Good morning, Battle Creek.

God’s Kitchen of Michigan is hosting three free Thanksgiving dinners this year—two in Battle Creek on November 19 at First United Methodist Church from 5 to 6 p.m. and at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with only 60 dinners available, and one in Kalamazoo on November 20 at Kanley Chapel near the new Student Center at Western Michigan University from 5 to 6 p.m. The dinners will serve turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, cheesecake and bottled water, and all community members are welcome to attend.

Starting Nov 22, the W.K.

Kellogg Manor House hosts a Holiday Market with self-guided tours and shopping from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select dates including Friday, Nov 28 and Saturdays Nov 22, 29, Dec 6, 13, and 20. Special features include a free-entry Jingle and Mingle on Dec 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. and a Kids Day on Dec 6 with crafts and hot cocoa (the market costs $5 admission, free for members, students, and children under 5) (located at 3700 E. Gull Lake Drive in Hickory Corners).

Michigan's firearm deer season begins tomorrow (November 15) and lasts through November 30, giving hunters a two-week period to be active while later seasons extend hunting into January.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges hunters to carry licenses and wear hunter's orange while advising non-hunters to be cautious in the woods at dawn and dusk.

Jake Kucharczyk, a Lakeview High graduate and standout at Kellogg Community College, has committed to play baseball at Penn State — his dream school in the Big Ten as he prepares to advance his athletic career.

St. Philip volleyball player Addi Dzwik was named Athlete of the Week after leading her team to a district title last week — she recorded 30 assists and 11 digs in a 3-0 win.

Fans chose her for the honor, and her performance helped St. Philip advance to the Division 4 regionals.

Battle Creek-area high school volleyball teams played in regional finals on November 13th; Lakeview lost 3-0 to Byron Center at Portage Northern High School, ending their season at 39-9-7 while St-Philip fell 3-1 to top-ranked Mendon, finishing at 25-15-5.

In another match, Kalamazoo Christian defeated Bronson 3-0 at Centreville to advance to the state quarterfinals with a record of 28-12-3.

Harper Creek’s Kennedy Halverson signed with Western Michigan University for a full-ride softball scholarship during a ceremony at Harper Creek High School on Nov.

13. She played shortstop and batted third last season and was named team MVP—her commitment boosts the Broncos’ recruiting class as she enters her senior season.

Lakeview held its fall signing day on Nov.

12 + student-athletes Lila Mae Frank and Aidan Downey celebrated signing with Ball State for women's soccer and Lewis University for men's lacrosse. Frank, a top scorer, will play varsity for four years + Downey, an all-city player, will return for his senior season.

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.

Ezra Ray Hart Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Firekeepers — Starting at $100 — Experience an unforgettable evening of music with Ezra Ray Hart at Firekeepers Casino.

11th Annual Jingle in the Creek USA Wrestling Tournament

8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Kellogg Arena — $10 admission — Experience thrilling youth wrestling matches with festive holiday spirit.