Battle Creek, Michigan
Encyclopedia
Battle Creek is a city in the U.S. state
of Michigan
, in northwest Calhoun County
, at the confluence of the Kalamazoo
and Battle Creek River
s. It is the principal city of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which encompasses all of Calhoun county. As of the 2010 census
, the city had a total population of 52,347, while the MSA population was 136,146.
Battle Creek, known as the "Cereal City", is the world headquarters of Kellogg Company
, founded by Will Keith Kellogg
in 1906, whose brother, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg
, invented cold breakfast cereal as an alternative to the traditional meat-based breakfast. It is also the home of Post Cereals
, which was part of General Foods Corporation at one time, then Kraft Foods
, and is now part of Ralcorp
.
Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, director of the Battle Creek Sanitarium
, was featured in the T.C. Boyle novel The Road to Wellville
and the movie
of the same name. The Battle Creek Sanitarium, which is now the Battle Creek Federal Center building, is still one of the tallest buildings in Battle Creek. This building is a historical marker to the city and the state of Michigan.
In 1982, voters approved merging Battle Creek Township with the city of Battle Creek, under pressure from Kellogg Company
, which threatened to move its headquarters away from Battle Creek if the city and township did not merge.
Battle Creek is currently the third-largest city in Michigan by area, after Detroit and Grand Rapids
.
. The river was formerly known by the Native American name of Waupakisco, to which some attribute a folk etymology for the name. By this account, the name Waupakisco or Waupokisco was a reference to an earlier battle fought between Native American tribes before the arrival of white settlers. However, Virgil J. Vogel establishes that this native term had "nothing to do with blood or battle".
The first permanent settlements in Battle Creek Township began to be made about 1831, with most choosing to locate on the Goguac prairie, which was fertile and easily cultivated. A post office was opened in Battle Creek in 1832 under Postmaster Pollodore Hudson. The first school was taught in a small log house about 1833 or 1834. Asa Langley built the first sawmill
in 1837. A brick manufacturing plant, called the oldest enterprise in the township, was established in 1840 by Simon Carr, and operated until 1903. The township was established by act of the legislature in 1839.
In 2011 the Battle Creek Enquirer relocated to the city's Commerce Pointe.
WNWN-FM and WKFR are typically the top-rated radio stations in the market. The area can also receive radio and TV broadcasts from Grand Rapids
, Kalamazoo
, Lansing
and other nearby cities.
The Music Center offers many musical opportunities, including the Battle Creek Girls Chorus, the Battle Creek Boychoir, Ars Voce, the Battle Creek Community Chorus, the Sojourner Truth Choir, as well as private lessons and classes for all ages through the Community Music School, which also has locations in Marshall and Hastings.
The Battle Creek Girls Chorus is directed by Meredith Bowen. It is made up of young women between the ages of seven and eighteen. These young women are placed into one of three ensembles, based on an audition. They tour all over the United States and abroad, including places like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, and Paris.
The Battle Creek Boychoir is directed by Megan Boyd. Boys between the ages of seven and fourteen can join the Boychoir by audition. They will be placed in one of two ensembles. They travel around the United States and abroad, as well.
Ars Voce, meaning “Vocal Art”, is made up of twelve vocalists who perform a capella music from many different genres and is directed by Dr. Mark Wells.
Battle Creek Community Chorus is directed by Meredith Bowen. It is an adult choir for people who enjoy singing and music making.
Sojourner Truth Choir is a gospel choir, directed by Pauline Norris. The choir is made up of school aged children, seven and up.
Battle Creek is the home to The Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, whose home is at the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium in downtown Battle Creek. The symphony is currently conducted by Anne Harrigan, and is Michigan's longest-running symphony orchestra.
The Brass Band of Battle Creek is composed of 31 brass players and percussionists from around the United States and Europe. “Created in 1989 by brothers Jim and Bill Gray, podiatrists and amateur brass players from Battle Creek, MI, the BBBC has grown to cult status in Battle Creek, where BBBC concerts are regularly sold out and waiting lists are created weeks in advance.”
Leilapalooza - The Leila Arboretum Music Festival is a free summer music festival held at the Leila Arboretum. Proceeds benefit the Leila Arboretum Society and Kingman Museum. This festival has close ties to the BCMAMS Battle Creek Metropolitan Area Mustache Society.
In August, 2010, Battle Creek was host to the eighth edition of the International H.K.D Games
.
The Battle Creek Knights
are a minor league basketball team. They were a charter member of the International Basketball League
(IBL) and went 21-0 during the league's first season in 2005, winning the championship. The team's home is Kellogg Arena
. After announcing in July 2009 that they would sit out the 2009 season, in October the team announced that they would return to play in the International Basketball League.
The Battle Creek Bombers
are a collegiate baseball team, a member of the Northwoods League
, who began play in 2007. The team's home is C.O. Brown Stadium.
The Battle Creek Revolution
are a member of the All American Hockey League and began play in 2008. The team's home is Revolution Arena.
The Battle Creek Blaze is a not-for-profit, semi-professional football team that plays traditional American football and is a member of the GLFL (Great Lakes Football League) and a former member of the USFA (United States Football Alliance)and IFL (Interstate Football League). The Battle Creek Blaze is a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation with Public Charity Status 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), as well as a 501(c)(3) Federal tax-exempt organization that raises funds and community awareness in the fight against cancer. They are in their fourth year of operation, and won the IFL North Division Championship in 2010.
The Battle Creek Cereal Killers roller derby team began in 2011.
/Battle Creek Yankees
/Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
were a Class A minor league baseball
team that played in the Midwest League
from 1995 through 2006. The team's home was C.O. Brown Stadium.
