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.

 

KENA events

Upcoming opportunities for Kalamazoo Eastside residents to be in the know

Find out where and when you can learn about a healthier neighborhood, what's going on, and water line replacement in Kalamazoo's Eastside neighborhood.

Brandon Phenix
B.C.’s Historic Northside enthusiastic about school reopening as Fremont International Academy

A neighborhood school brings a lot to a community. Residents say they are glad Fremont will be reopened as an International Academy open to all across the Battle Creek area.

Eastside Voices and Buddy Hannah: Lifting up community through storytelling and art in Kalamazoo

Eastside Voices, led by Buddy Hannah and Sid Ellis, will give both young and old Eastside residents the opportunity to share their stories.

Battle Creek Police Department achieves accreditation from Michigan Association of Police Chiefs

Battle Creek Police Department achieves a long sought after goal. Adopting best practices and 105 professional standards leads to accreditation.

Eastside Gateway Pocket Park, labyrinth and mural to honor Eastside Voices in Kalamazoo

Eastside pride will be on display in new gateway project, a development that brings together history, art, and community.

Couple from Battle Creek’s Historic Northside continue to find ways to help in the community

When longtime Historic Northside neighborhood residents Harold and Laurel Macon retired they did not give up on their community activism.

From business to office space, Battle Creek’s First Congregational finds new ways to help others

There are 30 different community groups that lease space or offer events at First Congregational Church in Battle Creek.  

Religion and fish come together in legacy of Lil Fish Dock, an Eastside staple

Hassan Mateen's business grew from a fundraiser for his mosque. Lil Fish Dock has been a local favorite since those early days in the '70s.

Burger Bros, an ‘old world burger’ joint, gets warm reception on the Eastside

There's a new dining option on Kalamazoo's Eastside. They call it Burger Bros. 

Pop-up Patisserie will feature vegan food such as savory and sweet hand pies and croissants

Paul Vugteveen is the kind of dedicated chef who makes his own soy milk, nut milk, and cashew butter, among other items so he can control the quality.

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

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

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.