Brush the Block Mural Festival aims to paint the town vibrant in Kalamazoo
“We would very much like to have public art everywhere in our city, It conveys a message that people are invested here."
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.
Dream for BIPOC Battle Creek Collaborative Endowment gets jump start at Dreamers Ball
"By investing in these organizations' long-term sustainability, we're creating a model for community investment that will benefit generations to come."
Tribal Voices Amplified: A new era of representation in Michigan legislative history
Michigan is the first state in the nation to establish a legislative office for official tribal consultation with the establishment of Bill 5600. Tribes will consult on laws regarding issues such as land, water, wildlife, and economic development.
Hands across Eleanor: An oral history of a unique downtown Kalamazoo business corner
"Set the Wayback Machine to 1977." Flipside, Mr. President's, Sarkozy's, Missias — places that might jog a few memories. A December gathering that included former business owners explored the history of this iconic corner.
Continuing to have people’s backs through a foundation in Marshall
“We knew we needed to do something to carry on his legacy...Every time we have a request come in or we’re able to give to a child or make a difference in some way, we know this would be something Issac would want to be part of. It helps to keep him alive in our lives.”
Beyond the Headlines in 2024: Journalists reflect on stories that impacted them
A look back at the stories of 2024 through the eyes of your Southwest Michigan Second Wave writers.
Women in Albion and Marshall make an impact through collective giving groups
Collective giving groups, especially among women, continue to rise in popularity. We introduce you to two such Southwest Michigan groups to find out how they were formed and why they are thriving.
Dreamers Ball in Battle Creek celebrates MLK’s legacy while building for the future
“MLK Day is probably one of the most celebrated holidays among those who are into any form of justice and in our community. We have not always had a communitywide celebration of Dr. King and so we felt it was good to leverage the unity around the ideas of Dr. King to host our event in the form of a Dreamers Ball to remember his vision."
Bent Not Broken: Kalamazoo nonprofit empowers families affected by the juvenile justice system
Through participatory defense support and community collaboration, Bent Not Broken aims to disrupt the systemic juvenile injustice cycles in Kalamazoo.
Can the ‘River of Death’ be tamed? West Main residents, businesses express appetite for ‘road diet’
In Kalamazoo, street calming has helped to decrease accidents by 23 percent. Residents and business owners along West Main, a major artery to downtown, are also requesting changes to slow the hazardous flow of traffic.
