One paddle at a time: Kalamazoo rallies to rescue democracy
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.
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.
Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek plays a key role in unlocking housing for the justice-involved
A new state-funded program in Calhoun and St. Joseph counties helps justice-involved individuals secure stable housing through landlord partnerships and financial incentives.
Murder Mystery Dinner helps solve the need for senior day care services in Battle Creek
Join the Marian E. Burch Adult Day Care & Rehabilitation Center for a thrilling night of mystery and masquerade, all to support compassionate care and vital services for aging adults and their caregivers in Calhoun County.
From seed to storefront: Battle Creek’s first food co-op to open in September
Uproot Market and Eatery, Battle Creek’s first community-owned food co-op, is set to open this fall, aiming to provide fresh, local, and affordable food to underserved neighborhoods while fostering community ownership and food equity.
Delivering change: Bronson Battle Creek Hospital slashes C-Section rates for safer births
Bronson Battle Creek Hospital has been recognized for significantly reducing its cesarean section rate—placing it among Michigan’s top hospitals—through targeted initiatives aimed at improving maternal care and addressing health disparities.
Local love in action: BCCF Block Party wraps listening tour with impact, investment, and inclusion
The Battle Creek Community Foundation wrapped up its listening tour with a downtown Block Party, unveiling its Annual Impact Report and highlighting over $8 million in community investments focused on health, education, housing, and grassroots initiatives.
Devon Wilson elevates Battle Creek’s food justice work through national WKKF fellowship
“I’ve been on this mission to create access to healthy food and nutrient-dense food, and why people should care. The Community Leadership Network was a great place to hone my skills and be a better leader."
‘Spooky Symphony’ kicks off Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra’s spectacular season
The Battle Creek Symphony kicks off its 127th season on October 11 with “Spooky Symphony,” a fun, family-friendly Halloween-themed concert featuring costumes, classic eerie music, and a live theremin performance.
Battle Creek Community Foundation takes annual report to the streets with Block Party
The Battle Creek Community Foundation is hosting its second annual Block Party on August 20 to share its annual report, celebrate community progress, and gather input from residents to shape future initiatives.
High schools huddle up with Police Athletic League to kick off Kalamazoo Youth Football Camp
Kalamazoo’s Youth Football Camp brought together local high schools, the Police Athletic League, and families for a free, skills-based event aimed at teaching kids the fundamentals of football, building community unity, and keeping youth active and engaged.
