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.
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.
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.
Battle Creek’s Charitable Union specializes in help that brings hope
By listening to those it serves, Charitable Union keeps its services focused on what needs to be done.
Historic Northside has resident police officer, stems neighborhood crime with multi-faceted program
Multiple programs under one umbrella make for safer neighborhoods in Battle Creek, including the Historic Northside.
Volunteers help Kalamazoo’s Eastside Neighborhood Association chart and keep a steady course
Volunteers help organizations like the Kalamazoo Eastside Association do the work neighbors are looking for.
