If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the spirit of Battle Creek and share it with someone you love, Cereal City Candle Company has done exactly that.

Owned by woman veteran and proud Battle Creek entrepreneur Kellee VanValkenburg, this small business is bringing the aroma of home to families near and far.

What began in 2020 as a simple gesture of love, gifting handmade candles to family and friends, quickly blossomed into something special.

When Kellee created her now-beloved “Breakfast in Battle Creek” candle and sent it to relatives who couldn’t make it home for the holidays, she realized she had found something meaningful, something deeply connected to place and memory.

People weren’t just receiving a candle, they were receiving a piece of home.

Every candle is hand-stirred and hand-poured, showcasing Kellee’s dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and creativity.

She uses soy wax, not only for its clean, long-lasting burn but also because it offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional waxes.

The result is a candle that feels good to light, in every sense.

What truly sets Cereal City Candle Company apart is ...

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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.

Cereal City Crafters Collective Holiday Showcase dazzled Battle Creek this year, uniting talented local artisans and makers in a vibrant celebration of creativity.

From handcrafted candles and unique jewelry to fresh-baked treats, home décor, and custom apparel, creators from throughout the community shared their passions and personal stories with visitors.

Many of these small businesses operate from home studios or local markets, pouring heart and dedication into every piece.

The event not only highlighted their artistry but also underscored how vital supporting local talent is to keeping Cereal City’s creative spirit alive.

Even if you missed the Showcase, there’s still time to discover these makers and support their work.

By celebrating local crafters, the community strengthens its bonds—and keeps creativity thriving for everyone in Battle Creek.

The classic 1964 stop-motion special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, remains a holiday favorite, enchanting families with beloved characters like Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and the Island of Misfit Toys.

In 2025, audiences can catch Rudolph on NBC, airing December 5 and December 11, both at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Freeform will also show the special several times throughout December as part of its "25 Days of Christmas," giving viewers multiple chances to revisit this heartwarming tradition.

Prefer streaming? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play for $9.99.

Blu-ray and DVD editions are easy to find at many retailers, ensuring everyone can enjoy this timeless holiday tale at home.

As winter break nears, Battle Creek Public Schools is rallying around its 3,700 students with the annual 'Stuff the Bag' initiative.

Each student will receive a bag packed with hygiene items, food, and coupons, aiming to ease families’ burdens during the holidays.

Led by Tierra Stevens, BCPS ensures every child benefits, regardless of their academic or attendance record.

Students also take pride in assembling the bags, turning support into an uplifting community effort.

This year’s donations have doubled to over 120,000 items, thanks to local businesses and partners.

With many families facing financial strain and unpredictable support, this program comes at a critical moment.

Bags will be delivered before break, offering not just supplies but a powerful sense of hope and unity for Battle Creek students.

Battle Creek, MI — Charitable Union, a cornerstone of Calhoun County for over 137 years, is drawing fresh attention to its dynamic textile and athletic shoe recycling programs.

Each year, the nonprofit diverts nearly 200,000 pounds of unusable textiles—such as outdated uniforms and worn clothing—from landfills, instead turning them into materials for insulation or resale.

This innovative approach helps both the environment and the local economy by ensuring even the most damaged items find new purpose.

Charitable Union also champions athletic shoe recycling, accepting only lace-up sneakers, and has already recycled more than 1,000 pairs this year.

These efforts have saved an estimated 3.7 million gallons of water and prevented over 50,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

The community is invited to join these sustainability efforts by donating accepted items at Charitable Union’s Battle Creek location.

Battle Creek faces a week of persistent winter weather as snow and cold grip the region from December 10th through the 16th.

Starting Wednesday, locals should expect steady snow showers that will linger through the night and set a wintry mood for the days ahead.

Thursday and Friday bring continued snowfall and thick clouds, offering little pause to the chill.

As the weekend arrives, more wintry blasts are on the way, leaving roads slick and the atmosphere festive for holiday outings.

Highs will stay in the 20s to low 30s, urging everyone to dress for true Michigan winter.

Nighttime temperatures will plunge into the teens, with a particularly frigid 12°F predicted for Monday.

Travelers should remain cautious, and all residents are encouraged to keep bundled up as Battle Creek embraces another snowy December.

Calhoun County is buzzing with holiday cheer this season.

Downtown Battle Creek glows nightly with the International Festival of Lights, offering strolls past illuminated parks and festive scenes like the “12 Days of Christmas” at Kellogg House.

Weekdays bring lunchtime food trucks to the HDI Federal Center, while Saturday, December 13, features the energetic Tinsel Toes 5K fun run and a “Home for the Holidays” symphony concert at Kellogg Auditorium.

Looking ahead, Winter Jam 2025 at Kellogg Arena on December 20 promises a lively night with acts like Skilla Baby and Jacquees.

Across Marshall and Albion, festive highlights include the Merry Mile drive-through light show, concerts from the Capital City Brass Band and Jason Michael Carroll, Christmas cookies and wine pairing at Turkeyville, and holiday films at Albion’s Bohm Theatre.

