World’s Biggest Rice Table: Village Network of Battle Creek connects cultures through rice
"At the core of the various rice dishes there was one common denominator: rice. We believed that this would help us all see that at the core we are the same.”
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.
Fantastic Beats to open Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra’s 2024-25 season
The Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra's opening concert on Oct. 5 will feature "Fantastic Beats," including the “Game of Thrones” orchestra suite, “Star Trek Into Darkness,” and “Symphonic Suite from Lord of the Rings."
Calhoun County makes first disbursement of opioid settlement funds
“I work at ground zero not one person who walks in that SHARE Center is on a winning streak," says Matthew Jones, a recovering heroin addict and Peer Support Recovery Coach.
State-of-the-art, holistic addiction treatment facility schedules opening in Kalamazoo
"We’ve created a program and an atmosphere where individuals can heal their mind, body, and soul — and ultimately, find a path to lasting recovery."
Battle Creek personal fitness trainer sets his own PR serving clients for 40 years
With 40 years of experience, Personal Trainer Troy Huggett has developed his own formula for personal fitness — and his high-intensity training method takes only 15 minutes two or three times a week.
Providing opportunities in Battle Creek for Hispanic and MiXcano youth to learn history and culture
Masa Center is offering educational opportunities, including an Emerging Leadership Program, for Hispanic and MiXicanos (Xicanx/Mexicans living in Michigan) youth in Battle Creek.
From neighborhood ‘dive bar’ to eclectic music venue, Edison’s SugarBowl is pretty sweet
"There is a type of performance that, maybe you're not going to buy the record, but you feel lucky to be seeing people doing art that you've never seen before. It's like seeing a strange animal in the wild. Fascinating, amazing, but don't pet that thing, it might bite."
What makes A Life Well Lived? Kalamazoo series aims to inspire intergenerational discussion
"The events we have planned for the coming months as part of 'A Life Well Lived — Kalamazoo' will challenge us to think about what is genuinely good for us in our relationships, our work, and our life projects."
Feeling #Solid: Battle Creek musician helps heal losses by creating and helping others create
“I feel like music is the universal language of love and peace," says Ramone Jay Person (#Solid) who has been composing, creating, and mentoring his way through the tragic loss of three family members to violence.
Kids Count focuses on childhood and early learning in Battle Creek, Calhoun County, and beyond
“It’s often more expensive to pay for childcare than it is to pay rent or a mortgage which makes it hard for families to want to grow. There’s more that we can be doing so families have access to paid or medical leave. When employees are not guaranteed paid time off it makes it harder.”
