Community Matters Calhoun County

Michael Armitage with the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority talks about “Callie,” a virtual assistant now answering Calhoun County’s non-emergency dispatch lines so telecommunicators can stay focused on urgent calls. He breaks down how "Callie" detects emergencies, gets monitored and tuned so public safety outcomes improve without replacing people. Episode Resources Calhoun...

Brittney Dowdy returns to talk about two summer opportunities that put kids first: a free community flag football game and a Pistons Academy basketball clinic built to be affordable and high impact. Brittney shares how the B Squared Foundation raises money, sponsors kids, and uses sports to build confidence and better teamwork on and off the court.  For more information on sponsoring a child, call...

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joins Community Matters to pay tribute to Dr. Joe Schwarz and reflects on how his principles shaped the way he led and the way others learned to lead around him. Whitmer talks about his fierce advocacy, re...

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke shares his memories of Dr. Joe Schwarz and the creative ways he fought for Battle Creek. From economic development wins to tense public meetings, Behnke talks about the moments that show what Schwarz's co...

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Michigan State Representative Steve Frisbee recalls why Dr. Joe Schwartz's humor, blunt honesty, and steady presence mattered to Battle Creek. Frisbie shares stories from the ER, his clinical style with patients, and the kind of politi...

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Former State Representative Jim Haadsma shares why Dr. Joe Schwarz became “Mr. Battle Creek” to so many people who worked with him and watched him lead. Haadsma reflects on the fights he chose, the way he mentored others, and the uncommon r...

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Vince Pavone from Lakeview Ford reflects on the life of Dr. Joe Schwarz and the kind of civic leadership that feels rare right now: sharp, principled, and community-first. Pavone shares personal stories that show how Joe could disagree with...

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  T.R. Shaw, CEO of Shaw Communications and author of Defy the Immediate , reflects on Dr. Joe Schwarz's lifelong dedication to public service in Battle Creek driven by duty, relationships, and a refusal to let the city be sidelined.  AB...

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Battle Creek Unlimited CEO, Joe Sobieralski, discusses what Dr. Joe Schwarz's leadership meant for Battle Creek Unlimited and what any community can borrow from his playbook.  ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richa...

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Former Congressman Fred Upton looks back at what made Dr. Joe Schwarz so effective for Battle Creek. Upton also digs into what Congress could relearn from Schwartz’s straight-talk style and bipartisan relationships.  ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS...

The Community Matters July events update from the Downtown Battle Creek Zine highlights America’s 250th celebrations across Battle Creek and Calhoun County, from the Field of Flight to parades, cars, and free community concerts.  Episode Resources Follow DBCZ on Facebook ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview p...

This time on Wiggly Tail, meet Scottie, a sweet, high-energy young “Basset Doodle” at the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Carrie Bammer, Animal Care Manager at HSSCM, talks about the ideal home for Scotty and shares an adoption update on previously featured cat, Bagel.  Bammer also discusses how the increase tick population in Michigan is causing health issues for many dogs in the area. ...

Joe Sobierakski returns from Battle Creek Unlimited to talk about the 8-year journey of turning an vacant site into new housing and why the financing is often the hardest part.  He also discusses the recent WACO Aircraft closure at the Battle Creek Executive Airport - and what types of aviation tenants they hope to fill that void.  Episode Resources Battle Creek Unlimited Website   ABOUT COMMUNITY...

Charles Burke, president and CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, discusses why this day-trip Grand Rapids destination feels like a reset for your mind and a memory-maker for your family. Burke explains how the Gardens feels like many places in one and has a little something for everyone at any age.  Episode Resources Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Website ABOUT COMMUNI...

Marshall Public Schools and Pennfield Schools are two local recipients of a mini-grant from MDOT Safe Routes to School. Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Becky Jones and Pennfield Schools Superintendent Stephanie Lemmer, talk about how this could create new and safer ways for kids to get to school in those districts.  Episode Resources Marshall Public Schools Website Pennfield Public Schools...

Mary Muliett with the Battle Creek Community Foundation talks about the recently announced Kool Family Community Center ownership transition and why Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. is positioned to keep senior services stable and growing. Muliett also talks about the latest developments with the Community Foundation's community-informed mission and three-year strategic plan.  Episode Resources...

Detective Sergeant Kelson Gettel from the Battle Creek Police Department talks about a wave of phone scammers posing as Calhoun County deputies and pressuring people to pay fake fines. He lays out the red flags, why Bitcoin ATMs and gift cards are the giveaway, and the one move that protects you most: hang up and verify.  Episode Resources Battle Creek Police Department Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MAT...

This is the fourth in a series of interviews shedding light on The Haven of Rest's mission and programs ahead of its annual Roofsit fundraiser. The Haven marks its 70th anniversary in 2026. Rebecca, a Haven of Rest Case Manager, talks about losing housing while working and raising kids, then finding stability through Inasmuch House and the Haven’s transitional support. She shares how that sam...

This is the fifth and final in a series of interviews shedding light on The Haven of Rest's mission and programs ahead of its annual Roofsit fundraiser. The Haven marks its 70th anniversary in 2026. "Sheree" talks about how incarceration led to losing housing, months of couch hopping, and the moment she finally chose the Haven of Rest for help. We also dig into the real barriers to...

Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) returns to Community Matters to discuss plans to eliminate the state portion of property taxes and what it could mean for homeowners, schools, and local services. Frisbie also discusses the need for budget transparency and why cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse is tied to protecting taxpayers and the safety net.  Episode Resources Rep. Steve Frisbie House...

A single caring adult can change a life, but only if they know what to do after the inspirational moment passes. Dr. B. Donta Truss, Vice President of Enrollment, Development, and College Futures at Grand Valley State University, discusses the upcoming Black Boys and Men National Symposium coming to Battle Creek and explains the importance of giving educators, mentors, and community members real t...

This is the second in a series of interviews shedding light on The Haven of Rest's mission and programs ahead of its annual Roofsit fundraiser. The Haven marks its 70th anniversary in 2026. Erika Bradshaw, a Haven of Rest Board Member whose great-grandparents founded the shelter in Battle Creek in 1956 discusses the Haven’s origin story, and why community support still decides how many neighb...

The Downtown Battle Creek Zine is back to outline a stacked June calendar proving Battle Creek and the surrounding area are anything but quiet once summer hits. Nick Buckley highlights family friendly events, local traditions, and the best ways to stay plugged into what’s happening downtown.  Episode Resources Follow DBCZ on Facebook ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Pi...

A free afternoon outside can do more for a family than another packed schedule, and that’s the heart of Trailblaze Family Adventure Day at Kimball Pines Park. Mark Lelle from the Calhoun County Trailway Alliance lays out what’s happening on June 6  and why this “just show up” event is designed to make outdoor fun easy. Episode Resources Calhoun County Trailway Alliance Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATT...

A dog that can change a life doesn’t happen by accident and it definitely doesn’t happen overnight. Anne Barea, Chair of the Board at Paws With A Cause and a certified dog trainer, explains how a tiny puppy grows into a custom-trained assistance dog for someone living with any disability.  Episode Resources Paws With a Cause Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Pie...