Local tip: Warm up after your stroll with friends at The Cricket on W. Michigan Ave for a cozy seasonal toast.

The Long Island Café in Kalamazoo is earning major local buzz, and after a recent visit, it’s easy to see why.

Friendly staff greeted guests the moment they walked in, offering a choice of tables and warm hospitality.

Reagan, an attentive and personable server, made sure diners felt welcome without being overbearing.

Little touches—like a server chatting eye-level with a child and Christmas gifts under the tree—create a genuine family atmosphere.

The kitchen moved impressively fast, delivering a custom omelette and crispy, golden hashbrowns in minutes.

The Ole Spanish Omelette stood out, especially when paired with the flavorful house chipotle sauce.

Swapping toast for a pancake turned out to be a win—the pancake was extra fluffy and perfect for soaking up syrup.

With top-notch food, attentive service, and a cozy vibe, Long Island Café is a spot locals will keep coming back to.

Nina’s Taqueria, a beloved Mexican restaurant in Augusta, Michigan, will close its original location on December 19, 2025, after over 25 years as a local favorite.

Founded by the Martinez family in 1998, Nina’s has been a heartfelt fixture, serving authentic cuisine and building deep ties to the community.

Co-owner Martha Martinez expressed gratitude for Augusta’s loyalty, calling the town the place where their dream became real.

While the Augusta era ends, fans can still visit Nina’s thriving Battle Creek location and Nina’s Market for Mexican groceries and specialties.

The area’s vibrant food scene continues, with newcomers like San Francisco Latin American Cuisine at the Battle Creek Executive Airport and Earthly Goods Market & Wellness Center downtown.

The Martinez family invites all to savor Nina’s tradition and hospitality in Battle Creek for years to come.

The Battle Creek Police Department will launch its Citizens Police Academy in January 2026, giving locals a rare, behind-the-scenes look at police work.

This annual program, organized with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police, invites community leaders, business owners, and engaged residents to learn about law enforcement operations and community safety projects.

Attendees will participate in interactive sessions on topics like special police units, tactical strategies, use of force, and real-life scenario training.

This initiative aims to build trust and enhance collaboration between residents and local law enforcement, ultimately promoting public safety.

The academy will be held at 34 N. Division St., Battle Creek, with a series of evening and full-day sessions throughout January.

Applicants must complete a background check and attend most sessions to graduate. Spots are limited—apply online through the department’s official website.

As winter arrives in West Michigan, anticipation builds among local skiers and snowboarders for the opening of area resorts.

Bittersweet Resort in Otsego kicked off the season today at 3 p.m., welcoming guests with 20 runs, six chair lifts, and an array of options for all skill levels.

Meanwhile, Timber Ridge Ski Area in Gobles has been making snow since late November and hopes to open by the weekend of December 13-14.

This weekend, guests can enjoy tubing while they await full access to the slopes.

Cannonsburg Ski Area in Belmont eyes a December 12 opening, though weather may influence the timeline.

Swiss Valley in Jones is still prepping, debuting new lifts and a refreshed beginner area to enhance the visitor experience.

For the latest conditions and updates, locals are encouraged to check each resort’s website before visiting.

Michigan’s Christmas tree farms are gearing up for a busy holiday season as tariffs raise prices on imported artificial trees, pushing more families to choose locally grown, natural options.

With new trade policies imposing 20% to 30% tariffs on plastic trees from China, shoppers are feeling the impact at big box stores.

This cost hike is expected to boost interest in fresh trees, providing a welcome lift for Michigan growers.

Scott Powell from a leading tree farm highlights the joy and tradition of bringing home a fresh, North American-grown tree.

Despite greater demand, local farmers remain committed to stable pricing, with Marsha Gray reporting 84% of wholesale growers holding steady this year.

Michigan ranks third nationwide in tree production, harvesting nearly 2 million trees from about 500 farms—an important boost for the state’s economy.

Choosing a real tree means supporting local agriculture and enjoying a festive, classic holiday tradition.

As Michigan families prepare for the holidays, the Michigan Fire Marshal is issuing an urgent warning about Christmas tree fire safety.

Officials from the Bureau of Fire Services emphasize that a dry tree can be completely engulfed in flames in under 30 seconds.

The single most important tip for a live tree is daily watering.

Keeping the base constantly submerged in water is crucial to prevent the needles from becoming a dangerous fire hazard.

For all trees, inspect light strings for frayed wires or damage before use and never overload electrical outlets.

Always place your tree at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces or space heaters.

Remember to turn off all tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

Following this simple advice can help ensure your family has a safe and joyful holiday season.

As Michigan’s winter deepens, residents are drawn to frozen lakes for ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling.

But staying safe is essential.

Always check the thickness and condition of the ice yourself—tools like a spud or auger can help.

Clear, blue-tinted ice is usually strongest, while milky or slushy patches are dangerous.

Steer clear of areas with currents, such as river mouths, as ice there is often unstable.

Michigan officials stress that no “inch-rule” guarantees safety; conditions can change rapidly.