The Battle Creek Crunch
, were a member of the Great Lakes Indoor Football League
(GLIFL), that began play in 2006. They played only one season in Battle Creek before ceasing operations due to financial trouble. The team's home was Kellogg Arena
.
of 2000, there were 53,364 people, 21,348 households, and 13,363 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,246.0 per square mile (481.1/km²). There were 23,525 housing units at an average density of 549.3 per square mile (212.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 74.65% White, 17.80% black or African American, 1.94% Asian, 0.77% Native American, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.11% from other races
, and 2.72% from two or more races. 4.64% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 21,348 households out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples
living together, 16.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the city the population was spread out with 27.2% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.
In 1982, at the insistence of the Kellogg Company, the city annexed Battle Creek Township, nearly doubling the city's population. Kellogg's even went so far as to threaten moving their headquarters if the annexation failed to occur. http://multinationalmonitor.org/hyper/issues/1982/11/audette.html
The median income for a household in the city was $35,491, and the median income for a family was $43,564. Males had a median income of $36,838 versus $26,429 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $18,424. About 10.7% of families and 14.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.
The City Commission makes all policy decisions, including review, revision and final approval of the annual budget, which is proposed annually by the City Manager. The City Manager serves as an "at-will" employee and he works under an employment contract with the commission. All other city employees, with the exception of the City Attorney’s staff, are under the supervision of the City Manager.
There are five ward commissioners. Residents cast votes for a ward representative, who must live within the area they are representing, as well as for four at-large commissioners. These candidates may live anywhere in the city. All commissioners serve two-year terms and all terms begin and end at the same election. The next commission election will be fall of 2011.
Each November, the commission holds a special meeting to decide which commissioners serve as Mayor and Vice Mayor for the next year. The Mayor presides over the commission meetings and appoints commissioners and residents to special committees. He may also form special committees to explore community challenges or potential policies. The Vice Mayor stands in if the Mayor is unavailable.
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, as it was then known, would over the next decades serve as a training ground from World War I until the present. Parts of the base were spun off to become the Battle Creek Veteran's Hospital, Fort Custer National Cemetery
, Fort Custer Recreation Area
and Fort Custer Industrial Park. This industrial Park contains more than 90 different companies.
The United States Government still owns the land, but it is now administered and managed by the state of Michigan. The base, which is still mostly undeveloped, wooded land takes up a sizable portion of Battle Creek's land area. The part of the base in Battle Creek that is now the industrial park measures 4.69 square miles (12.15 km²) in area, which is approximately 10.6% of the city's area. A much larger part of the base lies in Kalamazoo County
. The adjoining W.K. Kellogg Airport is a joint civilian-Air National Guard facility.
midway between Detroit and Chicago.
Battle Creek Visitor & Convention Bureau
Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport
serves Battle Creek. Locally, W. K. Kellogg Regional Airport serves the general aviation needs of the community. The airport is also home to Western Michigan University
's College of Aviation, Duncan Aviation, WACO Classic Aircraft Corp. the world's only bi-plane manufacturer, and formerly, the Michigan Air National Guard
's 110th Fighter Wing which flies the A-10
and O/A-10 aircraft.
Takasaki
, Japan
Battle Creek's official Sister City is Takasaki, Japan, a relationship that is more than 25 years old. Takasaki later established Sister City relationships with Santo Andre, Brazil; Chengde, China; Pilsen, Czech Republic and, in 2006, Muntinlupa City
, the Philippines. These cities take turns hosting an environmental conference each year to allow technical and administrative staff to share ideas and projects for addressing environmental concerns.
Battle Creek and Takasaki also organize junior high and high school student and teacher exchanges each summer.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, in northwest Calhoun County
Calhoun County, Michigan
-Interstates:* I-69* I-94* I-194* I-94 Business Loop serves the city of Albion.* I-94 Business Loop serves the city of Battle Creek.* I-94 Business Loop serves the city of Marshall.-Michigan State Trunklines:* M-37* M-60* M-66* M-78* M-89* M-96* M-99...
, at the confluence of the Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo River
The Kalamazoo River is a river in the U.S. state of Michigan. The river is long from the junction of its North and South branches to its mouth at Lake Michigan, with a total length extending to when one includes the South Branch...
and Battle Creek River
Battle Creek River
The Battle Creek River is a river in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a tributary of the Kalamazoo River, joining it at Battle Creek, Michigan....
s. It is the principal city of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which encompasses all of Calhoun county. As of the 2010 census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
, the city had a total population of 52,347, while the MSA population was 136,146.
Battle Creek, known as the "Cereal City", is the world headquarters of Kellogg Company
Kellogg Company
Kellogg Company , is a producer of cereal and convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, fruit-flavored snacks, frozen waffles, and vegetarian foods...
, founded by Will Keith Kellogg
Will Keith Kellogg
Will Keith Kellogg, generally referred to as W.K. Kellogg was an American industrialist in food manufacturing, best known as the founder of the Kellogg Company, which to this day produces a wide variety of popular breakfast cereals...
in 1906, whose brother, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg
John Harvey Kellogg
John Harvey Kellogg was an American medical doctor in Battle Creek, Michigan, who ran a sanitarium using holistic methods, with a particular focus on nutrition, enemas and exercise. Kellogg was an advocate of vegetarianism and is best known for the invention of the corn flakes breakfast cereal...
, invented cold breakfast cereal as an alternative to the traditional meat-based breakfast. It is also the home of Post Cereals
Post Cereals
Post Foods, LLC, also known as Post Cereals is a food company that was founded by C.W. Post in 1895 with the first Postum, a "cereal beverage," developed by Post in Battle Creek, Michigan. The first cereal, Grape-Nuts, was developed in 1897. Post has its headquarters in the Bank of America Plaza...
