West Main Villages development will offer apartments, duplexes, and retail in Oshtemo Township
The project will be built in three phases — phase one is retail, phase two is apartments, and phase three is the duplexes.
Battle Creek native Diop Harris II named 2025–26 Peter J. Christ Fellow at BCCF
Diop Harris II has been selected as the 2025–26 Peter J. Christ Leaders Fellow with the Battle Creek Community Foundation, continuing his longtime engagement with local leadership through hands-on community development, mentorship, and advocacy.
Curtain rises again: New owners aim to revive Kalamazoo’s State Theatre for second act
A Texas Corners couple has purchased Kalamazoo’s historic State Theatre and plans a multimillion-dollar restoration to bring the 1927 landmark back to life for its 100th anniversary.
Garden of Dreams grows, thanks to Battle Creek coalition and legacy of beloved childcare pioneer
A public-private partnership led by Bronson Battle Creek Hospital is reviving the former Kids Campus as the Garden of Dreams Community Preschool and Child Care, set to open in 2026 to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare in Battle Creek.
Battle Creek’s SHARE Center faces uncertain future as mental health funding shrinks
“Realistically, there’s no amount of foundation funding that’s going to make up for what we have lost and will lose,” says Robert Elchert, Executive Director of the SHARE Center. However, partnerships and pivoting have helped with the gap.
Voices of Youth: Inside Kalamazoo’s Youth Mobility program that’s helping teens get to school, activities, and work
After overcoming challenges in the program's rollout, Kalamazoo’s Youth Mobility Fund gives local high school students free access to public transportation, helping teens gain independence and opportunity.
Formerly unhoused, Bill Brown now builds trust and hope with Kalamazoo’s unhoused
For Bill Brown, it’s important to be out there first thing in the morning when the homeless wake up cold and hungry, wondering what they are going to do. He offers hand warmers, gloves, hats, and food bags. He gives them hope.
Micro home community is a big project in a small corner of Kalamazoo
Jeremy Cole has acquired 2 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to 132 W. Cork St. with plans to build a "micro" home community for homebuyers of modest means.
A new housing development in Portage hopes to create long-term affordable housing
Stanwood Crossings is a new community where the homes are for sale — but the land is owned by the Portage Community Land Trust.
Federal SNAP changes threaten little Michiganders’ food access and future
Good nutrition lays the foundation for physical growth, brain development, and school readiness.
