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.

 

Kalamazoo Junior Girls Organization is 32, thanks to Miss Pam Roland

Through after-school and summer camp programs, Kalamazoo Junior Girls learn how to be self-reliant. 

Second phase of senior housing development ready for ground breaking

New senior housing duplex will duplicate NACD's first senior duplex completed in 2016.

A Northside Icon: They call him Mr. Everything

Where can youth pursue leadership and community engagement? At Charlie's P.L.A.C.E.

A cowboy at heart, Murphy Darden’s collection celebrates all that’s possible for African Americans

Artifacts from the first black astronauts, the Buffalo Soldiers, and the first African American millionaire are just the beginning of the Darden collection acquired over many years by the 90-year-old.

$100,000 in funding will help launch new Northside training and entrepreneurial programs

The Northside Cultural Business District is intended to increase the number of resident-owned business, especially those by African American and low-income residents, preserve existing housing and create new housing.

Esto Juarez
What is a neighbor? An On the Ground Edison video
On the Ground moves to Northside neighborhood for 120 days

The On the Ground team has moved into Kalamazoo's Northside neighborhood. Here's what's happening.

Longtime residents who choose the Northside create the backbone of the community

The Northside neighborhood has benefited from the hard and dedicated work of people who have lived there for many years.

Our neighbors. Our stories. How one neighborhood taught us what we have in common

For 120 days Second Wave has been in the Edison neighborhood for our first On the Ground project. Theresa Coty O'Neil offers some reflections on her time meeting the neighbors. 

Edison Neighborhood Association celebrates 50 years of helping neighbors

At the Edison Neighborhood Association residents know they can find help when needed. And their help is also needed by the association.  

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

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