GVSU Symposium brings national voices together to support Black men and boys in Battle Creek
More than 500 people gathered in Battle Creek for GVSU's Black Men and Boys Symposium, focused on improving educational, health and career outcomes.
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.
Battle Creek Battle Jacks sold: New owner Scott Miles plans new era for team
The Battle Creek Battle Jacks enter a new era under owner Scott Miles, a Massachusetts businessman investing in fan experience, community engagement, and competitive summer collegiate baseball in the Northwoods League.
The Village Network of Battle Creek dissolves as an organization
The Village Network of Battle Creek is dissolving after helping direct more than $1.25 million to BIPOC-led organizations and entrepreneurs, saying its mission to build community-led economic justice networks has successfully created lasting local momentum.
Keys to the future: Young jazz phenom Esteban Castro hits the Gilmore stage in Battle Creek
Jazz prodigy Esteban Castro returns to the Gilmore International Piano Festival in Battle Creek as a 2026 Young Artist Award winner, bringing a career that began on a toy piano to the Kool Community Center.
Maid in Battle Creek expands into (Maid in) Kalamazoo
Maid in Battle Creek has expanded into Kalamazoo, growing from a local startup into a two-city cleaning company with a team of employees, commercial and residential clients, and a continued focus on personalized service.
CASA volunteers step in as child abuse cases strain Calhoun County system
As child abuse cases outpace foster care capacity in Calhoun County, a newly launched CASA program is training volunteers to provide consistent, court-appointed advocacy for vulnerable children navigating the welfare system.
Leveling the baseball field for underserved youth in Battle Creek
Evan Gray founded Gray’s on Deck to give underserved Battle Creek youth access to baseball and life lessons through affordable, community-supported programs.
Baseball great Darryl Strawberry to share his faith journey at Battle Creek Community Prayer Breakfast
Former MLB star Darryl Strawberry will share his powerful journey from fame and addiction to faith and redemption at the 2026 Battle Creek Community Prayer Breakfast, offering a message of hope and healing to the community.
Dimes lead to big change for underserved youth in the Battle Creek area
A Battle Creek mother and son turn bottle deposits into life-changing sports opportunities for low-income youth.
From blue light to green light: Former Kmart site set for affordable housing and childcare
Eight years after plans began, redevelopment of the former Kmart site in Battle Creek is moving forward with an 80-unit affordable and workforce housing development with an on-site childcare center, backed by tax credits, philanthropic support, and local partners.
