Battle Creek, Michigan

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 Rivers. 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.

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 River. 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.

Geography and climate

 * According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 43.7 square miles (113.1 km²), of which, 42.8 square miles (110.9 km²) of it is land and 0.8 square miles (2.2 km²) of it (1.92%) is water, making Battle Creek the third largest city in Michigan by area, and one of only three incorporated municipalities in the state over 40 sqmi in size.
 * Appoximately 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 Michigan.

Other municipalities in the Battle Creek area

 * Bedford Charter Township
 * Emmett Charter Township
 * Pennfield Charter Township
 * City of Springfield

Print media
In 2011 the Battle Creek Enquirer relocated to the city's commerence point.
 * The local daily newspaper and newspaper of record is the Battle Creek Enquirer, owned and operated by Gannett Company.
 * 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.

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 music
 * WBCK-FM (95.3 FM), a news/talk outlet
 * WBXX (104.9 FM), "Mix 104-9", playing adult contemporary music
 * WBFN (1400 AM), featuring Christian programming and simulcasting WUFN-FM in nearby Albion
 * WNWN-FM (98.5 FM), playing country music, licensed to nearby Coldwater and based in Battle Creek
 * WFPM-LP (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
 * WWMT A CBS affiliate serving, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and southwestern Michigan.  Comcast Channel: 3  Virtual Channel 3.1 (HD 1080i)
 * WOTV An ABC affiliate serving Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and southwestern Michigan.  Comcast Channel: 4  Virtual Channel 41.1 (HD 1080i)
 * WZPX (Channel 43), an ION affiliate serving all of western Michigan
 * AccessVision Public-access television on Comcast 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, Kalamazoo, Lansing 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 houses one of the branches of 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, private lessons, and classes for all ages. 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.

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.

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.”

Sports
In August, 2010, Battle Creek was host to the eighth edition of the International H.K.D Games.

Sports teams


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.

Former sports teams
The Michigan Battle Cats/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.

Demographics
As of the census 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. 

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.

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:

Colleges and universities

 * Kellogg Community College, a 2-year college founded in 1956.
 * Robert B. Miller College, a 4-year institution which shares KCC's facilities
 * Western Michigan University's Battle Creek Branch - The Kendall Center
 * Western Michigan University's College of Aviation, located at W.K. Kellogg Airport
 * Spring Arbor University Battle Creek Branch
 * Davenport University Battle Creek Campus

Public school districts

 * 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 School
 * Battle Creek Area Learning Center, better known as Calhoun Community High School
 * Lakeview High School
 * Michigan Youth Challenge Academy
 * Operation Graduation
 * Pennfield Senior High School
 * South Hill Academy

High schools (private)

 * Battle Creek Academy
 * Bedford Bible Church School
 * Calhoun Christian School
 * Endeavor Charter Academy
 * St. Philip Catholic Central High School

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 Sanitarium (now the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center)
 * Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra
 * Binder Park Zoo
 * Firekeepers Casino
 * Fort Custer Recreational Area
 * Full Blast Outdoor Water Park
 * Freemason Building, one of the oldest lodges still active in Michigan.
 * Kellogg Biological Station and W.K. Kellogg Manor House located in Hickory Corners, Michigan
 * Kimball House Museum
 * Historic Adventist Village
 * Kingman Museum and Planetarium
 * Lakeview Square Mall
 * Leila Arboretum
 * 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 Custer, 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 sqmi 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.

Transportation
Battle Creek is situated on I-94 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

 * [[Image:I-94.svg|25px]] I-94
 * [[Image:Business Loop 94.svg|25px]] I-94 Business Loop
 * [[Image:I-194.svg|31px]] I-194

Michigan State Trunklines

 * [[Image:M-37.svg|25px]] M-37
 * [[Image:M-66.svg|25px]] M-66
 * [[Image:M-89.svg|25px]] M-89
 * [[Image:M-96.svg|25px]] M-96

Aviation
Kalamazoo's 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.

Environment

 * Kalamazoo Watershed 04050003 The Kalamazoo River runs through Battle Creek.
 * Battle Creek River Watershed The Battle Creek River merges with the Kalamazoo River close to downtown.
 * Tree City USA 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, Brazil
 * 🇯🇵 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.

References in popular culture
When the TV show The Beverly Hillbillies was first aired in the 1960s, Kellogg's was a main sponsor, and the theme song continued longer than it does in reruns today. Jed pointed to a billboard ad of Kellogg's Corn Flakes, and the singer went on: "Now come along and visit with the Clampett family, as they learn the simple pleasures in the hills of Beverly. That includes the products of the sponsor of the week, the cereals of Kellogg's, Kellogg's of Battle Creek".

In the M*A*S*H* episode, "Tuttle", Hawkeye, Trapper and Radar are in Col. Blakes' office to create a personnel file for Capt. Tuttle. For a birthplace, Trapper suggests Battle Creek, MI.