Jane Simons

Jane Simons's Latest Articles

Three Calhoun County entities work together to keep those needing mental health services out of jail

By Jane Simons

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General

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May 19, 2022

The county’s Public Defender’s Office, Summit Pointe and the Battle Creek Police Department -- each have implemented programs and services that are showing success, while also highlighting challenges they face. Their work is based on building established relationships and work to provide mental health services to those who have too often in the past become statistics in the criminal justice system.

Music Garden to debut at Binder Park Zoo this week

By Jane Simons

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General

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May 5, 2022

Binder Park Zoo’s newest exhibit will be music to the ears of its visitors. On Sunday afternoon – Mother’s Day - the zoo’s Music Garden will officially open to the public during a brief ceremony that will include special guests, among them musicians with the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra who will perform highlights from “The Carnival of the Animals.”

Vouchers offer critical help to those in B.C. without enough income to afford rapidly rising rent

By Jane Simons

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General

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May 5, 2022

For some people being able to obtain a housing voucher can make the difference between staying in a homeless shelter and finding a safe and affordable place to live. Here's how it is working in Battle Creek.

When it comes to grantmaking, how does WKKF decide what to fund in its hometown, Battle Creek?

By Jane Simons

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General

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April 28, 2022

Overall, the WKKF, with a combined $8.8 billion in its endowment and trust, set a new benchmark in its 92-year history by awarding more than $483 million in grant commitments during the 2021 fiscal year. In Battle Creek, during the fiscal year from September 2020 to August 2021, more than $48 million was committed to 27 of the 29 nonprofits that applied. 

What happens when three keepers of Battle Creek’s history create partnership together? Museumish

By Jane Simons

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General

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April 27, 2022

Battle Creek’s Regional History Museum, the city’s Historical Society, and the Kingman Museum are looking at the best way to continue their individual missions while also working together.

Athens Township trustees uphold decision to allow single-family homes for members of NHBP tribe

By Jane Simons

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General

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April 20, 2022

An S Drive South development in Athens Township is Phase 8 of an overall plan to create affordable housing for tribal members who want to move closer to the NHBP’s Pine Creek Reservation. A neighbor objected to the project and Township Board members took a second look but ultimately stuck with their previous approval of the plans.

McCamly Plaza Hotel will be place to stay for guests and a place to learn for hospitality students

By Jane Simons

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General

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April 14, 2022

A $59 million investment in the complete overhaul of Battle Creek's McCamly Plaza Hotel will also pay huge dividends to area high school and college students interested in pursuing careers in the hospitality industry.

Battle Creek’s at-risk youth will have a new place to call home at Cool People’s teen center

By Jane Simons

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General

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April 12, 2022

A teen center and homeless shelter for youth who need a temporary place to stay developed through Cool People, a nonprofit founded in 2009, is in the works as part of the Washington Heights Entrepreneurial Fund initiative in Battle Creek. 

Battle Creek’s Mylestone Project: Where arts and understanding make a difference in young lives

By Jane Simons

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General

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April 7, 2022

"It just takes one person to change another person’s entire life." That's the theory behind the Mylestone Project where they aim to be the one that changes a young person's life in a positive way.

Over $10 million in rent and utility assistance goes to 4 percent of Calhoun County since March 2021

By Jane Simons

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Community Development

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April 7, 2022

Calhoun County residents who need assistance with paying their rent or utilities are being encouraged to apply before a portal established for emergency rental and utility assistance closes in May.