, which was part of General Foods Corporation at one time, then Kraft Foods
Kraft Foods
Kraft Foods Inc. is an American confectionery, food and beverage conglomerate. It markets many brands in more than 170 countries. 12 of its brands annually earn more than $1 billion worldwide: Cadbury, Jacobs, Kraft, LU, Maxwell House, Milka, Nabisco, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Trident, Tang...
, and is now part of Ralcorp
Ralcorp
Ralcorp Holdings is a manufacturer of various food products, including breakfast cereal, cookies, crackers, chocolate, snack foods, mayonnaise, pasta and peanut butter. The company is based in St. Louis, Missouri. The majority of the items Ralcorp makes are private label, store brand products. It...
.
Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, director of the Battle Creek Sanitarium
Battle Creek Sanitarium
The Battle Creek Sanitarium, in Battle Creek, Michigan, United States, first opened on September 5, 1866, as the Western Health Reform Institute, based on the health principles advocated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 1876, John Harvey Kellogg became the superintendent, and his brother, W....
, was featured in the T.C. Boyle novel The Road to Wellville
The Road to Wellville
The Road to Wellville is a 1993 novel by American author T. Coraghessan Boyle. Set in Battle Creek, Michigan during the early days of breakfast cereals, the story includes a historical fictionalization of John Harvey Kellogg, the inventor of corn flakes....
and the movie
The Road to Wellville (film)
The Road to Wellville is a 1994 American comedy-drama film adaptation of T. Coraghessan Boyle's novel of the same name, which tells the story of the doctor and clean-living advocate John Harvey Kellogg and his methods as employed at the Battle Creek Sanitarium at the start of the 20th Century...
of the same name. The Battle Creek Sanitarium, which is now the Battle Creek Federal Center building, is still one of the tallest buildings in Battle Creek. This building is a historical marker to the city and the state of Michigan.
In 1982, voters approved merging Battle Creek Township with the city of Battle Creek, under pressure from Kellogg Company
Kellogg Company
Kellogg Company , is a producer of cereal and convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, fruit-flavored snacks, frozen waffles, and vegetarian foods...
, which threatened to move its headquarters away from Battle Creek if the city and township did not merge.
Battle Creek is currently the third-largest city in Michigan by area, after Detroit and Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
.
History and name origin
The name "Battle Creek" had its origin in a skirmish between a government land survey party led by Colonel John Mullett and two Indians. According to various accounts, while Mullett and his group were surveying an area several miles from the present city in the winter of 1823-1824, the work of the survey party was interrupted by Native Americans. Two members of the party, who remained at the camp, were attacked by two Indians, reportedly attempting to steal the party's provisions. During the fight, shots were fired from a rifle, and the two white men subdued the Indians, inflicting a serious injury to one of them. The survey party promptly left the area and did not return until June 1824, after Governor Cass had settled the issue with the Indians. Due to this incident, the nearby stream was called the Battle Creek RiverBattle Creek River
The Battle Creek River is a river in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a tributary of the Kalamazoo River, joining it at Battle Creek, Michigan....
. The river was formerly known by the Native American name of Waupakisco, to which some attribute a folk etymology for the name. By this account, the name Waupakisco or Waupokisco was a reference to an earlier battle fought between Native American tribes before the arrival of white settlers. However, Virgil J. Vogel establishes that this native term had "nothing to do with blood or battle".
The first permanent settlements in Battle Creek Township began to be made about 1831, with most choosing to locate on the Goguac prairie, which was fertile and easily cultivated. A post office was opened in Battle Creek in 1832 under Postmaster Pollodore Hudson. The first school was taught in a small log house about 1833 or 1834. Asa Langley built the first sawmill
Sawmill
A sawmill is a facility where logs are cut into boards.-Sawmill process:A sawmill's basic operation is much like those of hundreds of years ago; a log enters on one end and dimensional lumber exits on the other end....
in 1837. A brick manufacturing plant, called the oldest enterprise in the township, was established in 1840 by Simon Carr, and operated until 1903. The township was established by act of the legislature in 1839.
Geography
- According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census BureauThe United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 43.7 square miles (113.1 km²), of which 42.8 square miles (110.9 km²) is land and 0.8 square mile (2.2 km²) (1.92%) is water, making Battle Creek the third largest city in Michigan by area, and one of only three incorporatedMunicipal corporationA municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including cities, counties, towns, townships, charter townships, villages, and boroughs. Municipal incorporation occurs when such municipalities become self-governing entities under the laws of the state or province in which...
municipalities in the state over 40 sq mi (103.6 km²) in size. - Approximately 60% of the city's land is developed. Of the remaining 40% of undeveloped land, 38% is zoned agricultural, 26% is zoned general industrial, 17.5% is zoned residential, 16% is the Fort Custer Army National Guard Base/Industrial Park, and 2.5% is zone commercial.
- After Battle Creek Township merged into the city of Battle Creek in 1983, the city's declining population rose by nearly 18,000 new residents, but the city continues to decline in population.
- Battle Creek is variously considered to be part of West Michigan or Southern MichiganSouthern MichiganSouthern Michigan is a loosely defined geographic area of the Lower Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. Southern Michigan may be referred to as a sub-region or component area to the larger geographic regions of Central Michigan, West Michigan, and Southeast Michigan.Southern Michigan is a...
.
Climate
Other municipalities in the Battle Creek area
- Bedford Charter TownshipBedford Charter Township, MichiganBedford Charter Township is a charter township located in the northwest corner of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the township population was 9,517. Most of the township lies north of the...
- Emmett Charter TownshipEmmett Charter Township, MichiganEmmett Charter Township is a charter township of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- Pennfield Charter TownshipPennfield Charter Township, MichiganPennfield Charter Township is a charter township of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- City of SpringfieldSpringfield, MichiganSpringfield is a city in Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 5,189...
