Community Matters Calhoun County

As part of the special Community Matters veterans observance ahead of Veteran's Day, the Calhoun County Veterans Affairs office has some info for vets: You may qualify for disability benefits through the VA. And they are waiting to assist you in finding out. Click to hear Aaron Edlefson talk about how they can help - and why you might be seeing green lights on certain buildings during the wee...

Honoring those members who have served the United States through military service is something that happens every day, on many occasions. Veteran's Day, though, sets aside a special time for that recognition nationally. But how did that start? And how does it differ from Memorial Day? Summit Pointe Veteran Navigator Michele Pascoe joins Community Matters to discuss that - along with how honor...

In 2024, the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Medical Center marked its 100th anniversary. As part of the 2024 special Community Matters episode ahead of Veteran's Day, BCVA spokesperson Brian Pegouske looks back on the center's origins in Battle Creek. Episode Resources Battle Creek VA Medical Center ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) retu...

November 22, 2024 is the deadline to nominate an area veteran to receive a professionally installed holiday light display on their home. Owner Chuck Barnes at Twinkle Holiday Lighting will, again this year, fulfill the wishes of the family of Marine Cpl. Josh Hoffman, who passed away in 2021 from injuries received while serving in Iraq. The family awards Josh's lights to a new veteran each ho...

Family and Children Services, an organization focused on supportive community action around children and families, is selling its building in Battle Creek at 778 W. Columbia Avenue. But, CEO Diane Marquess tells Community Matters, the sale will not lessen its commitment to its mission in Battle Creek. Instead, she says, it's more of a post-COVID change in work posture. With origins all the wa...

A bright, sunny October afternoon was the perfect backdrop for something a long-time coming: The official opening of the hotel in downtown Battle Creek. Community Matters visited the ribbon-cutting event on October 18, 2024 where community members, leaders and residents heard speeches marking the occasion - and got a chance to tour the new facility. Even all the way up to the 16th floor where they...

A November 1, 2024 wine tasting event is planned as a fundraiser for programs supported by the Cereal City Sunrise Rotary Club. Members Dick Schlatter and Cassie Scramlin join Community Matters to talk about the Sunrise Rotary and the programs "Wines from Around the World" will support. Learning about and tasting more than 25 different wines from all over the globe is the focus. a large...

After unsuccessful attempts to address what Superintendent Becky Jones says is more than $150 million in needed upgrades to the Marshall School District, the district is asking again on the November 2024 ballot. But, not before having surveyed voters in the district and making some adjustments. Still, the November ask totals about $90 million. Jones returns to Community Matters to talk about what...

Community Matters dropped by the Charitable Union October open house, where Executive Director Teresa Allen and her team greeted visitors to show them where they work best serving Calhoun County's underserved. As we learn from Teresa in this discussion, it's as much about recycling as it is about helping those who need it. Episode Resources Charitable Union ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former...

A repaving and bridge replacement project along I-94 in Calhoun County will be largely completed when the Michigan Department of Transportation packs up this fall. MDOT spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells Community Matters the project originally was expected to stretch into 2025, though some finishing work will continue. Episode Resources Mi-Drive construction interactive map MDOT construction info...

With uniform lower court decisions behind it, the Committee for Marshall-Not the Megasite lawsuit in Marshall now headed for the Michigan Supreme Court is not impressive enough for justices to take up the case. That's the opinion of attorney Richard Lindsey, a member of the legal team for the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) - the other side in the case. While Lindsey initi...

Our Wiggly Tail update takes us back to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan where we find Executive Director Jessica Gilbert and Rocket - a wirehaired terrier. Now, you might be inclined to think Rocket is full of energy, based on his name. If you thought so, you would be right! Click to hear about Rocket - and about available dog training through the Humane Society. And, mark your calend...

Four Battle Creek-area school boards - including that of the Battle Creek Public Schools - are looking to their counterparts nearby to share information and knowledge. That's the word from Eric Greene, president of the Lakeview Schools Board, who joins Community Matters to talk about what the panels hope to gain from the collaboration. Episode Resources Battle Creek Public Schools Lakeview Sc...

