BC City Connection Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Mayor, City Managers End 2025 and Look Ahead to the New Year Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the BC City Connection, Mayor Mark Behnke, City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin and Assistant City Manager Ted Dearing reflect on a year of change in Battle Creek and share plans to turn that transition into momentum.
Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek
Battle Creek City Commission
Battle Creek City Manager

BC CIty Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Sirens, Safety And Smarter Alerts Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Battle Creek’s outdoor sirens are being modernized for targeted, reliable severe weather alerts. Also, learn why monthly tests are important.

In this episode of BC City Connection, Bret White from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) explains upgrades, vendor support, and how residents can get fast phone alerts and even join CERT.
Episode Resources
Outdoor Warning Siren Activation Project
Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program
Subscribe to Battle Creek City Alerts
Subscribe to Calhoun County Emergency Notifications

BC CIty Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Meet Battle Creek City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

In her first visit to the BC City Connection podcast, Battle Creek City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin discusses her background, what drew her to Battle Creek and the challenges and successes she sees in the Cereal City.

Zimmerlin joined the City of Battle Creek after a 5-year stint as city manager in the Cincinnati suburb of Springdale, Ohio.

Episode Resources
City Manager's Office Battle Creek

BC City Connection is produced by Livemic Communications.

Grant Allows Battle Creek to Continue Assisting Families with Lead Abatement Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Since 2018, the City of Battle Creek has been selected to receive the Michigan Medicaid CHIP Lead Hazard Control Community Development Grant. Fiscal year 2026 is included.

The grant was approved for a total of $1,345,000.

In this episode of BC City Connection, Battle Creek Lead Programs Coordinator Emily Arntz discusses how the funds help families reduce the risk of exposure to lead paint - especially for children.

Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek Lead Safe Program
Michigan Alliance for Lead Safe Homes
City of Battle Creek Minor Home Repair Program
City of Battle Creek Community Development
Community Action Battle Creek

BC City Connection is produced by Livemic Communications.

Fire Station Improvement Updates; Meet BC's New Chief Facilities Officer Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

A plan to reimagine Battle Creek fire stations is coming to fruition. In this episode of BC CIty Connection, Battle Creek Fire Department Battalion Chief Cody Titus discusses how the changes will advance firefighting in the city.

Newly appointed Battle Creek Chief Facilities Officer Katie Norton also discusses the fire station updates, as well as a broad perspective on city facilities management.

Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek website
City of Battle Creek Fire Department website
BCFD Fire Station Information website

Watch the video of this discussion here or see the episodes on Access Vision in Battle Creek Tuesdays at 6:30 PM on channel 17/917.

The BC City Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Drinking Water Update: City Actively Addressing Elevated TTHMs Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

The City of Battle Creek is actively addressing elevated total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in the water system, a maximum contaminant level violation.

The municipalities affected include the City of Battle Creek, Springfield, Emmett Township and a portion of Pennfield Township. The City of Battle Creek has outlined details in this mailing residents will or have already received.

In this episode of BC City Connection, Water Division Utility Administrator Perry Hart discusses the circumstances which led to the elevated levels of TTHM and the steps being taken to correct it.

Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek Water Division Informational Mailing
Verona Wellfield and Water Quality Update

Watch the video of this discussion here or see the episodes on Access Vision in Battle Creek Tuesdays at 6:30 PM on channel 17/917.

The BC City Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Get Alerts and Info from the City of Battle Creek - and Offer Input Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of BC CIty Connection, Breanne Humphreys and Eric McClure from the City Hall communications office talk about the opt-in city alert system which helps residents stay informed.

The BC City Connection podcast is also discussed - and the various ways it reaches viewers and listeners with pertinent and useful information from the City of Battle Creek.

The city also seeks input periodically through the National Community Survey. Find out how in this episode.

Episode Resources
Battle Creek Get Connected Website

Watch the video of this discussion here or see the episodes on Access Vision in Battle Creek Tuesdays at 6:30 PM on channel 17/917.

The BC City Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Safety and Crime Prevention Tips from Battle Creek Police May 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the BC CIty Connection, Lt. Ryan Strunk and Sgt. Chris Rabbit bring listeners a wide-ranging list of safety and crime prevention tips.

From driving safety to situational awareness and fraud, the BCPD encourages residents to think about these safety tips as it relates to their own situations.

Episode Resources
Battle Creek Police Department

Watch the video of this discussion here or see the episodes on Access Vision in Battle Creek Tuesdays at 6:30 PM on channel 17/917.

The BC City Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

What Every Property Owner Should Know About Code Compliance (and Free Paint) Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

The City of Battle Creek understands code compliance can be perceived as a roadblock sometimes. However, the city code compliance office wants to be helpful and resourceful for residents.

In this episode of the BC City Connection podcast, Battle Creek Code Compliance Manager Jason Francisco talks about what each property owner should know about how the office works.

What's more, city residents who need paint to complete house painting projects can avail themselves of paint at no-cost. Click to hear how the program works.

Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek
Property Search at BSAOnline.com

Watch the video of this discussion here or see the episodes on Access Vision in Battle Creek Tuesdays at 6:30 PM on channel 17/917.

The BC City Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

BC Community Development Fellow Supports City and Business Efforts, Fosters New Leadership Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

In a partnership with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the City of Battle Creek welcomed a Community Development Fellow in 2025.

The role "...support[s] various initiatives within community development, to include planning and small business development," Battle Creek Community Services Director Marcie Gillette said in a press release.

"They assist with serving more community members and pushing projects over the finish line that might not have been prioritized otherwise," Shate'ja Curry, CEDAM community fellowship manager, said.

Tiyanna Williams, chosen as the Battle Creek CEDAM Fellow, joins Battle Creek Planning Supervisor Darcy Schmitt in this episode discussing the impact for both the city and the CEDAM Fellow.

Episode Resources
City of Battle Creek

Watch the video of this discussion here or see the episodes on Access Vision in Battle Creek Tuesdays at 6:30 PM on channel 17/917.

The BC City Connection Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

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