Good morning, Battle Creek.

Michigan grocers Daily Deals Food Outlet in Marne and Leppinks Food Centers in Dorr received top marks by Progressive Grocer on Feb.

20 for serving their communities with affordable options. The ranking honored 17 independent retailers nationwide—celebrating local service and consumer focus.

Kellogg Community College’s Concert Band will perform its free “Awakened Voices” concert tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the Binda Performing Arts Center (450 North Ave.) which is open to the public.

Michigan’s new unemployment filings increased last week as claims climbed from 7,210 to 7,286, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (data for the week ending Feb.

14). Nationwide, claims dropped to 206,000 in the same period.

Battle Creek leaders have backed the Blue Light project, a $30.2 million plan that will turn a vacant Kmart site downtown into an 80 unit apartment building + a childcare center.

The project will offer 48 low income and 32 workforce units to meet local housing and early education needs.

Marshall honored its 2016 state champion girls basketball team at a ceremony on Friday, Feb.

20 in its home gym during halftime of the Marshall vs. Harper Creek boys basketball game, celebrating the team's unlikely 26-win streak and lasting community pride.

Que The Cheese - BBQ and Mac & Cheese Festival

3-7 p.m. — Kellogg Arena — Purchase tickets — Celebrate the ultimate fusion of smoky BBQ and gooey mac & cheese in Battle Creek.

MARVAC 39th Battle Creek RV & Camping Show

1-8 p.m. — Kellogg Arena — $8 adult admission, $7 senior admission — Discover the latest RVs and enjoy exclusive show deals over the weekend.

2026 Biosolids Conference

Workshops on March 11th and 12th — DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek — Registration: $385/$505 — Engage in essential discussions and trainings related to biosolids management.

Showstopper Dance Competition

All day — Kellogg Arena — Free admission — Experience a vibrant dance competition featuring diverse categories and awards.

Food Prize 2026

9 AM – 12 PM — Kellogg Arena — Free entry — Experience regional food innovation with competitions, showcases, and educational forums for food entrepreneurs.