Justin Hinkley was born and raised in Battle Creek. Ever since seeing
All the President’s Men in middle school he has wanted to be a journalist. “I was really attracted to that whole watchdog role, and telling people the truth [in journalism],” he says.
He started writing the executive editor at the
Battle Creek Enquirer and “basically begging for a job” since he was 15 years old. “Finally [when I was 17] he wrote back and said, ‘You know, this is a really hard field to get into, maybe you should try something else.’” Undeterred, he kept at it. He graduated from Lakeview High School, worked in factories for a bit, then was working at the front desk of a hotel when he wrote an opinion column that the
Enquirer published. “So I got cocky and wrote the editor again and said, ‘Your opinion editor wants to publish me, why don’t you give me a job?’” As luck would have it, the
Enquirer was moving more into digital content at the time and there was an entry-level position open. “That was six years ago and I’ve begged my way up the ladder ever since.” Tenacity is certainly a key quality for any serious journalist to persist.
Last year he was doing more general assignment work, but then the education reporter moved away so they asked him to step into that role. He now authors the web column “Grin and Juice” and contributes to another called “Whole Child, Whole Community.” “What I really like about it is how all-inclusive it is,” including everything from human interest stories to more serious investigative journalism.
So where does a reporter go for a pint or cocktail after a long day on the job? The
Griffin Grill and Pub is a favorite spot with both young professionals and politicians, which naturally makes it a good spot to spot a journalist. The
Cricket Club is another “
de facto” hangout.
Clara’s on the River is one of Battle Creek’s most popular upscale restaurants, located in an old train station and serving up classic Americana cuisine in a historic atmosphere. (They also have a great outdoor patio overlooking the river, perfect for summertime outdoor dining.) Justin also likes
Firekeepers Casino for its Vegas-style appeal. For live music, he loves
Planet Rock because they “really embrace local bands who play original music.” And finally, “you’re never too old for the
Binder Park Zoo.”
For young professionals looking to get involved with the community, there are several community-minded groups to get involved with. There is the
Battle Creek Young Professionals for starters, but there’s also the
Battle Creek Metropolitan Area Mustache Society (BCMAMS) – “A bunch of guys who got together because they have an affinity for facial hair.” The BCMAMS are actively involved with volunteerism and philanthropy, in addition to their epic facial hair.
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