Good morning, Battle Creek.

Jennifer Clark started Tanner’s SPRK On The World in honor of her son who died in a car accident four years ago and is using the nonprofit to help people in West Michigan.

The group has raised over $10,000 to assist those in need and will hold its fourth annual act of kindness in August—focusing on aid for survivors of domestic violence.

The Quality Inn Hotel in Battle Creek received a 2025 Platinum Award from Choice Hotels International for ranking in the top 3% of Quality Inn hotels—this honor reflects the commitment of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and FireKeepers Casino Hotel who operate the property.

Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded at 1:15 p.m. Thursday to a report of domestic assault and shooting at a home on West Michigan Avenue in Marengo Township after a victim said a 45-year-old man fired his handgun twice during an altercation on Tuesday, June 24; deputies later arrested the suspect in Albion—he now faces charges of assault with intent to cause great bodily harm less than murder.

Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help finding 82-year-old Charles “David” Havens, who left his home Friday, June 27 in his wife’s silver 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe + his recent dementia diagnosis and insulin dependency have raised concerns for his safety.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office said that Kyle McNutt, a suspect in the June 3rd shooting death of 34-year-old Ofellia Baldwin, was arrested in California by the Los Angeles Police Department and will remain in custody pending an extradition hearing.

A 45-year-old Marengo Township man was arrested in Albion on Tuesday after he allegedly assaulted a man and fired his handgun twice with no injuries reported (deputies said he also aimed the gun at others at a home in the 23000 block of West Michigan Avenue) before leaving.

Hamilton Elementary is demolishing its original 70-year wing to build a new addition that will include second-grade classrooms, special education programs, STEM facilities and a community space, set to open in the 2025-26 school year.

The project began after a 2023 bond approved the upgrade—marking a major update for a school with a long history.

City Kids Day

12-5 p.m. — Kellogg Arena — Free admission — A fun-filled event for families featuring games, music, and activities for kids in Battle Creek.

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival

8 p.m. – 1:29 a.m. — Battle Creek Executive Airport — Tickets available now — Experience aerial thrills with spectacular pyrotechnics and stunning night shows at North America’s largest air and balloon festival.

Vibe @ 5 Concert Series

5-7:30 p.m. — Friendship Park — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music in Downtown Battle Creek's vibrant social scene.

Vibe@5 – Toppermost Concert Series

5-7:30 p.m. — Friendship Park — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music in Downtown Battle Creek's lively social district.

Taco and Tequila Festival

3-8 p.m. — Festival Market Square — Cost varies — Michigan's Original Taco & Tequila Festival returns with larger festivities and flavors.

Vibe @ 5 Concert Series

5-7:30 p.m. — Friendship Park — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live music in Downtown Battle Creek's Social District.

PAWS Classic Golf Outing

8 AM – 4 PM — Binder Park Golf Course — Fundraiser — Come Par-Tee to support Paws With A Cause and enjoy meeting wonderful dogs raised by volunteers.

Battle Creek Scavenger Hunt Adventure

12-9 p.m. — Downtown Battle Creek — Ticket required — Embark on a quirky scavenger hunt uncovering the hidden gems of Cereal City.