Community Matters Calhoun County

First Aired August 5, 2023 Opponents of the Ford BlueOval Battery Park Michigan planned for Marshall, Michigan are again facing a delay in the progress of their lawsuit. Marshall attorney Richard Lindsey - one of the members of the Ford/MAEDA legal team - explains what caused the latest delay and when both sides will face a judge again. Episode Resources Attorney Richard Lindsey’s website BlueOval...

First Aired August 5, 2023 In an update on the Ford BlueOval Battery Park Michiga n project, Jim Durian, CEO of the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) tells Community Matters the unbuilt plant is already attracting allied industies. Durian said a concrete mixing company, Shafer Redi-Mix, intends to buy a space at The Brooks industrial and research park - a move that would bring mo...

First Aired August 5, 2023 Calhoun County Clerk Kimberly Hinkley encourages residents to go to the polls on Election Day Tuesday, August 5, 2023. In this episode of Community Matters, Hinkley discusses the smattering of ballot questions voters will decide on. Hinkley also looks ahead to the implementation of 9-day early voting in the state, which has her office and those of local clerks planning t...

First Aired July 29, 2023 Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Vice-Chair Steve Frisbie returns, this time with Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott. The pair discusses the outcome of the county's annual audit, as well as the Board's extension of Scott's contract. Episode Resources Calhoun County website Calhoun County Board of Commissioners website Calhoun County Administration we...

First Aired July 29, 2023 With the expected Ford BlueOval Battery Park Michigan plant in Marshall, some may be wondering: When can I apply for one of the 2500 jobs expected? What type of jobs will they be? What skills would I need? At press time, Ford had not offered insights yet into many of those details. But as we learn in this Community Matters episode, Kellogg Community College has already be...

First Aired July 22, 2023 In his first interview with Community Matters since a judge ruled against a proposed preliminary injunction meant to stop work at the Marshall (Michigan) Megasite, Glenn Kowalske talks about next steps. A member of the Committee for Marshall - Not the Megasite , Kowalske offers a peek into the committee's thinking while work continues at the site - preparing for cons...

First Aired July 22, 2023 A member of the legal team representing the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) tells Community Matters he does not believe the Committee for Marshall - Not the Megasite will win its lawsuit. Attorney Richard Lindsey believes a written opinion in the case released July 17, 2023 by Judge William Marietti - which shot down an attempt at a preliminary injunct...

First Aired July 22, 2023 The Humane Society of South Central Michigan presents Laney, a pretty cat with a mild-mannered disposition, as a candidate for adoption in this Wiggly Tail episode of Community Matters. Episode Resources HSSCM website Richard reads to the kittens at HSSCM ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an i...

First Aired July 15, 2023 After the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners removed creation of a county transit authority from its agenda in spring 2023 citing a lack of support from municipalities, the Battle Creek City Commission is trying to get the county to take it up again. As we hear from Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke, he hopes a recent unanimous show of support for a county transit authori...

First Aired July 15, 2023 The Charitable Union in Battle Creek is ramping up its annual effort to get new or gently used school clothes to local children in need. Teresa Allen returns to Community Matters to discuss how you can help. Episode Resources Charitable Union website Community Matters: More Charitable Union episodes Back To School Clothing Drive Drop-Off Locations Battle Creek Public Scho...

First Aired July 15, 2023 Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) of Michigan's 45th House District joins Community Matters to discuss a number of current events. First, Lightner offers her perspective after having voted "no" on the incentive package for the proposed Ford BlueOval Battery Park Michigan at the Marshall Megasite. Lightner also discusses the recent state budget process, as...

First Aired July 8, 2023 Marshall Mayor Jim Schwartz returns to Community Matters to discuss the planned Ford BlueOval Battery Park Michigan eyed for the Megasite property, saying a "majority is very, very strong in support of this taking place." Amid some resistance - including a lawsuit filed by the " Committee for Marshall - Not the Megasite " to stop the appropriate zoning...

