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...
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...
Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) returns to Community Matters for a spring legislative update. From keeping doctors licensed to keeping ambulances on the road, Frisbie discusses why legislative deadlines and court fights in Lansing could turn into real-world...
Folks may want to help their community, but may not know where to start or how to make it fit into a busy week. Kara Beer from the Battle Creek Area Chamber talks about Community Impact Day on May 13, a three-hour burst of hands-on service designed to create visible...
The Brass Band of Battle Creek recently landed a major invitation to perform at the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival in South Korea. Jerry Rose, Executive Director of the Brass Band Battle Creek, talks about how the invite came together, how the ensemble...
Tornadoes in Michigan are no longer something only heard about in warm weather months. Calhoun County residents know the last few seasons have made that clear. Chandler Bos, Vice President of Michigan Storm Chasers, unpacks what it really takes to track severe...
Spring is in the air in Battle Creek. Annie Kelly from the Downtown Battle Creek Zine, rounds up the best local reasons to get out of the house. From lions at Binder Park Zoo to live music nights and a Symphony concert built around Ellis Island stories, we map out...