Print media
- The local daily newspaper and newspaper of recordNewspaper of recordNewspaper of record is a term that may refer either to any publicly available newspaper that has been authorized by a government to publish public or legal notices , or any major newspaper that has a large circulation and whose editorial and news-gathering functions are considered professional and...
is the Battle Creek Enquirer, owned and operated by Gannett CompanyGannett CompanyGannett Company, Inc. is a publicly-traded media holding company headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia, United States, near McLean. It is the largest U.S. newspaper publisher as measured by total daily circulation. Its assets include the national newspaper USA Today and the weekly USA Weekend...
. - The Battle Creek Shopper News is a weekly publication that provides classified ads as well as community news.
- Scene Magazine is a monthly publication that provides community information.
- Senior Times is a monthly publication providing community information for seniors.
In 2011 the Battle Creek Enquirer relocated to the city's Commerce Pointe.
Radio and television
Battle Creek is served by several radio and television stations, including:- WBCK (930 AM), the city's heritage radio station, now playing country musicCountry musicCountry music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
- WBCK-FMWBCK-FMWBCK-FM is a radio station in Battle Creek, Michigan, United States, owned by Cumulus Broadcasting. It broadcasts in the FM radio band at 95.3 kHz and has a news/talk format.-History:...
(95.3 FM), a news/talk outlet - WBXXWBXX (FM)WBXX is a radio station in Battle Creek, Michigan that broadcasts at 104.9 MHz. WBXX broadcasts an adult contemporary format and is now known as "Mix 104-9" after dropping its "Battle Creek's favorite at-work listening station" slogan sometime in December 2007....
(104.9 FM), "Mix 104-9", playing adult contemporary music - WBFNWBFNWBFN is a radio station in Battle Creek, Michigan, that broadcasts an adult contemporary Christian music and religious teaching format at 1400 kHz....
(1400 AM), featuring Christian programming and simulcasting WUFNWUFNWUFN is an FM station in Albion, Michigan on 96.7 MHz and WUNN is an AM station on 1110 kHz in Mason, Michigan. Both are non-commercial, Christian stations owned by Family Life Radio....
-FM in nearby AlbionAlbion, MichiganAlbion is a city in Calhoun County in the south central region of the Lower Peninsula of the US state of Michigan. The population was 9,144 at the 2000 census and is part of the Battle Creek Metropolitan Statistical Area... - WNWN-FMWNWN-FMWNWN-FM is a radio station broadcasting a country music format. Licensed to Coldwater, Michigan with studios in Battle Creek, it first began broadcasting in 1950 under the WTVB-FM call sign at 98.3 on the FM dial and spent most of its early existence as a simulcast of sister station WTVB before...
(98.5 FM), playing country music, licensed to nearby ColdwaterColdwater, MichiganColdwater is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 10,945. It is the county seat of Branch County....
and based in Battle Creek - WFPM-LPWFPM-LPWFPM-LP is a low power radio station broadcasting an urban gospel format. Licensed to Battle Creek, Michigan, it first began broadcasting in 2002. WFPM also broadcasts on translators at 103.7 FM in Jackson and 99.9 FM in Albion....
(99.5 FM), a low power station featuring black gospel programming - WKFR (103.3 FM), a top 40 music station licensed to Battle Creek with studios in Kalamazoo
- WWMTWWMTWWMT is the CBS-affiliated television station for West Michigan licensed to Kalamazoo. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on VHF channel 8 from a transmitter on Chief Noonday Road/M-179, northwest of Yankee Springs Township, along the Barry and Allegan County line. The station can also...
A CBS affiliate serving, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and southwestern Michigan. Comcast Channel: 3 Virtual Channel 3.1 (HD 1080i) - WOTVWOTVWOTV is the ABC-affiliated television station for Southwestern Michigan that is licensed to Battle Creek. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 20 from a transmitter in Orangeville Township. The station can also be seen on Charter and Comcast channel 4. There is a high...
An ABC affiliate serving Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and southwestern Michigan. Comcast Channel: 4 Virtual Channel 41.1 (HD 1080i) - WZPXWZPXWZPX-TV is a television station affiliated with the Ion Television network . It broadcasts on UHF digital channel 44 in the Grand Rapids and Lansing / Jackson, Michigan markets...
(Channel 43), an ION affiliate serving all of western Michigan - AccessVision Public-access televisionPublic-access televisionPublic-access television is a form of non-commercial mass media where ordinary people can create content television programming which is cablecast through cable TV specialty channels...
on ComcastComcastComcast Corporation is the largest cable operator, home Internet service provider, and fourth largest home telephone service provider in the United States, providing cable television, broadband Internet, and telephone service to both residential and commercial customers in 39 states and the...
Cable TV channel 16 & 17. AccessVision broadcasts to all municipalities within Battle Creek, and Newton Township.
WNWN-FM and WKFR are typically the top-rated radio stations in the market. The area can also receive radio and TV broadcasts from Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
, Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo, Michigan
The area on which the modern city stands was once home to Native Americans of the Hopewell culture, who migrated into the area sometime before the first millennium. Evidence of their early residency remains in the form of a small mound in downtown's Bronson Park. The Hopewell civilization began to...
, Lansing
Lansing, Michigan
Lansing is the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located mostly in Ingham County, although small portions of the city extend into Eaton County. The 2010 Census places the city's population at 114,297, making it the fifth largest city in Michigan...
and other nearby cities.
Festivals
- The World's Longest Breakfast Table
- The Battle Creek Field of Flight Entertainment Festival is an air show and balloon event held yearly in Battle Creek.
