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.
Veteran services, legal assistance, working for birthing justice, a belief that rhythm is life, and having babies is part of the rhythm are all part of the work of two Edison nonprofits helping women.
Do you know what's new at the Kalamazoo Public Library branch in Edison?
The goal is to hear from everyone in the Edison Neighborhood for a complete plan.
From "struggle, struggle, stuggle" to supporting others, one mom finds the strength to keep growing.
Where kids come to have fun and parents meet people they don't see every day: Liga Azteca de Futbol.
In Jericho Town they are literally taking down the walls. It's a place in Edison where new businesses are finding a home in old factory buildings.
Teens at Fire in the Edison neighborhood recently published their own zine that featured the poetry and artwork they created in Fire workshops. This is one of those pieces.
With youth-led space in the Edison neighborhood, Fire teaches young people how to be themselves.
Like it's namesake, Edison continues to invent itself. Here are some of the ways Edison works and the people who make it work.
Geno Hinton is a man of many talents. He's known for his music, but he's also a writer. And he knows his neighborhood.
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