First Aired July 8, 2023 More than a dozen bridges along I-94 in Calhoun County are slated for repair or replacement in the summer of 2023. The work began in late winter and continues. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Nick Schirripa updates Community Matters on the status of the work, including a key component: Replacing the Capital Avenue bridge over I-94 in Battle Creek. Episod...

First Aired July 8, 2023 Michigan State Police Lt. DuWayne Robinson talks with Community Matters about a new law in the state, now in effect, which makes it illegal to hold a device such as a smart phone while operating a vehicle. Robinson also discusses what could be a double-whammy for some violators: A combination fine and community service requirement. Episode Resources MSP Distracted Driving...

First Aired July 1, 2023 Battle Creek Fire Chief Bill Beaty visits Community Matters to urge Battle Creek-area residents to use caution when using fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. He says so for personal safety, but as well, because of the excessively dry ground. A burn ban in effect this summer was lifted in Battle Creek just before the Independence Day holiday weekend, but Beaty indicate...

First Aired July 1, 2023 A longstanding Independence Day weekend tradition in Battle Creek, the Field of Flight Airshow and Balloon Festival was back in full force on July 1, 2023. Just head of the show's debut, lead organizer Barb Haluskzka tells Community Matters with her signature enthusiasm all about the weekend's plans - and pertinent information about buying tickets and parking. Ep...

First Aired July 1, 2023 Glenn Kowalske returns to Community Matters to discuss developments the group "Committee for Marshall - Not the Megasite" has against the Ford BlueOval Battery Park Michigan. An attempt to halt rezoning of some of the property at the Marshall Megasite where the plant is to be built and circulating petitions to force a referendum for residents faced a setback when...

First Aired July 1, 2023 Calhoun County has established a Broadband Task Force to help understand challenges residents have gaining reliable access to high speed internet. County spokesperson Lucy Blair discusses the two main reasons: Rural locations and cost. Blair also discusses Community Matters the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which can help low income residents lower their broadband...

First Aired June 24, 2023 This time on Wiggly Tail: A Feist-mix named Beauty, along with discussions of PFAS and dogs as well as fireworks and pets. Click to hear Jessica Gilbert at the Humane Society of South Central Michigan in this monthly update. Episode Resources HSSCM website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an...

First Aired June 24, 2023 The Battle Creek Salvation Army plans some fun events for the summer of 2023. Captains Mika and Grace Roinila talk about baseball, classic cars and more in this visit with Community Matters. Episode Resources Battle Creek Salvation Army website and events information ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community M...

First Aired June 24, 2023 In this month's Calhoun County Board of Commissioners update, Vice-Chair Steve Frisbie offers some county perspective on petitions filed - and rejected - in Marshall regarding zoning for the Ford BlueOval Battery Park project. Frisbie also offers advice on how residents can productively address the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners when they have input to offer....

First Aired June 17, 2023 Principal Tom McPherson discusses charter schools - specifically, the Endeavor Charter Academy in Springfield (Battle Creek). Charter schools, many of which now have established track records, are a school of choice for many parents. McPherson discusses what sets them apart, Endeavor's partnership with Grand Valley State University and the potential for students to q...

First Aired June 17, 2023 Kimberly Holley continues to get her footing as Battle Creek's first diversity, equity and inclusion officer - announced as such in December, 2022. She became the first person to step into such a role at the city and discusses the approach so far, as well as some perspective on diversity, equity and inclusion. Episode Resources City of BC announcement of Kimberly Hol...

First Aired June 17, 2023 Calhoun County Sheriff Steve Hinkley joins Community Matters to discuss his participation on a panel at the Mackinac Public Policy Conference focused on the approaches to school violence and prevention. He also discusses participation on the governor-appointed Juvenile Justice Task Force. Episode Resources Calhoun County Sheriff's Department website Sheriff Steve Hin...

First Aired June 10, 2023 In recent days, Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority alerted the community to an uptick in accidental calls to 911 emergency response - somehow thought to be related to the relative ease with which the calls can be made from smart phones. CCCDA Executive Director Michael Armitage tells Community Matters national authorities now believe the problem has to do with...