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.
“Kick Back and Breathe,” a free monthly event by the Institute of Public Scholarship, explores how air pollution impacts Black and Brown communities. Using data from local air monitors, the series empowers residents to understand their air and push for cleaner, healthier neighborhoods.
A new report shows over half of households in Albion, Springfield, and Homer Township are struggling to afford basic needs. Stagnant wages and rising costs leave many living just above or below the poverty line.
Northside native Jonathan Yarbrough has been named executive director of the Northside Association for Community Development. Seen as a "connector, bridge-builder, and advocate," he plans to "move the needle" on the neighborhood’s legacy while driving community-focused growth.
In Battle Creek, Stacey Kornegay turns meals into medicine with her Standing Spoon personal chef service, crafting flavorful, health-focused dishes tailored to her clients' needs. What began as a DoorDash detour has grown into a mission to make nutritious, healing food both accessible and enjoyable.
Amid a nationwide decline in corporate sponsorships for Pride events, Battle Creek Pride is pressing forward with its 2025 festival thanks to increased support from local businesses and community organizations. Despite political headwinds and funding shortfalls, organizers remain committed to celebrating and elevating local voices.
Cuban immigrant Ariel Martinez Ochoa of Battle Creek was honored for his work in healthcare after just three years in the U.S., but his dreams are on hold as he awaits a long-delayed Green Card. Despite the recognition, immigration backlogs threaten to stall his next steps.
At the Institute of Public Scholarship’s “Remembering the Block” talk on the Kalamazoo Boxing Academy, stories of bruises, brotherhood, and Black pride reminded listeners that real strength is learned both in and outside the ring. And Carlean Gill revisits the glory days of Idlewild.
Spirits, fruit-forward, and lower Alcohol by Volume are market trends in the alcohol industry since the peak of craft beer, and Benchmark of Livonia, which recently acquired Dark Horse and Roak Brewing Co., hopes to capitalize on those trends — but the Mug Club lives on.
“We are the only Veterans organization in Southwest Michigan doing what we’re doing. I like to call us a neutral spot. We don’t care what branch of the service you were in or what your discharge status is. People I’ve talked to have said it’s about time."
Bridgett Blough and Trent Thompson of Of The Land in Battle Creek are redefining weddings with their June 7 Elopement Day, offering intimate ceremonies for just $2,900 — well below the national average.
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