Sprout Box is Battle Creek’s answer to Blue Apron
Battle Creek's Sprout Boxes are a way to buy local, support local farmers and entrepreneurs, and eat well.
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.
Urbandale: Where business is blooming and helping one another is the way the neighborhood grows
Stability and a willingness to help one another is what makes Urbandale attractive to new businesses like Plumeria Botanical Boutique.
Beyond red lines: New Northside lines help ensure affordable housing and boost resident businesses
Developers are looking at Kalamazoo's Northside with new appreciation thanks to the tireless work of many, including Mattie Jordan-Woods.
Cross-country caravans of up to 200 cars once took off from Urbandale traveling as ‘one big family’
How could Urbandale be "The Home of the First Auto Tours"? Keep reading.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church serves breakfast to those unsure of where next meal is coming from
A program to make sure children did not go hungry during the summer has grown into a much bigger deal. Find out about what's happening at St. Thomas Episcopal.
New Level: Helping boys and girls learn what’s important for success
A program that started out helping youngsters learn they need more than sports to succeed has grown way beyond those beginnings. This is New Level Sports led by Pastor Christopher McCoy.
Northside home to new hub for ‘bundled’ support to help residents create sustainable financial lives
The Financial Opportunity Collaborative at the Douglass Community Center expects to provide an estimated 150 area residents with financial coaching and employment services in its first year alone.
Northside Art Hops to become monthly events and the first feature artist, Ed Genesis
The power of art to offer hope and promote confidence, especially in youth who may be struggling with difficult circumstances is something Ed Genesis believes in.
Feeling competitive? Battle Creek’s axe throwing team can sharpen that competitive edge
What do you do when your wife suggests an axe-throwing league? Start one of course. The BTL AXE team is now part of the World Axe Throwing League.
Big Homie: Finding redemption, moving forward
Once Jeff Cotton was one of those causing problems on the streets of Battle Creek. Now he's fighting to keep young people alive.
