News Flash

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The Battle Creek Fire Department was initially called for a fire alarm at 183 West St. at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28. After dispatching the first fire alarm, the incident was upgraded to a structure fire when a second alarm was activated.

The BCFD's Rescue 2 arrived within three minutes and made their way to the fifth floor, while Car 3 arrived on scene and established command. Once Rescue 2 reached the apartment unit and made entry, they discovered that the sprinkler system had activated and located a fire in the kitchen.

Rescue 2 quickly extinguished the fire, while Engine 1 assisted with advancing hose, Engine 3 brought fans up to ventilate the floor, and Rescue 6 took control of the water to the sprinkler system. Additional crews assisted with occupants in the building and provided axillary rolls.

Due to the quick action of the BCFD's crews and the sprinkler system, the fire was contained to the kitchen area of the apartment unit, where it started. There was no fire damage to any other areas of the building and, thankfully, there were no injuries reported.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The City of Battle Creek has released the first episode of the BC City Connection: Housing Edition, a new sub‑series of the Battle Creek Community Connection Podcast. This series explores local housing issues, projects, and the decision‑making behind them, helping residents better understand how housing shapes our community.

In this first episode, Planning Supervisor Darcy Schmitt explains how the city is addressing Battle Creek’s housing shortage. She discusses efforts to update the community’s Master Plan, remove barriers to build more quickly, expand mixed‑use zoning, encourage infill housing, and support accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Darcy also highlights how public input, neighborhood councils, and community surveys guide every step—and how residents can get involved.

Listen and subscribe

You can find the podcast wherever you listen, or stream it directly from our website. If you prefer to watch the video interview of each episode, you can find the series playlist on the city's YouTube Channel.

More Housing Edition episodes are in production and will be shared as they are released each month. Visit the city website for more information on the city's housing strategy and how you can get involved.

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BATTLE CREEK — The Battle Creek Police Department is sharing an update regarding the December 2023 homicide that occurred in the 200 block of Algonquin Street. 

On Tuesday, Jan. 27, jurors found 25-year-old Todd Bolden Jr. guilty of the following charges: 

• First-degree murder 
• Felony murder 
• First-degree home invasion 
• Felony firearm 

Bolden will remain at the Calhoun County Jail until his sentencing. 

This case began on Dec. 16, 2023, when residents called 911 to report an attempted break‑in at a home in the 200 block of Algonquin Street. During the call, dispatchers believed they heard gunfire. When officers arrived, they found two victims inside the home — 22‑year‑old Veronica Cica and 44‑year‑old Steven Cica — both suffering from gunshot wounds. Within 24 hours, investigators identified Todd Bolden Jr. as the suspect, and he later turned himself in at the Battle Creek Police Department. 

The City of Battle Creek holds the Cica family in our thoughts this week.  We recognize this verdict is one step in a long and difficult process, and our hearts remain with them.  

The city also thanks the neighbors who reported the incident, the partner agencies who assisted, and the officers and investigators whose work helped bring this case to its resolution. 

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – On Saturday, Jan. 17, shortly after 8:30 a.m., Battle Creek Police responded to the 100 block of N. 29th Street for a reported home invasion.At the scene, officers learned a 25-year-old Battle Creek man — the ex-boyfriend of the 22-year-old woman who lives at the home — broke a back window and forced his way inside. The resident and her friend, a 23-year-old Battle Creek woman, were inside at the time.After the suspect entered, the 23-year-old woman confronted him. He assaulted her, choking her during the struggle. As she began to lose consciousness, she was able to reach a shard of glass from the broken window and stab the suspect in the stomach, allowing her to break free. The man then fled the home.The suspect later went to Bronson Battle Creek for treatment of injuries related to the incident. Officers responded to the hospital, where he was taken into custody after receiving medical care. The woman declined medical treatment.At the scene, officers provided both women with information about crime victim support services. These services connect victims with trained advocates who offer emotional support, explain legal rights and next steps, and help individuals access practical resources during recovery. Even when someone responds with strength and decisive action in a frightening situation, the aftermath can still be significant. Support is available, and no one has to navigate that process alone.This incident remains under investigation.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The City of Battle Creek has issued a public notice after quarterly testing showed elevated levels of total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in portions of the drinking water system serving Battle Creek and Emmett Township. Portions of Pennfield Township and customers in Springfield who receive water from Battle Creek are also included.Since the previous quarterly sampling in August, some November test results were below the federal drinking water standard of 80 parts per billion at certain locations. However, overall TTHM levels across the system have not yet declined enough to meet the regulatory standard, which is based on results collected over time. Earlier elevated results continue to factor into compliance determinations, even as more recent sampling shows improvement in some areas.Key information for neighbors Impacted customers will receive a letter from the water division detailing the latest results and efforts to reduce TTHM in the municipal water supply. The notice is also available on the city website. 

• The rise in TTHM levels does not pose an immediate health emergency.
• You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions.
• The city will notify the public within 24 hours if the water becomes unsafe to drink.
• Long-term exposure to high TTHM levels may affect the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may increase cancer risk. While no immediate precautions are necessary, individuals with compromised immune systems, infants, or older adults should consult their healthcare provider.

What this means for your water system

• Battle Creek: Recent results show mixed changes by sampling location, and the system remains above the federal standard. Reduction efforts are ongoing.
• Emmett Township: Individual test results have generally declined since August, but the annual average remains above the regulatory limit. Emmett Township is included in Battle Creek’s corrective actions.
• Springfield: Recent samples remain below the federal drinking water standard. Customers are notified because Springfield receives water from Battle Creek.
• Pennfield Township (limited areas): Only specific streets that receive Battle Creek water are affected. Results vary by location, and monitoring continues.

Background TTHMs are byproducts that form when chlorine, used to disinfect drinking water, reacts with naturally occurring organic material. The city has identified the ongoing Verona Well Field rehabilitation project as the primary contributor to elevated TTHM levels.

As aging wells are replaced, large volumes of water must be pumped during construction, increasing organic material in the source water. Additional disinfectants were required during this work to protect against bacteria, creating conditions that can lead to higher TTHM formation.

Elevated TTHM levels were first identified in Emmett Township in late 2024 and expanded system‑wide following early 2025 sampling. Continued testing throughout 2025 confirmed impacts in Battle Creek, Emmett Township, and limited areas of Pennfield Township that receive Battle Creek water. Springfield is included in notifications because it receives Battle Creek water, though its system is currently below the federal standard.

What the city is doing The city is working closely with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to reduce TTHM levels and return the system to compliance. Actions underway include:

• Adjusting water treatment processes, including the addition of permanganate, to reduce TTHM formation.
• Managing water age by changing how water is stored and moved through the system.
• Expanded hydrant flushing to remove older water from areas with longer residence times.
• Additional sampling at the Verona Well Field, treatment facility, and throughout the distribution system to guide improvements.
• Quarterly operational evaluations to assess water movement, storage practices, and other system factors until compliance is achieved.
• Ongoing well replacement to improve long‑term source‑water conditions.

These combined efforts are expected to continue lowering TTHM levels and restore compliance over time.

More information Learn about the Verona Well Field project and view TTHM sample results on the city website.