New president of the Milwood Neighborhood Watch steps up and hopes others will do the same

More activities for young people, ongoing efforts to keep the neighborhood safe, and more volunteer support for programs that benefit neighborhood residents are what the interim president of the Milwood Neighborhood Watch Association has in mind.

Disruption Calhoun County: Pandemic generation comes of age in a time of masks and anxiety

‘Solo’ exhibit of Jaziel Pugh’s digital prints looks at the evolution of an original ‘Soul’

Jaziel Pugh’s exhibit titled “Solo” will run through Feb. 28 at KCC. It includes more than a dozen large digital prints featuring his reoccurring original character Soul and explores his personality in a variety of environments and different lifestyles. 

Kalamazoo Gospel Mission’s new shelter for women and children nears completion in downtown Kalamazoo

The COVID delayed renovations to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission could be done by the end of February. The number of emergency shelter spaces will grow from 150 to 210. The number of guests the mission will be able to see for long-term case management services will grow from 755 to 1,225. And the new three-story, 47,000-square-foot facility will feature rooms that accommodate family units.

Canine astrologer Sylvia reads the stars

Madam Sylvia is a shelter mutt, wise beyond my years, with a heart of pure gold. What does this mutt predict for you? 

In rural Washtenaw County, faith leaders work with mental health providers to address COVID impacts

The 5 Healthy Towns Foundation sought new ways to address rising mental health issues in Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge. One solution it identified was equipping faith leaders to help.

From three to one: Local organizations merge to create United Ways of South Central Michigan

A merger of the Capital Area United Way based in Lansing, UWBCKR, and United Way of Jackson County based in Jackson was approved on Monday by the various boards of directors. The new organization — United Ways of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) — will partner locally and regionally on community impact efforts across six counties: Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson, and Kalamazoo.

Residents tell their experiences of racial healing in Battle Creek in new book and live event

A new book has poems, short stories, and interviews of personal reflections that capture a specific memory of what it looks like to be part of different races, ethnicity, or culture in Battle Creek.

Battle Creek Family YMCA changes palates one vegetable at a time

The Battle Creek Family YMCA has implemented a variety of initiatives to address lack of access to fresh food and vegetables in its community.