Good morning, Battle Creek.

Boxelder bugs gather on warm walls and spots around homes this fall as they look for dry areas to spend the winter, experts said.

Local pest control advises sealing cracks, cleaning areas with soapy water, and trimming nearby boxelder trees — the bugs do not bite but are an unwanted guest.

Michigan lawmakers approved a new 24% tax on wholesale marijuana sales to fund road repairs, with the Senate vote at 19—17 and the House vote at 78—21 before sending the bill to Gov. Whitmer for her signature.

The tax is expected to bring in $420 million a year to support road projects and related funding changes.

The Battle Creek DAR chapter will host a memorial marker dedication today at Oak Hill Cemetery at 4:30 p.m.—Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke and Michigan DAR State Regent Dawn Brady are expected to attend to honor Revolutionary War veterans as part of the America 250 Semiquincentennial commemoration.

Southern Michigan Bank and Trust is offering temporary relief with case-by-case help for federal and state workers, contractors, and vendors facing income loss from the government shutdown today—customers are urged to visit a local branch or call a representative for options.

The City of Battle Creek is updating its master plan to include a comprehensive housing strategy and will host three interactive 90-minute stakeholder meetings on Oct.

14 to gather input on local housing challenges — topics include mapping exercises and discussions on zoning updates and rising costs. Meetings will be held at the Kool Family Community Center, the Battle Creek Area Association of Realtors, and the Department of Public Works.

Battle Creek Central used a strong second half to beat Gull Lake 44-24 and stay 3-0 in its division, while Harper Creek remained unbeaten with a 46-8 win over Parma Western in Week 6 high school football.

Additional games saw Loy Norrix prevail 48-18 over Lakeview, Hastings edge Marshall 54-40, and Colon dominate St. Philip 61-0.

The Battle Creek Enquirer is providing live scoreboard updates for Week 6 high school football games across Harper Creek, Lakeview, Battle Creek Central, and Pennfield—reporter Bill Broderick is sharing scores online.

Residents can follow the action as the games progress.

The Battle Creek Enquirer returns with its Best of Battle Creek series to spotlight leading high school offensive linemen from local schools such as Climax-Scotts, Harper Creek, and Pennfield.

Coaches submitted nominations with player stats and the community will vote online for the winner by next Monday — details include height, weight, and game performance.

Coldwater football improved to a 5-1 record with a 33-6 win over Pennfield on Oct.

3 in Interstate 8 Conference play, pushing the team toward a playoff berth. The victory came as record-breaking quarterback Draycn Foster drove a fast offense—Pennfield turned the ball over four times, giving Coldwater a big advantage.

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.

Glizzy Festival 2025

3-7 p.m. — Kellogg Arena — $7 general admission, children 12 and under are free — Celebrate hot dogs with diverse vendors, activities, and a fun eating competition.

PENN PRES HOL-i-DAY ARTS & CRAFT SHOW

1 PM — Ott Biological Preserve — Spots available for vendors — Showcase your holiday arts and crafts this season.