- International Festival of Lights
- The Taste of Battle Creek
Music
Battle Creek is home to The Music Center, which serves South Central Michigan.The Music Center offers many musical opportunities, including the Battle Creek Girls Chorus, the Battle Creek Boychoir, Ars Voce, the Battle Creek Community Chorus, the Sojourner Truth Choir, as well as private lessons and classes for all ages through the Community Music School, which also has locations in Marshall and Hastings.
The Battle Creek Girls Chorus is directed by Meredith Bowen. It is made up of young women between the ages of seven and eighteen. These young women are placed into one of three ensembles, based on an audition. They tour all over the United States and abroad, including places like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, and Paris.
The Battle Creek Boychoir is directed by Megan Boyd. Boys between the ages of seven and fourteen can join the Boychoir by audition. They will be placed in one of two ensembles. They travel around the United States and abroad, as well.
Ars Voce, meaning “Vocal Art”, is made up of twelve vocalists who perform a capella music from many different genres and is directed by Dr. Mark Wells.
Battle Creek Community Chorus is directed by Meredith Bowen. It is an adult choir for people who enjoy singing and music making.
Sojourner Truth Choir is a gospel choir, directed by Pauline Norris. The choir is made up of school aged children, seven and up.
Battle Creek is the home to The Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, whose home is at the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium in downtown Battle Creek. The symphony is currently conducted by Anne Harrigan, and is Michigan's longest-running symphony orchestra.
The Brass Band of Battle Creek is composed of 31 brass players and percussionists from around the United States and Europe. “Created in 1989 by brothers Jim and Bill Gray, podiatrists and amateur brass players from Battle Creek, MI, the BBBC has grown to cult status in Battle Creek, where BBBC concerts are regularly sold out and waiting lists are created weeks in advance.”
Leilapalooza - The Leila Arboretum Music Festival is a free summer music festival held at the Leila Arboretum. Proceeds benefit the Leila Arboretum Society and Kingman Museum. This festival has close ties to the BCMAMS Battle Creek Metropolitan Area Mustache Society.
Sports
Each year, Battle Creek hosts the Sandy Koufax 13S World Series, for 13-year-old baseball players.In August, 2010, Battle Creek was host to the eighth edition of the International H.K.D Games
International H.K.D Games
The International H.K.D Games are an event organized by the International H.K.D Federation in South Korea to promote the martial arts of hapkido, hankido and hankumdo. The name of the event has been changed a few times since the first edition in 1990. Internationally the event is however known as...
.
Sports teams
Battle Creek Knights
The Battle Creek Knights are a team in the Independent Basketball Association located in Battle Creek, Michigan. They previously played in the Premier Basketball League and in the International Basketball League.-2005 season:...
are a minor league basketball team. They were a charter member of the International Basketball League
International Basketball League
The International Basketball League was a short lived professional basketball league in the United States. The IBL was headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. The league started in 1999 and ended in 2001.-History:...
(IBL) and went 21-0 during the league's first season in 2005, winning the championship. The team's home is Kellogg Arena
Kellogg Arena
The Kellogg Arena is an 9,800-seat multi-purpose arena in Battle Creek, Michigan, USA. It was built in 1980. It seats 4,675, for basketball games, 4,859, for ice shows, 4,433, for the circus, 1,500, for theatrical shows and concerts, 6,200 for end-stage concerts and 6,500 for center-stage...
. After announcing in July 2009 that they would sit out the 2009 season, in October the team announced that they would return to play in the International Basketball League.
The Battle Creek Bombers
Battle Creek Bombers
The Battle Creek Bombers are a baseball team that plays in the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league. All players on the team must have NCAA eligibility remaining in order to participate. Their home games are played at the C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek, Michigan...
are a collegiate baseball team, a member of the Northwoods League
Northwoods League
The Northwoods League is a collegiate summer baseball league comprising teams of the top college players from North America and beyond. All players in the league must have NCAA eligibility remaining in order to participate...
, who began play in 2007. The team's home is C.O. Brown Stadium.
The Battle Creek Revolution
Battle Creek Revolution
The Battle Creek Revolution are a professional ice hockey team which plays in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at Revolution Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.-2010-2011 Roster:-Regular season:-External links:***...
are a member of the All American Hockey League and began play in 2008. The team's home is Revolution Arena.
The Battle Creek Blaze is a not-for-profit, semi-professional football team that plays traditional American football and is a member of the GLFL (Great Lakes Football League) and a former member of the USFA (United States Football Alliance)and IFL (Interstate Football League). The Battle Creek Blaze is a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation with Public Charity Status 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), as well as a 501(c)(3) Federal tax-exempt organization that raises funds and community awareness in the fight against cancer. They are in their fourth year of operation, and won the IFL North Division Championship in 2010.
The Battle Creek Cereal Killers roller derby team began in 2011.
Former sports teams
The Michigan Battle CatsMichigan Battle Cats
The Michigan Battle Cats was a minor league baseball team which began playing in the Midwest League in 1995 and called C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek, Michigan home. The franchise had previously been located in Madison, Wisconsin in 1994 where they were called the Madison Hatters. Prior to that...
/Battle Creek Yankees
Battle Creek Yankees
The Michigan Battle Cats of the Midwest League became the Battle Creek Yankees for the 2003 season. In 2005, their affiliation with the New York Yankees ended. They became an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays known as the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays. The team played their home games in C.O...
/Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
The Southwest Michigan Devil Rays were an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the Midwest League in 2005 and 2006. The club began play in 1995 and was previously known as the Michigan Battle Cats and the Battle Creek Yankees. They played their home games at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle...
were a Class A minor league baseball
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
team that played in the Midwest League
Midwest League
The Midwest League is a Class-A minor league baseball league which operates in the Midwestern United States.-History:Six teams – the Belleville Stags, the Centralia Cubs, the Marion Indians, the Mattoon Indians or East Frankfort White Sox, the Mount Vernon Braves, and the West Frankfort...
from 1995 through 2006. The team's home was C.O. Brown Stadium.
