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.
Plans for launching a Black Wall Street movement in Battle Creek will include a Black-owned business directory and two new websites with a mission to create "collective independence."
"I want to prepare people for these possible outcomes while keeping them present, focused, and together in community. There are so many moles to whack in this horrible game we’re playing.”
To honor Transgender Day of Visibility, OutFront Kalamazoo hosted a Trans Gallery for the Art Hop in March. Social Practice Artist Maya James spoke with several artists whose work has many intersections — from cover crops to animation.
Still going strong after two decades, the Kalamazoo Promise has grown and pivoted to adjust to current trends and needs. "We started to realize that every student's story is unique."
"All of this will help to build a downtown where people want to live, where businesses want to relocate and grow, and where stores want to open, all of which is essential for the future success of Battle Creek.”
Battle Creek Biggby owner is winging it with a new wings restaurant on Michigan Avenue West — by putting customer service and community first.
To honor National Crime Victim Rights Week, the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office is hosting a resource fair on April 7 at First Congregational Church in Battle Creek.
"They're movement pieces that push the boundaries of what we know about movement and the ideas of the genre. I don't think of contemporary dance as necessarily a category, but more of a way to think of how movement is explored, and explored in a contemporary way."
To honor Women's History Month, reenactments of historical Battle Creek women will take place on March 22. “We’ll speak in first person like them and from there look at what made each woman so unique. Her style, inner beauty and her essence will be brought back to life in our readings."
The Cinderella Project, sponsored by Memories Bridal and Evening Wear, offers high school students the chance to feel like a princess, replete with a fairy godmother to assist in their choice of a gown. This year's prom dress giveaway takes place March 28.
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