Ben Brown’s Eastside tiny house experiment paves the way for future Kalamazoo small homes
For so many years Ben Brown had a dream of a tiny house. Making that dream come true has made it attainable for others in Kalamazoo.
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.
Earth Day Workday and Unveil the Trail: Great ways to celebrate spring at Bow in the Clouds
Work is underway to make the trail at Bow in the Clouds open to all and you are invited to see what that means.
Evolution of Bow in the Clouds: Kalamazoo’s Eastside urban oasis
Where can you find wild turtles in the city? They are at Bow in the Clouds.
Go-Karts, bumper boats and more bring in families to Riverside Recreation in Battle Creek
What started as a whim became a business drawing in generations of parents and youngsters at Riverview Recreation in Battle Creek.
Fundraiser will help continue renovations of house on Fremont
The goal is $50,000 to help with renovations to 26 Fremont Street in Battle Creek.
Improved Kalamazoo Eastside parks beckon residents for spring
Rockwell Park is listed on the historical registry and recently received an update so it can better fulfill the recreation desires of the Eastside Neighborhood in Kalamazoo.
Familiar faces: The new owner of Pizza Sam’s has worked there since he graduated from high school
The new owner of Pizza Sam's in Battle Creek has been with the business for many years.
Peace House: Intentional community inspires ‘revolution of the heart’ on Kalamazoo’s Eastside
Peace House is the kind of place where young people form a bond that lasts for years.
CJ Drenth: Spreading cheer, one plant, one stage, one butterfly at a time on Kalamazoo’s Eastside
CJ Drenth lives on Kalamazoo's Eastside, but she's at home in many creative places throughout the city.
New plan sets goals for City of Battle Creek to provide service to the public in sustainable ways
Energy, water, transportation, waste, government management practices, land use, and public outreach are all part of a new Environment Sustainability plan adopted by the City of Battle Creek.