The Battle Creek Crunch
Battle Creek Crunch
The Battle Creek Crunch was a charter member of the Continental Indoor Football League . They played their home games at the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan. The team name refers to Battle Creek's position as the corporate headquarters of the Kellogg's cereal company...
, were a member of the Great Lakes Indoor Football League
Great Lakes Indoor Football League
The Continental Indoor Football League is an indoor football league based along the Midwestern United States region. It began play in April 2006 as the Great Lakes Indoor Football League...
(GLIFL), that began play in 2006. They played only one season in Battle Creek before ceasing operations due to financial trouble. The team's home was Kellogg Arena
Kellogg Arena
The Kellogg Arena is an 9,800-seat multi-purpose arena in Battle Creek, Michigan, USA. It was built in 1980. It seats 4,675, for basketball games, 4,859, for ice shows, 4,433, for the circus, 1,500, for theatrical shows and concerts, 6,200 for end-stage concerts and 6,500 for center-stage...
.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 53,364 people, 21,348 households, and 13,363 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,246.0 per square mile (481.1/km²). There were 23,525 housing units at an average density of 549.3 per square mile (212.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 74.65% White, 17.80% black or African American, 1.94% Asian, 0.77% Native American, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.11% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.72% from two or more races. 4.64% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 21,348 households out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 16.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the city the population was spread out with 27.2% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.
In 1982, at the insistence of the Kellogg Company, the city annexed Battle Creek Township, nearly doubling the city's population. Kellogg's even went so far as to threaten moving their headquarters if the annexation failed to occur. http://multinationalmonitor.org/hyper/issues/1982/11/audette.html
The median income for a household in the city was $35,491, and the median income for a family was $43,564. Males had a median income of $36,838 versus $26,429 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $18,424. About 10.7% of families and 14.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.
Government
The City of Battle Creek has a commission/manager form of government. Cities that follow this plan of government have an elected commission (or council) that appoints a professionally trained and experienced manager to administer the day-to-day operations of the city and to make recommendations to the city commission. Battle Creek also appoints a City Attorney, who provides legal counsel to the City Manager and City Commission.The City Commission makes all policy decisions, including review, revision and final approval of the annual budget, which is proposed annually by the City Manager. The City Manager serves as an "at-will" employee and he works under an employment contract with the commission. All other city employees, with the exception of the City Attorney’s staff, are under the supervision of the City Manager.
There are five ward commissioners. Residents cast votes for a ward representative, who must live within the area they are representing, as well as for four at-large commissioners. These candidates may live anywhere in the city. All commissioners serve two-year terms and all terms begin and end at the same election. The next commission election will be fall of 2011.
Each November, the commission holds a special meeting to decide which commissioners serve as Mayor and Vice Mayor for the next year. The Mayor presides over the commission meetings and appoints commissioners and residents to special committees. He may also form special committees to explore community challenges or potential policies. The Vice Mayor stands in if the Mayor is unavailable.
Largest Employers
According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the largest employers in the city are:| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kellogg Kellogg Company Kellogg Company , is a producer of cereal and convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, fruit-flavored snacks, frozen waffles, and vegetarian foods... |
2,000 |
| 2 | Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center | 1,991 |
| 3 | Denso DENSO is a global automotive components manufacturer headquartered in the city of Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Established December 16, 1949 as , in 1996 the company became DENSO Corporation worldwide... |
1,700 |
| 4 | Battle Creek Health System Trinity Health (Novi, Michigan) Trinity Health is a national Catholic health network of 44 acute-care hospitals, 379 outpatient centers, 26 long-term care facilities, and numerous hospice programs and senior living communities in Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Idaho and California... |
1,500 |
| 5 | Battle Creek VA Medical Center Veterans Health Administration The Veterans Health Administration is the component of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs led by the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health that implements the medical assistance program of the VA through the administration and operation of numerous VA outpatient clinics,... |
1,150 |
| 6 | Battle Creek Public Schools | 1,089 |
| 7 | Michigan Air National Guard Michigan Air National Guard The Michigan Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is, along with the Michigan Army National Guard, an element of the Michigan National Guard... |
950 |
| 8 | Kellogg Community College Kellogg Community College Kellogg Community College , is a public college, which was founded in 1956, is a two-year institution of higher learning which provides academic, occupational, general, and lifelong learning opportunities on campus in Battle Creek, Michigan, as well as at off-campus sites and online. The college... |
900 |
| 9 | Felpausch Felpausch Felpausch is a grocery store chain based in Hastings, Michigan, United States. The first store opened in Hastings in 1933, and the chain has since expanded to nineteen stores; eighteen are located in the southwestern and south-central Lower Peninsula, while one is located in Kimball , just... |
700 |
| 9 | ASMO Manufacturing DENSO is a global automotive components manufacturer headquartered in the city of Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Established December 16, 1949 as , in 1996 the company became DENSO Corporation worldwide... |
700 |
| 11 | I I Stanley | 690 |
Colleges and universities
- Kellogg Community CollegeKellogg Community CollegeKellogg Community College , is a public college, which was founded in 1956, is a two-year institution of higher learning which provides academic, occupational, general, and lifelong learning opportunities on campus in Battle Creek, Michigan, as well as at off-campus sites and online. The college...
, a 2-year college founded in 1956. - Robert B. Miller CollegeRobert B. Miller CollegeThe Robert B. Miller College is a four year college located in Battle Creek, Michigan, United States of America.-Description:The college currently offers Bachelor's degree programs in Business, Nursing, Education and Arts & Sciences.-External links:*...
