Good morning, Battle Creek.

Make-A-Wish Michigan celebrated its 12,500th wish on Thursday by surprising 18-year-old Caleb Upton, who has stage 4 Burkitt’s Leukemia, with an upgraded trip that now includes dining at The French Laundry in California along with added cooking experiences and equipment.

Chef Jenna Arcidiacono hosted the surprise at her restaurant on Alpine Avenue (the milestone aims to raise awareness for children facing critical illnesses).

A 41-year-old man named Michael Koch was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy on Wednesday at 10:44 a.m. near Marshall when he warned dispatchers he would shoot any officer and then grabbed what looked like a rifle—later found to be a BB gun—that led the deputy to fire.

On Wednesday, deputies were dispatched at 10:44 a.m. to 14301 18 ½ Mile Road in Marengo Township after a 911 call reported that Michael Anthony Koch had texted he shot himself and would shoot police—when he pointed a BB gun at an officer and insulted him, the deputy fired and later pronounced Koch dead as Michigan State Police and the sheriff’s office continue to investigate.

A new $46 million mental health hospital built by Trinity Health Michigan and Universal Health Services will open in June in West Michigan to offer a 96-bed facility for patients needing inpatient psychiatric care.

The facility will accept public walk-ins and referrals from emergency departments—designed to ease long waits in crisis centers.

The West Michigan Whitecaps beat the Dayton Dragons 14-1 Thursday.

Josue Briceño became the first player to hit three home runs and steal home plate in one game since at least 1901— the team will face the Dragons again today at 7:05 p.m.

Isaiah 117 Red Door Dash 5K

1-4 p.m. — 7290 B Dr N, Battle Creek, MI — Entry fee applies — Lace up your shoes and help support children in foster care in the local community.

Virtual Senior Living Tour

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Beadle Lake Afc Home — Free entry — Explore exceptional senior living options with nutritious meals and engaging activities.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship

June 6-8 — Battle Creek Country Club — Admission details TBA — Experience thrilling golf action at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship featuring rising stars from the Epson Tour.

Clint Black Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — FireKeepers Casino Hotel — Tickets starting at $47 — Experience the country music icon Clint Black live in concert.

Cereal City Classic 5k/10k Run/Walk

8:00-10:30 a.m. — Battle Creek Family YMCA — $25-$45 — Compete in a fun run/walk and earn a t-shirt by registering early!

Summer 2025 Communities of Practice

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Battle Creek Adult Education — Free entry — Enhance best practices in youth development for the upcoming summer season.

Oaklawn Pink Out the Park Night

6:35 – 9:00 p.m. — MCCU Field — $20 ticket package — Enjoy a night of baseball while supporting women's health initiatives with a special promotional package.

Cheetah Chase 5K

6:30-10 a.m. — Binder Park Zoo — Registration required — Experience a thrilling 5K race through scenic zoo paths alongside exotic animals.

Beach Day Painting Party

6:00-8:30 p.m. — New Holland Brewing - Battle Creek Brewpub — $38.00 — Enjoy a fun paint and sip session under the guidance of a local artist.

Michigan State Armwrestling Championships 2025

11 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Kellogg Arena — Weigh-ins on Friday and Saturday — Watch the best arm wrestlers in Michigan face off in an exciting competition.