AAUW finds a new way to support Battle Creek to celebrate 100 years of giving
A sculpture of a young woman holding a model of the earth aloft will be inspiring new addition to Battle Creek's North Side gateway neighborhood.
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.
Born and raised in Battle Creek and back to brew coffee and create a gathering place
32Social will be a coffee shop where people can come together and where food will slowly but surely be on the menu.
S.T.R.E.E.T.: Northside program helps at-risk youth stay off the streets
S.T.R.E.E.T. afterschool program empowers young people by giving them leadership opportunities and many other experiences to help them grow.
Battle Creek barber builds a loyal clientele through hard work and understanding people
Find out what it is it about Tommy & Co. that has customers coming back for more than 20 years even when it means a 110-mile round trip.
Pastors on Patrol: Local pastors and police officers team up to foster understanding
When a pastor and a police officer get out of a cruiser together at a scene to which the police have been called will the interaction go better for all involved? Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is testing that expectation.
A new organization forms for people who want to lead Battle Creek
If you want to have a purpose for what you’re doing and you want to be involved in finding solutions for the needs of Battle Creek, Ignite BC wants to meet you.
Northside Tiny Houses of H.O.P.E. to help the homeless
To stay sober and out of prison, it takes a job and a place to live. Six tiny houses on the Northside will provide both.
Neighbors create a solution for families who need diapers in Washington Heights and beyond
A dentist decides to help his former neighborhood. Soon those he knows are helping, too. Then people are being connected with other services that can help their children succeed. And it started at Parkway Manor.
Battle Creek poised to capitalize on momentum as it moves into the future
Here's look at some of the people and events that make Battle Creek the city it is today and some ideas about where it's headed.
On the Ground Northside introduces our first youth community contributor: Ke’Asia Shepherd-Friday
A love for learning new things launches writing experience for Ke’Asia Shepherd-Friday, On the Ground Northside's first youth community correspondent.
