Good morning, Battle Creek.

Girl Scout Josie Pawlowicz led a project that retired worn American flags with a new collection box unveiled at 3 p.m. on Nov.

10 at the Battle Creek Police Department lobby. Community leaders including Mayor Mark Behnke and Commissioner Chris Simmons joined the event as the first flags were donated by the Recreation Department.

AAA projects that more than 2.6 million Michiganders will travel at least 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving between November 25 and December 1 — a new record that signals heavier traffic on major routes like I-94 from Kalamazoo to Detroit.

Car travelers will account for the bulk of the 2.3 million trips, while a rise in air and other travel modes is also expected.

Visitors were allowed to tour Battle Creek’s Southwestern Junior High (before its planned demolition) to take a final look at the school building.

A new license plate honoring Michigan’s women veterans is available—Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said the plate, the 33rd design to honor military service, features an illustration with the words 'Her Service Our Freedom' as a reminder of the 44,000 veteran women who represent 9% of the state’s veteran community.

A $17K donation from the Amanda Fund will help Oaklawn Medical Group patients manage diabetes by covering doctor visits, medication and supplies — the fund honors Amanda Ostrander’s legacy while aiding those burdened by high treatment costs.

On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Battle Creek Battle Jacks held a free youth baseball and softball clinic at the new Battle Jacks Academy facility at 1320 E.

Columbia, where over 100 young players learned from a new coaching staff led by owner Scott Miles. The event is part of a long-term plan to offer year-round group clinics and private lessons + additional programs will be announced after Thanksgiving + a website launch is planned.

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.

Hazard Control Conference

9 a.m.-6 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek — Check Official Website — Engage in workshops and sessions focused on improving safety protocols and risk management in various industries.