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Could Battle Creek become Candy City? A look at 2026 through the eyes of residents

As Kellogg enters a new era under Ferrero ownership, Battle Creek residents reflect on whether the city’s identity will remain rooted in its legacy as Cereal City or evolve into something sweeter.
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Small batches, big ambitions — how a Kalamazoo company became a go-to for beverage startups nationwide
From cold brew to dog water, Kalamazoo’s Good Trade Depot, a small batch bottling company, is redefining contract manufacturing.
Could Battle Creek become Candy City? A look at 2026 through the eyes of residents
As Kellogg enters a new era under Ferrero ownership, Battle Creek residents reflect on whether the city’s identity will remain rooted in its legacy as Cereal City or evolve into something sweeter.
Lifelong dream realized with opening of catering and takeout business in Battle Creek
Mitts 2 Pits Catering is the latest tenant in a building at 78 Calhoun Street that has incubated dreams for several restaurateurs in Battle Creek. Owned by the husband-and-wife team of Benjamin and Denise Young, the catering and take-out business opened its first brick-and-mortar location in April. Here’s their story.
The stories that stayed with us: A year of Second Wave journalism
Through bikes, poetry, wetlands, old theaters, and everyday helpers, Second Wave writers and photographers revisit the stories that defined their year.
Ford’s $1.3M gift empowers three Calhoun County community foundations to fuel local projects
Ford Motor Co. is investing $1.3 million in a collaborative effort with three Calhoun County community foundations to deliver immediate impact and long-term support across the region.
Metro Transit boosts service on busy routes during holiday shopping season
Metro Transit is adding extra weekday bus service on three high-ridership routes from Dec. 15 through 28 to improve reliability during icy conditions and meet increased holiday shopping demand in Kalamazoo.
It’s scholarship season at the Battle Creek Community Foundation
Battle Creek Community Foundation scholarships help local students like Nylayiaha Smith afford college and inspire them to give back to their community.
The Villas: Reach Sober Living expands to offer independent living for men in recovery
Reach Sober Living, Inc. is expanding its sober home options, building more bridges for those crossing from addiction to recovery and a new sober life.
Voices of Youth: A safe haven for children entering foster care comes to Battle Creek
Battle Creek’s Isaiah 117 House, set to open in March of 2026, seeks to reduce trauma for children entering foster care by providing a safe and supportive place during removal and placement.
Susan Balbaugh passes the baton as executive director of Battle Creek’s The Music Center
After 12 years of guiding The Music Center through growth and sustainability, Executive Director Susan Balbaugh will retire in January, transitioning to a part-time donor relations role as Teri Noaeill steps in as the organization’s new leader.
Kalamazoo’s Holiday Lights Ride blends seasonal joy with winter street challenges
The Holiday Lights Ride brought bikes, music, and seasonal joy to downtown Kalamazoo, even as icy streets underscored the challenges of winter riding.
Voices of Youth: All aboard the Vicksburg Dinner Train, a rolling effort to feed neighbors in need
A grassroots Facebook group founded by Vicksburg resident and Army veteran Rebecca Walters is combating food insecurity in Kalamazoo County by organizing anonymous, community-driven meal trains for families in crisis.
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