Good morning, Battle Creek.

Battle Creek will host the Big Cheese Mac + Cheese Festival on Saturday, April 19 at Kellogg Arena from 3 to 7 p.m. The event costs $7 per person and will feature local chefs and restaurants showcasing their best recipes.

Feeding America West Michigan announced that the USDA has paused 32 truckloads of fresh food scheduled for delivery between April and July, forcing the food bank to replace about 600,000 pounds of meat, cheeses and milk.

A USDA grant to purchase from Michigan farms was reinstated through October, and local pantries worry about serving nearly 500 families each month—especially at The Green Apple Pantry.

Michigan’s new car seat laws will go into effect April 2 and require that children under two ride rear-facing until they outgrow their seat, that children move to booster seats at age 5 until they turn 8 or reach 4-foot-9, and that all children 13 and under ride in the back seat—ticket fines may be issued for violations.

The high school boys swimming and diving season ended in Battle Creek, and the Enquirer is now holding an online poll for the Readers Choice Swimmer or Diver of the Year.

The poll closes Monday at noon and features candidates from Lakeview + Harper Creek + Marshall + Battle Creek Central.

The 35th annual Michael J.

Hume Big Red Open will take place on June 14 at 8 a.m. at Binder Park Golf Course in Battle Creek, and players will pay $100 each to join the four-person scramble that helps local Catholic school athletic programs. Competitors will play 18 holes of golf + use a cart + enjoy beverages, lunch, and contests during the event.

Harper Creek football players Chase Nichols and Damarian Ashley committed to play Division III football at Calvin University and Kalamazoo College during a recent signing ceremony at Harper Creek High School.

Nichols rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 16 touchdowns last season—while Ashley returned as a starter on an 8-2 team that won the Interstate 8 Conference.

Open House at 25 Orchard Place

1-3 p.m. — 25 Orchard Place — $459,900 — Explore a charming Tudor home with endless possibilities for personal or workspaces.

Sunflower Painting Party

6-9 p.m. — New Holland Brewing - Battle Creek Brewpub — $38.00 — Paint and sip in a relaxed atmosphere while creating a beautiful sunflower masterpiece.

Calhoun County Financial Coaching Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — Michigan Works! Southwest Calhoun County Service Center — Free — Learn to manage your finances like a pro and create a sound household budget.

Big Cheese Mac and Cheese Festival

3-7 p.m. — Kellogg Arena — Cost TBD — Savor the best mac and cheese from local vendors at Michigan's cheesiest event.

Pathfinder Bible Experience

8 AM – 5 PM — Kellogg Arena — Free entry — A team challenge immersing participants in the Word of God through engaging activities.