Mark Witte

CCBHCs extend mental health care to more Michiganders despite challenges

Michigan was added to the country's list of certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) demonstration states back in the summer of 2020, with 29 counties throughout the lower peninsula operating CCBHCs through their community mental health agencies.

Duncan Aviation in Battle Creek working to find solutions to team members’ childcare needs

“There is a bigger movement afoot. We can and must simultaneously support today’s workforce while working to change the system that is holding these childcare problems in place.”

Conrad Kaufman: Drawing from the land for nourishment and art

“I live an organic lifestyle, but I’m not overzealous. It is all about the quality of life and the quality of death. I enjoy being alive — and I respect life forms; I don’t step on a spider if I can help it. I didn’t study ecology. I lived it. My landscapes in my art represent that.”

How many LGBTQ&As would you know? Battle Creek Pride features trivia game with local notables

On the Ground Battle Creek's Jane Parikh took part in an LGBTQ&A Trivia Contest with other BC notables for a kickoff to Battle Creek Pride. "As an ally and a friend to members of the LGBTQ + community, I thought I understood a lot," Jane writes. "I was wrong." 

Blues in the Zoo: Photos from the 30th Annual Kalamazoo Blues Fest

Arcadia Creek Festival Site was hopping this past Saturday as the 30th Annual Blues Fest drew crowds to celebrate this year's theme, Blues in the Zoo. Check out Photographer Fran Dwight's photos!

Dentist, Dr. Gina Tischendorf, takes a final peak at Giovanni's teeth.
New public health program improves oral health for Michigan’s children

To address childhood tooth decay, the Michigan Department of Human Health Services (MDHHS) launched the Kindergartener’s Oral Health Assessment Program (KOHA).    

Yes, there really is a nightlife in Kalamazoo!

Writer Mark Wedel wondered what there was to do in Kalamazoo After Dark. In this short series introduced last week, Wedel takes us on his first visit to hear the Andrew Fischer Quartet at Dabney & Co. 'Yes, there really is a nightlife in Kalamazoo.'

Early Childhood Educators in Battle Creek feeling the support

Rent, mortgage, and utility support are available to early childhood educators in Battle Creek through the American Rescue Plan Act and W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds.

Faith rooted in the Earth: Kalamazoo pagans honor the seasons, cycles, and web of life

Modern paganism is a religious movement founded on principles derived from living on this planet we call home. And its practices and tenets have a lot to teach us about Earth and human care during this time of climate crisis.

With women’s basketball in the spotlight, a semi-professional team takes the floor in Kalamazoo

Meet Felicia Nikia Thomas, founder and coach of the Kalamazoo Blaze, the area's new semi-pro women's basketball team. 

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