, a 4-year institution which shares KCC's facilities - Western Michigan University'sWestern Michigan UniversityWestern Michigan University is a public university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo, and as of the Fall 2010 semester, its enrollment is 25,045....
Battle Creek Branch - The Kendall Center - Western Michigan University'sWestern Michigan UniversityWestern Michigan University is a public university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo, and as of the Fall 2010 semester, its enrollment is 25,045....
College of Aviation, located at W.K. Kellogg Airport - Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor University is a Christian institution of higher education located in Spring Arbor, Michigan, in the United States. SAU is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church...
Battle Creek Branch - Davenport UniversityDavenport UniversityDavenport University is a private, non-profit, multi-location university located at 14 campuses throughout Michigan and online. It was founded in 1866 by Conrad Swensburg and currently offers Master's Degrees, Bachelor's Degrees, Associate's Degrees, diplomas, and post-grad certification programs...
Battle Creek Campus
Public school districts
- http://www.battlecreekpublicschools.org/ Battle Creek Public Schools
- Harper Creek Schools
- Lakeview School District
- Pennfield Schools
High schools (public)
- Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center
- Battle Creek Central High School
- Harper Creek High SchoolHarper Creek High SchoolHarper Creek High School is a high school in the Harper Creek School District located just outside the city of Battle Creek, Michigan. In 2005, Harper Creek opened a new state-of-the-art high school...
- Battle Creek Area Learning Center, better known as Calhoun Community High School
- Lakeview High School including Lakeview High School Library, an American Library Association award recipient in 2008.
- Michigan Youth Challenge Academy
- Pennfield Senior High SchoolPennfield Senior High SchoolPennfield High School is the high school of the Pennfield School District which serves Pennfield Township just north of Battle Creek in Calhoun County, Michigan.Scores on the state and national ACT exam are above average for the students of this school...
- Bearcat Alternative Center
High schools (private)
- Battle Creek Academy
- Bedford Bible Church School
- Calhoun Christian School
- St. Philip Catholic Central High SchoolSt. Philip Catholic Central High SchoolSt. Philip Catholic Central High School, located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo is a Roman Catholic high school in Battle Creek, Michigan. Enrollment is around 138.-The Curriculum:...
Secondary schools
- Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center, an accelerated secondary school that focuses primarily on math and science education.
- Calhoun Area Career Center, provides career and technical education to primarily 11th and 12th grade students.
Points of interest
- Art Center of Battle Creek
- Bailey Park & C.O. Brown Stadium
- Battle Creek SanitariumBattle Creek SanitariumThe Battle Creek Sanitarium, in Battle Creek, Michigan, United States, first opened on September 5, 1866, as the Western Health Reform Institute, based on the health principles advocated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 1876, John Harvey Kellogg became the superintendent, and his brother, W....
(now the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center) - Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra
- Binder Park ZooBinder Park ZooThe Binder Park Zoo is a zoo that opened in 1977 near Battle Creek, Michigan. Binder Park Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Michigan, and features a large array of animals and plants, including the Wild Africa Exhibit. It includes a train, a tram, and a carousel...
- Firekeepers Casino
- Fort Custer Recreational Area
- Full Blast Outdoor Water Park
- Freemason Building, one of the oldest lodges still active in Michigan.
- Kellogg Biological StationKellogg Biological StationKellogg Biological Station , Michigan State University's largest off-campus education complex, is located in Hickory Corners, Michigan . Many of the facilities there were originally built by Will Keith Kellogg of Kellogg's cereal, after whom the station is named...
and W.K. Kellogg Manor House located in Hickory Corners, Michigan - Kimball House Museum
- Historic Adventist VillageAdventist Heritage MinistryAdventist Heritage Ministry began on May 8, 1981 as Adventist Historic Properties, Inc., by several Adventist laypeople to help preserve Seventh-day Adventist historic sites...
- Kingman Museum and Planetarium
- Lakeview Square Mall
- Leila ArboretumLeila ArboretumThe Leila Arboretum 72 acres is an arboretum and garden located at 928 West Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan. It is open to the public....
- Linear Park
- Music Center of South Central Michigan
- The Rink (Ice Hockey/Ice Skating)
- Willard Beach And Park
- Willard Library
- W.K. Kellogg Regional Airport
Fort Custer Army National Guard Base
Founded in 1917, Camp CusterFort Custer Training Center
Fort Custer Training Center, often known simply as Fort Custer, is a federally-owned and state-operated Michigan Army National Guard training facility, but is also used by other branches of the armed forces and armed forces from Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio...
, as it was then known, would over the next decades serve as a training ground from World War I until the present. Parts of the base were spun off to become the Battle Creek Veteran's Hospital, Fort Custer National Cemetery
Fort Custer National Cemetery
Fort Custer National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located just outside of the Village of Augusta in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. It encompasses , and as of the end of 2005, had 20,656 interments.- History :...
, Fort Custer Recreation Area
Fort Custer Recreation Area
Fort Custer Recreation Area is a state park located between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Michigan. The area features lakes, the Kalamazoo River, over 25 miles of multi-use trails, second growth oak barrens and dry-mesic southern forests.-History:...
and Fort Custer Industrial Park. This industrial Park contains more than 90 different companies.
The United States Government still owns the land, but it is now administered and managed by the state of Michigan. The base, which is still mostly undeveloped, wooded land takes up a sizable portion of Battle Creek's land area. The part of the base in Battle Creek that is now the industrial park measures 4.69 square miles (12.15 km²) in area, which is approximately 10.6% of the city's area. A much larger part of the base lies in Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo County, Michigan
-Air Service:*The Kalamazoo & Battle Creek Metro Area is served by Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.-Interstates:* I-94* I-94 Business Loop-US highways:* US-131* BUS US 131-Michigan State Trunklines:* M-43* M-89* M-96...
