Good morning, Battle Creek.

Charitable Union is collecting winter gear, including coats, boots, and snow pants, at various locations until Oct.

15 to help families stay warm this season. Donations will also support the Coats for Kids event during the week of Oct. 28 — a key initiative for those in need.

Michigan’s gas prices dropped 24¢ from last week, with the state average now at $4.69 per gallon (Calhoun County averages $4.62).

Ann Arbor reached a high of $4.73, while Flint records a low of $4.59.

Battle Creek native Robert E.

DeVinney fought in WWII’s Battle of the Bulge and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star at a Pentagon ceremony on Sept. 21. His son & daughter-in-law accepted the medal after an archival review over two years corrected missing service record details.

Battle Creek readers can vote for the Bronson Battle Creek Girls Athlete of the Week by choosing among nominees Megan Cook, Alaina Dillon, Jenna Wiley, + Haley Willi until 5 p.m. tomorrow; the winner will appear in Sunday's Battle Creek Enquirer.

Residents can vote for the Bronson Battle Creek Hospital Athlete of the Week for boys sports from Sept.

21 to Sept. 26 and votes close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30 (the winner will be featured in Sunday's Enquirer).