Good morning, Battle Creek.

Long Island Café will offer free meals for veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Battle Creek location on 256 Helmer Road North — veterans must show a military ID to redeem the meal.

KCCU is hosting its 23rd annual toy drive at all branches to collect new, unwrapped toys and gift cards to help local children in need this holiday season — donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. Nov.

10 until 5 p.m. Dec. 13.

Across West Michigan, organizers have scheduled events to honor veterans on November 11—even as some federally-run activities were canceled due to the government shutdown.

In Battle Creek, the VA Medical Center will host free food at the FireKeepers Casino Food Truck on November 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Battle Creek Regional History Museum will host a special program called Lincoln and Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. tomorrow, November 8, where re-enactor Kevin Wood explains how the holiday was established during his presidency—tickets cost $10 with limited seating and proceeds benefit the museum. The museum will also feature live radio theatre performances on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 with self-serve food and holiday exhibits including a history of cereal displays available through the end of the year.

Michigan health officials said SNAP benefits will be reduced to half because the federal shutdown affects welfare programs.

SNAP recipients who normally receive benefits on the 3rd, 5th or 7th will get partial payments tomorrow—while others will receive benefits on their usual dates.

Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services announced that SNAP benefits will restart Saturday with eligible recipients receiving about half their usual amount due to limited federal funds—approximately 1.4 million households rely on this assistance.

Most recipients will receive their partial allotment on their normal payment date while those who typically get benefits on the 3rd, 5th or 7th will receive them this Saturday.

A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery on November 11th despite the unresolved federal government shutdown, according to Colonel Frank Walker—community members provided stage equipment, loudspeakers, and chairs while a flyover will begin the event at 11 a.m.

Governor Whitmer is asking Michiganders to submit name suggestions online for two turkeys that will be pardoned November 18—name ideas must be in by November 9.

This naming contest continues a tradition that has seen creative winners in past years.

Pennfield volleyball player Danika Rothchild was named Athlete of the Week for her strong show during Oct.

24-29 as she recorded 22 digs and reached 1,000 career digs (presented by Bronson Battle Creek Hospital).

Climax-Scotts will play an 8-player Division 1 playoff game in Martin today at 7 p.m. as they face a team ranked No. 3 and seen as the state's best (with acting head coach Kevin Langs leading the young team while Tyler Langs is on paid leave) after a high-scoring win over Gobles.

Battle Creek Enquirer's sports staff announced the 2025 All-Enquirer Boys Soccer Team—made up of players from local programs in Lakeview, Marshall, Coldwater, Harper Creek, and Pennfield.

The selections highlight top-performing athletes who led their teams to key wins and strong season records.

Sensory Friend Sundays at the Air Zoo

10 AM – 12 PM — Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center — $18 for adults, $16 for children — Experience a sensory-friendly environment with reduced noise and special activities.

Winter Wanderland 2025

2-8 p.m. — Festival Market Square, Battle Creek, MI — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a magical collection of events throughout the city.