Page 286 – Second Wave

Kalamazoo Public Safety launches survey and invites public to walk in “an officer’s shoes for a day”

By Al Jones

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April 27, 2023

With a desire for transparency, accountability, and trust-building – and the data to demonstrate it – the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety has launched a public survey of its police services. And KDPS' popular Kalamazoo Regional Citizens' Academy is now running twice a year giving residents a chance to walk in the shoes of a police officer. “Honestly, we’re looking for people that aren’t all pro-police," says KDPS Chief David Boysen. "We want people that are a little skeptical about the policing, that are like, ‘we’re not sure about you guys.'”

Learning Tool or Teaching Threat: Students and educators talk ChatGPT

By Jane Parikh

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General

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April 27, 2023

Since its November launch, ChatGPT has created a stir of controversy. Some local teachers and students can see both its benefits and drawbacks. One Lakeview High School senior says she can see how the AI tool could help with generating essay ideas, but as far as using it in place of her own writing, she says, “It would create an interesting perspective, but it would never be your own work."

Kalamazoo’s Pathway Home program helps low-income renters get ready to become homeowners

By Mark Wedel

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General

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April 27, 2023

At Pathway Home potential homeowners will talk about their goals, be enrolled in KNHS financial readiness and homebuyer's education courses, be teamed up with HUD-certified coaches at KNHS, and learn "all the basics on what it means to go from a renter to a homeowner." Learn more about this approach to keeping people housed.

Battle Creek’s Litter Ladies and Lads make a difference one piece of trash at a time

By Jane Parikh

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General

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April 27, 2023

On the first publicly-celebrated Earth Day since the pandemic, Southwest Michiganders gathered to plant, weed, and beautify. For the Litter Ladies and Lads in Battle Creek who pick up trash year-round to protect humans and wildlife, every day is Earth Day.

AARP Michigan volunteer Howard Pizzo, AARP Michigan Communications Manager Mark Hornbeck, and AARP Michigan State Director Paula Cunningham on the Lansing River Trail.

Special report: Michigan prepares for a rapidly aging population by becoming more “age-friendly”

By Estelle Slootmaker and Patrick Dunn

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Health

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April 27, 2023

We took a look at several Michigan initiatives that are working to create new age-friendly support systems as the state ages.

Grand Haven Township Fire/Rescue Chief Shawn Schrader speaks to Michigan Justice Richard Bernstein. (Shandra Martinez)

Justice Bernstein brings a perspective of inclusion to court

By Shandra Martinez

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General

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April 26, 2023

Richard Bernstein believes one of the most important attributes he brings to his role as a justice on Michigan’s highest court is the perspective of someone navigating life with a disability.

Herrick District Library's main branch near downtown Holland.

How one library is making a renovation plan inclusive

By Lucia Rios

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General

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April 26, 2023

As Herrick District Library prepares for a major renovation, the staff is working to make sure people with disabilities are part of the planning process to create an inclusive space

Genesee Health Systems "Top Workplace" award

Genesee Health System earns “Top Workplace” award

By Estelle Slootmaker

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Health

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April 24, 2023

Genesee Health System has earned the Energage 2023 Top Workplaces USA award. The award is made solely on the basis of employee feedback.

Tribal Governance focus of new graduate certificate at Western Michigan University

By Jane Parikh

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General

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April 20, 2023

Southwest Michigan Native American Tribal leaders and Western Michigan University are inauagarting a long-desired Graduate Certificate in Tribal Governance. “This program is not only for Native citizens but also for people who don’t have any affiliation with Tribal Communities,” says Ben Brenner, member of the Gun Lake Tribal Council. “I hope it will be the spark that guides people back home to their Tribes."

Kalamazoo’s Mothers of Hope celebrates 25 years as a welcoming place for those with drug addictions

By Al Jones

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General

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April 20, 2023

After seven people died in Kalamazoo from suspected fentanyl overdoses last week, people are scared, says Gwen Lanier, co-founder of Mothers of Hope. "We’re probably going to get some people who haven’t been here in a long time.” And providing hope in crisis is part of the reason Mothers of Hope has succeeded and grown in its mission to offer fellowship, non-judgemental support, and respite for people with drug addictions for 25 years.