It’s scholarship season at the Battle Creek Community Foundation
Battle Creek Community Foundation scholarships help local students like Nylayiaha Smith afford college and inspire them to give back to their community.
On the Ground
On the Ground helps to tell the stories of the people, projects, and innovations that are creating “what’s next” for Southwest Michigan.
Published by Southwest Michigan Second Wave, the mission of On the Ground is to connect readers to the area's most visionary and active people, businesses, and organizations — elevating a wide diversity of voices and contributing to the community conversation about what it means to call Southwest Michigan home.
Our journalists engage residents through regular listening sessions, events, and conversations to build trusted relationships that shape the community’s unique, solutions-oriented stories. We want to know what you think because what you think matters.
The On the Ground Battle Creek team includes Project Editor Jane Parikh and Photographer John Grap. The On the Ground Kalamazoo team includes Project Editor Al Jones and Photographer Fran Dwight. The Managing Editor for both series is Theresa Coty O'Neil.
HAVE A STORY IDEA?
We’re always looking for story content. Send your Battle Creek or Calhoun County ideas to otgreporter18@gmail.com. Send your Kalamazoo or Kalamazoo County ideas to editor@swmichigan.secondwavemedia.com.
Susan Balbaugh passes the baton as executive director of Battle Creek’s The Music Center
After 12 years of guiding The Music Center through growth and sustainability, Executive Director Susan Balbaugh will retire in January, transitioning to a part-time donor relations role as Teri Noaeill steps in as the organization’s new leader.
New city manager aims to tackle Battle Creek’s challenges — and harness its assets
Three months into her role, Amanda Zimmerlin discusses how her Ohio background prepared her to tackle Battle Creek’s housing, homelessness, and childcare challenges while championing the city’s assets.
Family’s culinary vision takes flight with newest Latin American eatery at Kellogg Field
San Francisco Latin American Cuisine, a high-end eatery featuring bold flavors from across Latin America, has taken flight inside the Battle Creek Executive Airport, bringing a major-city dining experience to Kellogg Field.
Michigan steps up with stipends for the teachers who shape a child’s first five years
Michigan is launching a $16 million pilot to boost wages for early childhood educators. Battle Creek early childhood leaders respond.
FOCUS Forward program tackles the ‘Failure to Launch’ crisis among youth in Calhoun County
FOCUS Forward, a holistic, trauma-informed support program by Starr Commonwealth, is addressing the rising “Failure to Launch” crisis by helping vulnerable 16- to 24-year-olds overcome barriers like housing, transportation, and poverty to pursue education, stability, and employment.
Family turns loss into lifeline with $17k gift for diabetes patients
Honoring Amanda Ostrander’s legacy, her family presented a $17,000 donation to Oaklawn Hospital to help local diabetes patients access essential care, medication, and urgent support.
Know Your Rights: Protesting without fear of retribution in Battle Creek
A recent “Know Your Rights” panel in Battle Creek brought together community leaders, legal experts, and organizers to educate residents on how to protest safely and effectively — emphasizing nonviolence and the power of collective civic action.
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.
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.