Miles for Memories volunteers Sherii Sherban and Cassandra Lucas-Moore discuss two events coming in October 2024. One of them is a familiar favorite meant to help inspire movement - a bit part of the Miles for Memories mission. The other mixes food and fun, gala-style, to raise funds for the dementia education organization in Calhoun County. Episode Resources Miles for Memories website Miles for M...

Mini-magazines - known as "zines" - have begun to permeate as a means of promoting various endeavors. Now, there's one that's debuted in downtown Battle Creek. It's an effort to promote what's happening in downtown, where a growing energy can be felt. Former Battle Creek Enquirer reporters Nick Buckley and Annie Kelley say it's also a love letter for downtown Bat...

The good news? COVID-19 infections in summer 2024 mirrored those of the previous year, meaning there was not a notable increase in the average number of cases. That's the word from the Calhoun County Public Health Department. While updating the local COVID situation, Calhoun County Public Health Officer Eric Pessell takes an opportunity to talk about flu and RSV, as well, in this episode of C...

The Veterans Administration Battle Creek health care center is working alongside its counterparts across the country to engage with vets who may be having suicidal thoughts. Amanda Briggs coordinates local engagement efforts prompted by the national COMPACT Act, which passed in 2021 but only began ramping up in fall 2023. She talks to Community Matters about what is considered an epidemic of suici...

Community Matters has learned that the attorney for the Committee for Marshall - Not the Megasite has filed an application for leave of appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court. Not unexpected, the move is the last potential opportunity for the committee to get a court to see things its way as it relates to a potential referendum about the planned Ford BlueOval battery plant going up at the Marshall...

Following the retirement of longtime Battle Creek City Attorney Jill Steele in 2024, the search was on to find her successor. After some years as an assistant city attorney in Flint, William Kim accepted the same post in Battle Creek. Now, he joins Community Matters   to talk about his view of municipal law, the importance of interaction with the city manager and what drew him to Battle Creek. Epi...

Ahead of another fall campaign push for charitable giving in Calhoun County, Community Matters host Richard Piet sits down with Chris Sargent, president and CEO of the United Way of South Central Michigan. The discussion centers around how the United Way stretches a dollar, especially when charitable giving has been down in recent years. Episode Resources United Way of South Central Michigan Donat...

As students head back to the classroom for the 2024-25 school year, Battle Creek Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Carter is echoing the importance of attendance. Carter also reflects more on the effects of the Bearcat Advantage program, which covers tuition for Battle Creek Public Schools graduates. Episode Resources Battle Creek Public Schools website Bearcat Advantage details More epis...

Calhoun County is in good financial health and the latest professional audit and strong credit rating prove it. That's the word from Board of Commissioners Chair Derek King. The county reported a "AA" credit rating as issued by S&P Global Ratings, saying it "affirms the county's financial stability and ongoing commitment to responsible fiscal management." Click to...

In its first "Drive 4 UR School" test drive event since the COVID-19 pandemic, Lakeview Ford in Battle Creek will connect Lakeview Schools robotics students with cash from Ford. The concept is simple: Show up, test drive a Ford and Lakeview Schools gets either $20 or $70. Why the difference? It depends on which car you test drive. Click to listen for details! Episode Resources Lakeview F...

Gray and white with tiger cat features, Chai the Domestic Shorthair seemingly did not have an easy life before she was brought to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. But, as we learn in this Wiggly Tail update, that's all behind her now - and she's ready to land anew on all four paws. Episode Resources Humane Society of South Central Michigan website Chai on Petfinder Richard r...

For the 13th time, Battle Creek's Community Inclusive Recreation (CIR) is readying for the annual Kickball Classic fundraiser, sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln. Set for September 22, 2024 at Bailey Park, the tournament-style event brings teams formed by local businesses and organizations together with CIR participants. The teams play in front of local spectators, who are admitted free. Hear...