Two years can fly by in local government and not in a good way. Battle Creek Mayor Mark Banke and City Commissioner Jim Lance break down the May 5 election ballot question that would extend the mayor and city commission terms from two years to four, and why supporters...
A disc golf tournament with a music pun might sound like a small thing, until you see what it’s really funding. Julie Green from the Lakeview Band Boosters talks about their upcoming fundraiser, Treble On The Fairway, and the behind the scenes costs of keeping a high...
This time on Inside Calhoun County: Assistant Director of Community Development Lucy Hough talks through the surprising ways Calhoun County parks support research, conservation, and everyday recreation, from rare turtle surveys to creek level data you can text in....
Battle Creek’s new Fire Chief Bush McCarthy talks to Community Matters about what he thinks about leadership, service, and the real work behind the sirens. He breaks down what the department responds to most, why new fire station upgrades matter, and what every...
Kay Parker and Marsha Heath from the Battle Creek Optimist Club discuss how their Optimist Excellence in Art Competition grew into a 900-student showcase across Calhoun County. They talk to Community Matters about how the judging works, what students and schools can...
A fundraiser can be flashy and still be deeply practical, and Giving Table is built to do both. Teresa Allen from Charitable Union sits down with Community Matters to unpack the newly named event at FireKeepers Casino and Hotel and the real reason it exists: keeping...
Continuing the next series of Creating Dementia Solutions episodes, we explore the real-life experiences of individuals and families affected by dementia. Through intimate conversations, each episode shares a unique story — from early memories and the moment of...
In their first interviews since Battle Creek Assistant City Manager Ted Dearing announced his retirement, he and successor Marcie Gilette talk through the priorities, partnerships, and resident input that will guide what comes next. Ted also reflects on his tenure in...
Your kid can do archery anywhere. The real question is whether they can look someone in the eye, handle a little boredom, and build friendships without a screen in their hand. Zach Klipsch, CEO of Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center, talks to Community Matters to unpack...
The team behind Black Squirrel News is taking a cooperative approach to rebuilding trustworthy local reporting in Calhoun County through a volunteer-powered, community-led model. Jeremy Andrews, Nick Buckley and Lucy Hough talk to Community Matters about why news...