout for its authentic taste.

If you want superb flavors and caring service, ask for Yosa and try those street tacos!

Nancy Sutherland transformed a childhood hobby into a thriving local business, Every Little Thing for Dolls, after a special project with her niece inspired her to create handmade doll clothes.

Together, they picked fabrics and crafted matching outfits for two 18-inch dolls — a heartfelt surprise that quickly captured the attention of family, friends, and craft show shoppers.

As demand soared, Nancy’s creations expanded to over 200 unique patterns in six doll sizes, including styles inspired by beloved characters like Anna, Elsa, Jasmine, and Moana.

Now, her collection features not only meticulously made dresses but also original patterns and coordinating accessories, from hats to purses and shoes.

Every piece reflects her hands-on artistry and passion, turning a simple act of kindness into a dream career cherished by doll enthusiasts throughout the community.

With Christmas approaching, Michigan residents should take note of the state’s regulations on buying alcohol for the holiday.

State law bans all alcohol sales from 11:59 p.m. Christmas Eve until 12:00 noon on Christmas Day. This rule affects bars, restaurants, and retail stores alike.

If you wish to enjoy a drink during your celebrations, plan ahead and purchase what you need early to avoid being caught off guard.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission also reminds everyone to celebrate responsibly. Always arrange safe transportation if consuming alcohol and keep beverages away from minors.

Staying aware of these rules helps create a safer, more enjoyable holiday season for all across Michigan.

Major tech companies, including Amazon, Google, and Meta, are fueling a rapid surge in data center construction across the Midwest.

Kansas City’s $100 billion Project Kestrel and Michigan’s new tax exemptions highlight unprecedented regional investment, promising economic growth and enhanced tech industry presence.

However, these high-profile projects spark local controversy over energy consumption, water use, and a lack of permanent jobs, fueling resistance from environmental groups and some community leaders.

In Illinois, calls for a moratorium reflect deep concern about the sector’s environmental impact, especially as the state ranks fifth for total data centers nationwide.

While policymakers like Governors JB Pritzker and Gretchen Whitmer tout job creation and tax revenue, critics say the long-term benefits are overstated and argue subsidies favor tech giants over local needs.

The struggle to balance economic opportunity with environmental responsibility remains at the heart of the Midwest’s ongoing data center boom.

Ford Motor Co. is making a monumental pivot in its future vehicle strategy, shifting to embrace a wider range of hybrid and gasoline options alongside a recalibrated electric vehicle plan.

This is a customer-driven course correction for the Dearborn-based giant.

A centerpiece of the new plan involves the next-generation F-150 Lightning, which will become an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) featuring an onboard generator.

This change is expected to deliver a staggering estimated range of over 700 miles.

Beyond vehicles, Ford is launching an entirely new business dedicated to building battery energy storage systems.

This new division will operate out of facilities in Kentucky and Marshall, Michigan, representing a bold move to create a new revenue stream from its EV battery capacity.

The comprehensive overhaul is designed to give consumers more choice and significantly improve the company's profit margins.

Michigan drivers are enjoying the lowest gas prices of 2025, easing costs for Christmas travel.

The average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Michigan has dropped to $2.73 per gallon, saving motorists as much as 12 cents per gallon compared to last week.

With a standard 15-gallon fill-up now around $40, holiday road trips have become markedly more affordable.

This dip is fueled by increased gasoline supply and production, just as nearly 4 million residents plan to travel over 50 miles between December 20 and January 1.

Prices remain higher in cities such as Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit, while the northern towns of Traverse City and Marquette see the state’s lowest rates.

To make the most of these savings, travelers are urged to compare stations and depart early, since traffic peaks between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Festive events like Detroit’s Magic of Lights and Lansing’s Winter Wonderland add to the holiday cheer, ensuring a joyful, budget-friendly season statewide.

Michigan faces a literacy crisis as the state drops to 44th in the nation for fourth-grade reading proficiency.

This decline threatens not only education, but also workforce preparedness and long-term economic health.

At Detroit’s inaugural Michigan Literacy Summit, nearly 300 leaders—including Governor Gretchen Whitmer—gathered to urgently address that just 4 out of 10 Michigan third graders read at grade level, with almost a third below average.

Kevin Stotts of TalentFirst stressed that improving reading is vital for both career readiness and economic progress.

The new Regional Early Literacy Agreement unites educators and employers with the goal of raising grade-level reading by 5% each year.

Innovative partnerships, including efforts in Kalamazoo, aim to close the literacy opportunity gap for children and adults, fueling hope for Michigan’s future workforce and economy.

Experience winter’s magic at North Higgins Lake State Park with snowshoe and cross-country ski weekend getaways.

The Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon presents two all-inclusive adventures: January 30–February 1 and February 20–22, 2026.

Perfect for couples, friends, or families, these weekends promise cozy cabin lodging, five hearty meals, fireside hot cocoa, and snowshoe rentals—all for $275 per person, or $255 per person with a shared room.

Trek miles of serene trails through evergreens or journey to Hartwick Pines State Park to discover old-growth forests and peaceful beauty.

