BATTLE CREEK, Mich., May 20, 2025 — Following the recent storm, the City of Battle Creek will expand cleanup assistance for neighbors to ensure the community is safe and accessible.
Week of May 19: City crews will continue clearing streets. As of Tuesday, May 20, the following roads remain closed:
- Merwood Drive, between Orchard Avenue and Crest Drive
- Garrison Road at Pleasantview Drive
- Grand Boulevard — one lane closed near Richards Place
- Beckwith Drive, between Capital Avenue Southwest and Oakside Drive
Week of May 27: Street clearing will continue. Crews will also resume routine road maintenance, including pothole patching.
Week of June 2: Citywide storm debris cleanup will begin. Neighbors should place trees and brush debris at the edge of the road or on the curb lawn for pickup. Please note:
- Crews will make only one pass through each neighborhood.
- Stumps, construction materials, and non-storm-related items will not be collected.
- Crews cannot assist with debris removal from private property.
Ongoing Yard Waste Pickup
Neighbors within city limits can also use the unlimited yard waste pickup program, provided they follow these guidelines for accepted collection methods:
- 96-gallon cart rental from Republic Services.
- Personal bins with a visible Yard Waste Sticker. These are available for free at City Hall, located at 10 N. Division Street, and the Department of Public Works, located at 150 S. Kendall Street.
- Biodegradable paper yard waste bags, filled to the marked line and folded to prevent spillage.
Materials Accepted: Leaves, grass clippings, and other organic yard waste; branches no larger than four inches in diameter or four feet in length; and each bag or bin must weigh no more than 50 lbs.
A list of additional disposal methods can be found on the city website here.
As a reminder, burning leaves within city limits is prohibited, even with a burn permit.
###
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., May 18, 2025 — The City of Battle Creek continues its storm recovery efforts following the severe weather event last week. As of today, most roads in the hardest-hit areas are now passable. However, residents and motorists should remain cautious, as many streets still have debris piles that may obstruct traffic flow. Additionally, downed wires remain a hazard in several locations.
Consumers Energy is making significant progress in restoring power across the city, according to the latest outage maps.
As of Sunday afternoon, the following roads remain closed due to trees entangled with power lines:
- Central St between Emmett St E and Pleasantview Dr
- Orchard Ave between Emmett St E and Merwood Dr
- Meachem Ave between Eldred St and Burnham St E (Transit Route)
- Logan St between Territorial Rd E and Mineral Ave
- Scenery Ave between Territorial Rd E and Mineral Ave
- Tennyson Ave between Capital Ave SW and Harrison St
- Territorial Rd E near Riverside Dr – one lane blocked
- Territorial Rd W between Arbor St and Woodrow Ave S (Transit Route)
City crews are actively working today to check each closed street and reopen them as soon as it’s safe. If any trees remain tangled with power lines, we’ll notify Consumers Energy right away for assistance.
In addition to clearing roads, our teams are starting to remove debris piles and will address city-owned trees that have fallen onto private property when possible.
We sincerely thank everyone for your patience and support as we continue working to restore safety and accessibility across Battle Creek.
###
Storm recovery continues in Battle Creek; city urges caution with door-to-door contractors
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., May 16, 2025 — The City of Battle Creek is advising residents to be cautious of unlicensed contractors and door-to-door solicitors offering storm-related repair services in the aftermath of Thursday night’s severe weather.
After major storms, it’s common for individuals—often from out of state and lacking proper licensing—to go door-to-door offering construction or cleanup services. These individuals may pressure residents to sign contracts or pay upfront. Here are a few key reminders:
- All contractors must be licensed and insured under Michigan law.
- Construction work within city limits requires proper permits.
- Door-to-door vendors must have a city vendor’s permit and display a city-issued ID badge.
Residents are encouraged to ask for identification and verify vendor status. If someone comes to your door without proper ID, ignores a “No Soliciting” sign, or causes concern, please call the Battle Creek Police Department’s non-emergency line at 269-781-0911.
For questions about licensed vendors or home repairs, call 269-966-3311. A list of licensed vendors is available on the city website.
Storm Recovery Update
City water and sewer services remain operational. Crews are rotating between lift stations to provide temporary power as needed and will continue doing so through the weekend until power is restored.
Some roads remain closed while we await safety clearance from Consumers Energy. In the meantime, Department of Public Works crews are working to clear fallen trees and storm debris from accessible areas as quickly and safely as possible.
Traffic Safety Reminder
If you approach an intersection where the traffic signal is out, treat it as a four-way stop. Yield appropriately and stay alert to keep everyone safe.
###
