‘Tiny’ houses are set to be a big deal in Kalamazoo’s Northside Neighborhood

Have you heard about the tiny house initiative? Real brick and mortar affordable housing for people who need it.

Battle Creek program helps victims of violent crime and offers options to those who might commit it

A unique program tailored to the needs of Battle Creek provides wrap-around services to those who have become victims of violent crimes. It also works to stop violent crimes.

Plans to ‘calm’ traffic on Kalamazoo’s North Side are facing a (speed) bump in the road

Residents told city officials their original plan to slow down traffic on North Side streets did not seem feasible. Now speed humps are being considered.

Shanna Moore leads CrimFit programming.
CrimFit Nutrition Program brings exercise and nutrition education to thousands of Flint kids at home

As Flint kids begin online-only schooling, opportunities for physical exercise and nutrition education will be scarce. But a team of Crim Fitness Foundation staffers is working to address that by bringing the Crim’s Nutrition Program (CrimFit) out of the classroom and into families' homes. 

Kalamazoo Literacy Council helps parents navigate digital childhood and screen time decisions

Kalamazoo Literacy Council teaches parents to be comfortable with technology and how to work with their children online.

Kalamazoo’s Social District will give customers of restaurants and taverns a chance to be outdoors

During this period of social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, people seem to feel more comfortable outdoors. A new Social District, that allows businesses to add outdoor seating to their restaurant or tavern has been put in place to capitalize on that. 

Portage Creek in Vicksburg found to be home to mussel that is in danger of becoming extinct

An $80 million redevelopment project has uncovered a previously unknown population of snuffbox mussels at The Mill at Vicksburg.

Business accelerator in Battle Creek will help food and beverage product businesses grow

A $4 million renovation of the Tiger Room in Battle Creek to create a business Accelerator just got a big boost with a more than $2 million grant from the federal government. 

Two new tenants bring Midlink Business Park in Comstock Township to full occupancy

Since it’s been open for business, Midlink Business Park in Comstock Township has completed in excess of three million square feet of short- and long-term leases.

Helen Paige, a parent partner in the pilot program.
State of Michigan and Detroit nonprofit team up to reduce child abuse through proactive support

A new pilot program identifies families at risk and pairs them with peer mentors and benefits navigators, getting the state more involved in addressing the root causes of child abuse.

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Enna Foundation
BINDA Foundation
Southwest Journalism Media Collaborative
Southwest Michigan First
Milestone Senior Services
Consumers Energy

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything Southwest Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.