Each self-guided outing lets you savor Michigan’s winter wonderland at your pace.

The historic RAM Center features rustic lodges with real wood-and-stone charm along the north shore of Higgins Lake.

Early registration is encouraged as these unique escapes fill up fast.

Make this winter unforgettable in the heart of Michigan’s natural splendor.

A truly unique property has hit the market in Battle Creek, offering a private retreat on 10.35 sprawling acres.

Located at 15627 13 Mile Rd and priced at $750,000, this impressive ranch is situated within the highly sought-after Marshall School District.

The home features over 4,000 square feet of living space, with up to six bedrooms and a finished basement perfect for guests or multi-generational living.

But its most incredible feature is a showstopper: a professionally converted 40' x 80' indoor gymnasium and half basketball court, complete with its own bathroom.

This unbelievable amenity promises year-round activity regardless of Michigan weather.

With major investments like Ford's BlueOval Battery Park boosting the Calhoun County economy, this property represents a strategic investment in a growing community, offering an unparalleled lifestyle of privacy, luxury, and recreation.

Michigan homebuyers are seeing a modest break as mortgage rates dip following the Federal Reserve’s latest rate cut. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has declined to 6.30%, with the 15-year rate now at 5.56%.

This shift comes after the Fed’s recent quarter-point cut — its second of the year — intended to spur economic activity. However, mortgage rates don’t always follow the Fed’s moves directly, since they’re shaped by investor reactions and wider economic trends.

The Michigan housing market remains steady despite fluctuating rates. Home sales have seen a slight increase, as buyers take advantage of lower borrowing costs. Yet, affordability challenges persist, particularly for first-time buyers who are navigating uncertain financial conditions.

Experts warn against expecting further sharp declines in rates. Market volatility and economic unpredictability will likely keep changes modest. Prospective homebuyers are encouraged to monitor rates closely and secure favorable terms when possible.

The Calhoun County Animal Center recently spotlighted twenty-six adorable dogs decked out in holiday hats, bows, and antlers, each gazing at the camera with hopeful eyes.

Yet, despite their festive photos and wagging tails, most spent the holidays in their kennels, still waiting for a family.

Understandably, the holiday season is hectic — travel, gatherings, and stress can make adopting a new pet overwhelming.

Now, though, as decorations come down and calm returns, the perfect moment to welcome a loyal companion has arrived.

These dogs don’t need gifts — just a loving home and a gentle touch.

Imagine the joy and comfort a rescue dog could bring to your New Year.

Give one of these deserving pets the chance to spend next season curled up on a couch that’s truly theirs.

📣 Nominate Your Favorite Local Business! 📣

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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!

Welcome to our new holiday read! We are kicking off The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz, and the timing couldn't be better. As we wrap up 2025 and look toward 2026, these first two chapters challenge us to check our mindset at the door.

Chapter 1: Believe You Can Succeed and You Will Schwartz starts with a simple but powerful truth: "Belief triggers the power to do." Many people wish for success, but few actually believe they can achieve it. When you doubt yourself, your mind attracts reasons to fail. But when you believe—really believe—that you can handle a challenge, your mind goes to work finding the "how-to."

This holiday season, ask yourself: Am I planning for success in 2026, or am I just hoping for it?

Chapter 2: Cure Yourself of Excusitis In Chapter 2, Schwartz introduces us to a disease that kills more dreams than anything else: Excusitis. He identifies the four most common strains of this "failure disease":

1. Health Excusitis: "My health isn't good enough."

2. Intelligence Excusitis: "I'm not smart enough."

3. Age Excusitis: "I'm too old (or too young)."

4. Luck Excusitis: "I'm just unlucky."

Successful people don't have fewer problems—they just refuse to use them as alibis.

The Holiday Challenge Before the New Year arrives, identify which form of "Excusitis" you use the most. Do you tell yourself you're too old to start? Or that you aren't smart enough to figure it out?

Pick that one excuse and decide to leave it in 2025. Let’s enter the New Year with a clean slate and a big belief.

Start Your Transformation:

Get the Book on Amazon

Listen on Audible

Let’s think big!

Quote Of The Week

"The only way to achieve success is to have the courage to take the first step towards your goals, the discipline to stay committed, and the perseverance to never give up, no matter how many obstacles come your way."

Battle Creek job seekers are finding new opportunities for the holidays across manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and city services.

Employers such as SpartanNash and II Stanley Co. Inc. are actively hiring warehouse associates, maintenance techs, and group leaders for local production facilities.

In retail, Target and Walgreens need guest advocates, fulfillment experts, store managers, and pharmacy techs, while Jackson Hewitt is seeking entry-level tax preparers for the busy season.

Bronson Battle Creek hospital offers openings for registered nurses, surgical technologists, and patient representatives.

The City of Battle Creek is looking for new police officers and an environmental coordinator, and L.A.D.D., Inc. has caregiver positions in the Marshall and Battle Creek area.

With demand spanning manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, there’s a role for nearly every skill set in Battle Creek this season.

Does your business have a list of engaged customers that you email on a regular basis?