Community Matters Calhoun County

Sarah Lundy from the Calhoun County Household Hazardous Waste Department discusses what you can and can not bring to the county's last household hazaradout waste collection pick up for 2026, on September 14. Lundy offers tips on how you can make the disposal of your items safe for you, the workers and your vehicle.  For more information on items you can recycle, call 269-781-0700 or check out...

Allie Stoddard from Binder Park Zoo talks about Maaga Shamba, a complete reimagining of the former Forest Farm space that will soon feature a redesigned cheetah habitat plus new species. She explains how exhibit decisions get made, what fall looks like at the zoo, and how community support keeps the doors open. Episode Resources Binder Park Zoo Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning S...

Annie Kelly from the Downtown Battle Creek Zine bringing list of fun-filled events around Battle Creek this September. Everything from Battle of the Bands, fiestas, and Fantasia! 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 program focused on community leaders and newsmakers...

Battle Creek Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kim Carter talks about what it really takes to start the year strong, from daily attendance to student well-being. She shares the district’s biggest moves for reducing chronic absenteeism, improving literacy, and helping students build real pathways to college, careers, and community life.  Episode Resources Battle Creek Public Schools Website ABOUT C...

Eric Greene at Kellogg Community College talks about KCC's big 70 year anniversary serving Battle Creek and the region. He digs into what community college does best right now: affordable access, job-ready programs, smoother transfer paths, and a new partnership with Western Michigan University.  Episode Resources Kellogg Community College Website  ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning...

Rod Auton talks about how Calhoun County’s Senior Services Millage turns local tax dollars into real support that helps older adults stay at home. Auton also discusses new “incubator” ideas that fight loneliness, build tech confidence, and connect generations through practical help as well as the upcoming deadline for applications to build new programs benefiting seniors. Episode Resources Calhoun...

Thirty vendors. A dog-friendly market. Free crafts for kids and even paw painting for your pup. Executive Director Jessica Gilbert, explains what you'll see at the Mutt Market at the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Episode Resources Humane Society of South Central Michigan Website More Wiggly Tail episodes ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017...

The clock is ticking on a decision that will shape what Battle Creek looks like for years: how the city grows housing that people can actually find, afford, and live in. Darcy Schmitt, Planning Supervisor for the City of Battle Creek, talks through the city’s draft Housing Strategy and the final window for public comments before the September 15 deadline. ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Mornin...

Christine Parsons from the Calhoun County Road Department talks about where summer road work stands, what projects are finishing up, and why planning and partnerships matter as much as asphalt. She explains bridge replacement realities, how they prep for winter, and the simple things drivers can do to keep road crews safe.  Episode Resources Calhoun County Roads Department Website ABOUT COMMUNITY...

Road construction season always tests your patience, especially when you don’t know what’s changing day to day.  Nick Schirripa from the Michigan Department of Transportation gives an update on the 2026 Michigan construction season and what drivers in Battle Creek, Marshall, and Calhoun County should expect next.  Episode Resources Michigan Department of Transportation Website MI Drive Website ABO...

Daniel Jones from The Haven of Rest shares how the new Haven Maternity Housing program gives homeless pregnant women a safe home, life skills, and support through pregnancy and early parenting.  Episode Resources The Haven of Rest Ministries Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on comm...

Columbia Avenue filled with pink is hard to ignore, and that is exactly the point. Angela Myers from the Battle Creek Community Foundation and Stephen Titus from Lucky Rooster Kitchen and One Nation talk about Walk The Walk for Breast Cancer and why this event has become a powerful annual tradition in Battle Creek. Episode Resources Battle Creek Community Foundation Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS...

Battle Creek artist Dick Schlatter talks about his “U.S. Presidents In Their Own Words” exhibit at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum. Schlatter discusses his process and how he turns inaugural addresses into striking typographic presidential portraits.  Episode Resources Battle Creek Regional History Museum Website   ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2...

Leaders from the Battle Creek Community Foundation, the United Way of South Central Michigan, Grace Health and Rx Kids statewide explain how no-strings cash support during pregnancy and early infancy can improve newborn health and reduce long-term costs. They discuss the impact Rx Kids has had in just a few years in Flint and what it could mean for families in Calhoun County.   Episode Resources R...

Annie Kelly from the Downtown Battle Creek Zine bringing a tight list of can’t-miss events around Battle Creek. Everything from murals, music, fair food, and even a dog-centered mini fair.  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 program focused on community leaders and...

Kathy Szenda Wilson from Pulse talks about First Home First Teacher, a Battle Creek pilot program that provides free housing plus ongoing support for early childhood educators who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.  Episode Resources Pulse Roadmap Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview prog...

The Wall That Heals returns to Battle Creek. Colonel Frank Walker and Dave Morgan from Calhoun County Red White Blue Foundation explain how they got it to come back to Battle Creek and how it moves people so deeply.  Episode Resources The Wall That Heals Website Calhoun County Red White Blue Foundation Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns t...

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...