. The adjoining W.K. Kellogg Airport is a joint civilian-Air National Guard facility.
Transportation
Battle Creek is situated on I-94Interstate 94
Interstate 94 is the northernmost east–west Interstate Highway, connecting the Great Lakes and Intermountain regions of the United States. I-94's western terminus is in Billings, Montana at a junction with Interstate 90; its eastern terminus is the U.S...
midway between Detroit and Chicago.
Railroad and Bus Lines
The Battle Creek Amtrak Station serves Amtrak trains on the south end of the station and Greyhound and Indian Trails bus lines on the north side of the station. The station is located downtown at 104 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek, MI 49017.Battle Creek Visitor & Convention Bureau
Public Transportation
The Battle Creek Transit provides public transit services to Battle Creek area residents. Regular route bus service is provided throughout the City of Battle Creek.Interstates
I-94Interstate 94Interstate 94 is the northernmost east–west Interstate Highway, connecting the Great Lakes and Intermountain regions of the United States. I-94's western terminus is in Billings, Montana at a junction with Interstate 90; its eastern terminus is the U.S...
I-94 Business Loop
I-194Interstate 194 (Michigan)Interstate 194 is a three-mile long, north–south freeway between downtown Battle Creek and I-94 in the southern portion of the city. The Michigan Department of Transportation lists its length as long, while the Federal Highway Administration lists it at...
Michigan State Trunklines
M-37M-37 (Michigan highway)M-37 is a north–south state trunkline highway in the US state of Michigan. The southern terminus is near the border between Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties at exit 92 of Interstate 94 southwest of Battle Creek. The northern terminus is at the Mission Point Light on Old Mission Point in Grand...
M-66M-66 (Michigan highway)M-66 is a north–south state trunkline highway on the Lower Peninsula of the US state of Michigan. It runs from the Indiana state line in the south to Charlevoix in the north. M-66 is the only state highway to traverse almost the entire north–south distance of the LP. It starts as a...
M-89M-89 (Michigan highway)M-89 is an east–west state highway in the US state of Michigan. It runs from near Ganges Township to Battle Creek. M-89 passes through Allegan County, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, and Calhoun County. It also briefly crosses the southwest corner of Barry County.-Route description:M-89 begins...
M-96M-96 (Michigan highway)M-96 is a state trunkline highway in the US state of Michigan that runs between Kalamazoo and Marshall. Its termini are both on business loops of Interstate 94 ; the eastern one coincides with an intersection with I-69...
Aviation
Kalamazoo'sKalamazoo, Michigan
The area on which the modern city stands was once home to Native Americans of the Hopewell culture, who migrated into the area sometime before the first millennium. Evidence of their early residency remains in the form of a small mound in downtown's Bronson Park. The Hopewell civilization began to...
Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport
Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is a county-owned public-use airport located three nautical miles southeast of the central business district of Kalamazoo, a city in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, United States. The airport is also near the city of Battle CreekThe airport has an air...
serves Battle Creek. Locally, W. K. Kellogg Regional Airport serves the general aviation needs of the community. The airport is also home to Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University is a public university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo, and as of the Fall 2010 semester, its enrollment is 25,045....
's College of Aviation, Duncan Aviation, WACO Classic Aircraft Corp. the world's only bi-plane manufacturer, and formerly, the Michigan Air National Guard
Air National Guard
The Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
's 110th Fighter Wing which flies the A-10
A-10 Thunderbolt II
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is an American single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic in the early 1970s. The A-10 was designed for a United States Air Force requirement to provide close air support for ground forces by attacking tanks,...
and O/A-10 aircraft.
Environment
- Kalamazoo Watershed 04050003 The Kalamazoo RiverKalamazoo RiverThe Kalamazoo River is a river in the U.S. state of Michigan. The river is long from the junction of its North and South branches to its mouth at Lake Michigan, with a total length extending to when one includes the South Branch...
runs through Battle Creek. - Battle Creek River Watershed The Battle Creek River merges with the Kalamazoo River close to downtown.
- Tree City USATree City USATree City USA is a tree planting and tree care program sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation for cities and towns in the United States.- Requirements :...
Community - Storm Ready Community
2011 Storm
On May 29, 2011 a major supercell thunderstorm brought damage to over 1,100 stuctures and toppled hundreds of trees in the city and surrounding area. The winds of the storm were estimated by the National Weather Service to be between 75 and 100 miler per hour straight line winds. No serious injuries were reported due to the storm. Over 28,000 energy customers lost power, many of these for several days. Cleanup of the storm was estimated by the city to take up until July 1, 2011 at a cost in excess of $750,000.Notable persons
- People from Battle Creek, Michigan
Sister cities
Battle Creek has sister cities relationships with the following cities: Santo André, BrazilBrazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
Takasaki
Takasaki, Gunma
is a city located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.The city was founded on April 1, 1900.Takasaki is a regional transportation hub because its train station is the junction of several rail lines as well as a Shinkansen stop....
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
Battle Creek's official Sister City is Takasaki, Japan, a relationship that is more than 25 years old. Takasaki later established Sister City relationships with Santo Andre, Brazil; Chengde, China; Pilsen, Czech Republic and, in 2006, Muntinlupa City
Muntinlupa City
The City of Muntinlupa is the southernmost city in Philippine National Capital Region. It is bordered on the north by Taguig City; to the northwest by Parañaque City; by Las Piñas City to the west; to the southwest by the city of Bacoor, Cavite; by the city of San Pedro, Laguna; and by Laguna de...
, the Philippines. These cities take turns hosting an environmental conference each year to allow technical and administrative staff to share ideas and projects for addressing environmental concerns.
Battle Creek and Takasaki also organize junior high and high school student and teacher exchanges each summer.