Sounds of the neighborhood: Listen closely and you will hear the unexpected
Every neighborhood has its own distinct sounds and sounds it shares with every other neighborhood. All it takes is a willingness to listen to sort out which is which.
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.
From boom to bust to boom: Washington Square makes an upturn
After frustrating delays, challenging economic times, and constant misperceptions, Washington Square is on the way back.
City and partners work on response plans as floods are expected to continue
February's flooding was severe, but it won't be the last time high waters will be seen in coming years.
Customers travel from afar for Town & Country meat and more
Find out about the many ways the roots of Town & Country go deep into the Edison neighborhood. And why people from beyond Kalamazoo County shop there, too.
Climate of fear spreads beyond Latinx neighborhood and community takes action in response
Who to contact if you want to support immigrants in Kalamazoo. Here are some organizations doing the work.
Increased deportation enforcement leaves many Edison families living in fear
Today, the chance of detainment and deportation is real for many undocumented immigrants. In Edison, that means some families live in fear of being separated.
Washington Writers’ Academy shows off its writing skills during Art Hop
Washington Writers' Academy shows off its artistic flair and opens doors for its first Art Hop event.
Spreading gravel on a hot day is a Building Blocks’ way of meeting the neighbors
Neighbors build friendships as they come together on improvement projects as part of the Building Blocks program.
How will Edison keep moving ahead? Neighborhood explores artistic answers
Artists find a place to call home in Edison and Edison calls on them for their ideas to lift the neighborhood.
Washington Writers’ Academy invites the community to see its work during June 1 Art Hop
Art Hop in the Edison neighborhood adds Washington Writers' Academy for June 1 festivities.
