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.
“Realistically, there’s no amount of foundation funding that’s going to make up for what we have lost and will lose,” says Robert Elchert, Executive Director of the SHARE Center. However, partnerships and pivoting have helped with the gap.
The NAACP Battle Creek 90th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner will bring community leaders together to celebrate civil rights achievements, honor local heroes, and inspire immediate action on today’s most pressing social justice issues.
Blending passion with purpose, Martina Reed’s new studio, Dancescape, brings high-energy dance classes to kids and adults in Battle Creek, creating an inclusive space where all ages can move, grow, and groove.
After 30 years behind the chair, Angie English transformed her passion for helping others into Bloom Beauty & Wellness, creating a space where beauty, wellness, and community come together.
Once considered an overlooked option by parents, Minges Brook Elementary has transformed into a nationally recognized leader in student health and trauma-informed education.
The newly renovated Battle Creek Innovation Hub, launched through a partnership between GVSU, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Battle Creek Unlimited, aims to drive education, entrepreneurship, and community growth in Southwest Michigan.
A new thrift store in Marshall, opened by Volunteers of America Michigan, is revitalizing a once-vacant plaza while supporting veterans and sustainability efforts through secondhand shopping.
Battle Creek celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month through vibrant cultural events, educational initiatives, and community advocacy led by the Battle Creek Latin American Heritage Initiative with support from the Battle Creek Community Foundation.
Battle Creek is reimagining housing — with ideas such as ADUs, cottage courts, and zoning reforms — to ensure affordability and inclusion across income levels.
Northside residents are hopeful the new $300M Kalamazoo Event Center will bring jobs, training, and business opportunities to their community.
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