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.
Refilleries for health, beauty, and cleaning products are on the rise as people search for ways to avoid single-use plastics. Aware of that trend, Krystal Smith is opening Artique, a health and beauty refillery also featuring antiques and crafts at a former Bedford Township church.
Battle Creek's Sunlight Gardens and Farmacy opened a new event center to partner with local restaurants in providing farm-to-table food.
Her first napkin was collected at a birthday party when she was 5. Now the Smithsonian reaches out to her with requests to include her rare and one-of-a-kind pieces in their collections.
An unfortunate accident didn't stop bookstore co-owner Staci Stuart from also running a construction business, a field typically not well-represented by women. From her wheelchair, "She's the spider in the web, controlling the web."
Correspondent Mark Wedel recently visited El Concilio's new building to learn how much more work the organization can do for the community in the new location. But the sense that the coming years are going to be years of crisis kept intruding on the visit that included a serious discussion of what could be coming under a second Trump administration for the community El Concilio serves.
“I feel like us just being present in areas that seniors utilize a lot is making them feel more comfortable. They may be a little wary and feel like we’re going to rush through it. Being empathetic and understanding of their experiences is how we get around this,”
Battle Creek's Winter Wanderland celebrates the season and small businesses at Kellogg Arena on Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Many in the LGBTQIA+ community are taking steps to protect themselves from the threat of Project 25 to roll back rights. As a response, one Queer Activist in Battle Creek plans to keep a low profile while reducing household expenses and getting important papers in order.
Local hip-hop artist Ed Genesis recently presented a seminar on hip-hop through a social justice lens. Maya James, our social practice artist and writer, was there to 'review.' She also created a collage to accompany the piece.
Battle Creek Pride is helping people prepare for possible changes to LGBTQIA+ rights and addressing concerns by providing safe spaces and workshops that address practical matters, such as estate planning and protecting assets.
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