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.
“We have a lot of loyal customers and this was their favorite restaurant, but they don’t come here every week... I think downtown Battle Creek has the potential to be great. We need more businesses and things to bring people downtown."
What does it mean to live a well-lived life? Ask your mom, your grandmother, and other important elder people in your life. That's what filmmaker Sky Bergman did. Come hear what she found in the final event of Kalamazoo's series "A Life Well Lived" on March 15.
A study conducted by Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO of Automation Workz, found that Hispanics in Calhoun County are following a national trend that finds them outpacing other minorities in earning both college degrees and money. Many have high-paying jobs in technology or run their own businesses.
“In Kalamazoo, we have a proven track record of turning community vision into action: Ninety-nine percent of the actions in Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 have been completed or are in progress. This wouldn’t be possible without our community showing up and sharing their voices, ideas, and energy to help shape our community.”
“Kalamazoo is a beautiful place, but it’s also very small in some ways. People can live in their own bubbles, never seeing or acknowledging the unhoused community. This play keeps the humanity of people in focus. It does not pretend that this group does not exist.”
Indigenous languages "are in the extinct stage. There are not many fluent speakers who survive. Our elder fluent speakers are slowly leaving us and there aren’t many left today. We are trying to bond together with each band" to keep the languages alive.
Rootead's Youth Drum and Dance Ensemble showcased their incredible talent and artistry on the Comstock Community Theatre stage on February 9. Check out Fran Dwight's vibrant photographs!
Battle Creek's two big cereal companies, WK Kellogg Co. and Post Consumer Brands, come together for the second annual Battle Creek Cereal Sale to raise funds for United Way of South Central Michigan.
Iridescent Health, a welcoming, inclusive clinic with a focus on LGBTQ+ individuals and underserved communities, celebrated its Grand Opening on February 12 in Kalamazoo.
“The intent of starting this back-office type of process or support is an acknowledgment that Early Childhood professionals are doing multiple jobs all at once. If some of the back office responsibilities can be done collaboratively by the CCBO, that’s one way to make the childcare profession more appealing and prevent burnout.”
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