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.
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.
Students at Harper Creek High are launching WHCX 97.1 FM, a low-power radio station to share school and community news.
Thinking outside the bouquet, Elisha Mayes' Plumeria Botanical Boutique in Battle Creek celebrates 10 years and a bold new chapter.
Amid delays and political fights in Lansing, Battle Creek and Lakeview school districts are scrambling to balance their budgets, maintain essential services, and protect students as the promised state funding from the Michigan School Aid Fund remains uncertain.
At Kalamazoo’s Democracy Fest, community members were urged to move beyond protest and pick up a paddle — taking local action to defend democracy together.
A new state-funded program in Calhoun and St. Joseph counties helps justice-involved individuals secure stable housing through landlord partnerships and financial incentives.
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