Recent tragedy in Addison Township, where a 66-year-old fisherman lost his life after falling through the ice, underscores these risks.

For added safety, inform someone of your plans, wear a life jacket, and carry ice picks and a whistle.

With caution and preparation, you can enjoy Michigan’s winter lakes safely.

Pat Fitzgerald electrified the Michigan State community with his enthusiastic debut at the Breslin Center, rallying fans during a recent basketball game in East Lansing.

Taking center stage, Fitzgerald expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and encouraged fans to bring energy both to the arena now and to Spartan Stadium this fall.

Stepping in after Jonathan Smith’s exit, Fitzgerald inherits a program eager for a fresh start following recent hardships.

The new head football coach spoke proudly of joining a team with rich traditions, backed by a passionate Spartan community whose support he called essential to future success.

Highlighting the role of the student body and all fans as the program’s heartbeat, Fitzgerald pledged to reignite Michigan State’s competitive fire in the Big Ten.

With his arrival, Spartan fans are hopeful for a spirited new era on and off the field.

Experience the allure of 14 Blue Stone Ridge—a beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in Battle Creek, MI 49014, now available for $479,000 after a recent price drop.

Set on a spacious 0.71-acre lot, this 1,931 sq ft traditional-style residence, built in 1996, combines comfort with classic charm.

The primary suite includes dual walk-in closets and a relaxing jacuzzi tub, offering a true retreat.

The finished walkout basement stands out with its own full kitchen, bath, and living area—perfect for guests or extra income potential.

Enjoy practical features like an attached 2-car garage with kitchen amenities, an additional 900 sq ft detached garage, wood floors, a cozy gas fireplace, and a bright sunroom.

Step outside to a large deck and handy pole barn, all nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac with no HOA fees.

This home is a unique opportunity in a fast-moving Battle Creek market.

Calhoun County’s housing market experienced a slight dip in September, with the median home sale price settling at $175,000—down 1.7% from August’s $178,000.

Year-over-year values held steady, signaling stability for local homeowners and buyers alike.

Single-family homes posted a median of $170,000, marking a 2.9% monthly drop and a modest 1.7% decrease from the previous year.

Condominiums and townhomes saw a sharper adjustment, with median prices plunging 31.8% month-to-month to $217,500 and dropping 28.7% from last year’s figures.

Sales activity told a different story—202 properties sold in September, up 18.1% from 2024, totaling $38.1 million in transactions.

Meanwhile, Michigan’s overall market remained stable at a $275,000 median, though statewide sales fell by 20.8% year-over-year.

Calhoun County stands out for steady prices and growing sales volume, reflecting resilience amid broader state fluctuations.

Bring some holiday cheer to local shelter pets with the Humane Society of South Central Michigan’s Angel Tree program.

Visit their lobby to choose a ticket from the festive Angel Tree and fulfill a special wish for a shelter animal. Call ahead to ensure availability before stopping by.

Gifts received will be paired with the pets they help, a touching showcase of the community’s generosity.

Support is also welcome year-round via their Amazon Wishlist, found on the shelter’s Facebook page—each donation helps provide vital care and comfort for the animals.

If you’re thinking about adoption, each dog and cat is fully vetted, altered, and ready for a loving home.

Interested families can apply online and meet their possible new companion by appointment.

Consider fostering a pet for the holidays to make an even bigger difference.

Thank you for supporting shelter animals this season.

📣 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!

“Experience is not the best teacher. Evaluated experience is.” — John C. Maxwell

This week’s focus is on two thinking patterns that can elevate your effectiveness: Reflective Thinking and Questioning Popular Thinking.

Maxwell’s approach reminds us to pause and truly learn from our journey, rather than only racing toward the next goal.

Reflective thinking empowers you to transform past experience into meaningful insight, unlocking fresh perspectives on what worked, what didn’t, and why.

Regular reflection ensures real growth—not just repetition of old mistakes.

Questioning popular thinking urges you to resist following the crowd.

Maxwell argues that the path to excellence often requires stepping outside the status quo.

If you combine reflection with bold, independent thinking, you’ll not only grow faster—you’ll stand out.

Quote Of The Week

"The only way to achieve great success is to consistently develop the habit of doing things that unsuccessful people don’t like to do." - Albert Gray

Updated as of December 9, 2025.

Battle Creek and Calhoun County are seeing active hiring across a range of industries this winter.

Manufacturing companies like II Stanley, Geislinger Corporation, and the Calhoun County Road Department are seeking skilled technicians, machinists, and road maintenance workers, while Imperial Beverage offers entry-level roles in distribution.

The healthcare sector, led by Bronson Battle Creek and FireKeepers Casino Hotel, has openings for RNs, recovery coaches, and various positions in hospitality and security.

Retailers including Cracker Barrel, Meijer Express, and AutoZone need seasonal help, cashiers, sales associates, and managers, while new opportunities are available at Gatsby Cannabis Co. and Jackson Hewitt.

Caregiving positions are open with Help at Home and the VA Medical Center, offering entry into in-home support and seasonal retail and food service roles.

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