Good morning, Battle Creek.

Charitable Union is launching its annual winter coat drive to help residents stay warm in the cold months—donations for coats, snow pants, boots and other winter gear can be dropped off at designated locations until Oct.

15. A special Coats for Kids event is set for Oct. 28—after which coats will be available at the Free Store starting Nov. 3.

Groupon is offering up to $31 off oil changes at Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations – Battle Creek drivers can save 30% on Synthetic Blend or Synthetic Oil Changes that take about 15 minutes to complete.

The state Department of Natural Resources warned residents that a long stretch of dry, sunny day spent in the Lower Peninsula has raised the risk of wildfire, urging locals to avoid burning leaves and to drown campfires—making sure no sparks remain.

The advisory noted that burn permits might be restricted by local governments until wetter weather reduces the risk.

Millions of birds flew over Michigan last Thursday as Cornell University’s BirdCast Migration Dashboard tracked more than 7 million birds migrating south using radar—experts advise turning off nonessential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during peak migration.

The Michigan Public Service Commission raised power outage bill credits from $35 to $42 per day on Thursday; the new rate will start on Oct.

1. Customers qualify for the credit after 96 hours during catastrophic conditions, 48 hours for gray skies, or 16 hours during normal conditions—helping cover some costs.

The Michigan Department of Transportation will close the ramp from M-96 at Columbia Avenue to southbound I-194 and the ramp from northbound I-194 to M-96 from Tuesday, September 16 through Tuesday, October 7 as part of the M-96 bridge improvement project in Battle Creek.

Drivers will detour via Dickman Road — Main Street — M-96 for the northbound ramp and along M-96 — Main Street — Dickman Road for the southbound ramp.

Battle Creek-area high school football saw Harper Creek beat Coldwater 49 to 28 on Sept.

12 with strong second-quarter scoring and turnovers — while Pennfield won 23 to 20 over Buchanan after a late interception and safety; Marshall, Maple Valley, and Britton-Deerfield also recorded wins and losses in other games.

Battle Creek Central beat Lakeview 39-13 in a high school football game today as sophomore quarterback Lee Campbell Jr. threw four touchdown passes for 200 yards.

The win gives the Bearcats fresh bragging rights — a turnaround after a tough season last year.

Battle Creek Punk Rock Flea Market

12-6 p.m. — Kellogg Arena — Free entry — A lively day filled with makers, artists, vendors, and music awaits at the punk rock-themed flea market.

That Arena Rock Show

7-11 p.m. — Kellogg Arena — Tickets required — Experience the ultimate tribute to classic rock anthems from the 70s and 80s in a high-energy atmosphere.