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.
“I feel good about what we’re doing. It’s pretty exciting. For our families, it’s their house, their project, and their own stability that they’re building. We’re just helping them along the way.”
“The dinner is needed more this year than ever given the results of the recent presidential election. Our LGBTQIA+ community is struggling and we need to gather together to show them that they do have support.”
The closure of the Alma Powell Branch of the Kalamazoo Public Library stunned Northside residents. Plans are underway for short and long-term locations that will feature facilities that meet residents' needs.
Thanks to the passage of Bill 5600, Michigan's Native Tribes will have a voice in legislation that impacts them.
GVSU's Pipeline Program is now offering internships to Battle Creek Bearcats in addition to helping students with academic preparedness, overall wellness, and connecting with their on-campus communities.
SLD Read, a nonprofit literacy education organization, celebrated 50 years at its A-Listers Literacy Event this October. The event also honored students and tutors at the celebration which took place at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan facility.
The Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra's performance, "American Veteran," on Nov. 2 will honor local veterans both through musical selections and an accompanying slideshow.
After 43 years of founding and running Wellspring Dance Company, Cori Terry is passing the mantle to new Artistic Director Marisa Bianan. Terry says she feels like "she hit the jackpot" in Bianan with someone who "has it all."
Nearly 100 Northside residents gathered to hear developers and partners discuss the proposed Kalamazoo Event Center and its impact on the neighborhood. Details were also shared about workforce development.
“Everybody knows what a flea market is. When I was growing up there was a flea market in a parking lot that had everything from car parts to clothes to records. We are doing that same thing with an edge to it."
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