Community Matters Calhoun County

Senator Thomas Albert talks about the biggest policy work he's delivered in Lansing and what he wants to tackle next for Michigan Senate District 18 if re-elected.   Episode Resources Senator Thomas Albert's Website 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 newsma...

Senate candidate Anthony Pennock discusses why he’s running for Michigan's 18th District and why he thinks parts of the district feel left out of Lansing’s attention.   Episode Resources Anthony Pennock's Website 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 newsmaker...

Nick Buckley from Black Squirrel News unpacks why Calhoun County keeps landing near the bottom of Michigan's voter turnout rankings. Buckley explains the real-world barriers behind the numbers, from time and transportation to trust and the local news desert that makes it harder to feel informed. Episode Resources Black Squirrel News Website Low Voter Turnout Article ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Fo...

Nick Buckley from the Downtown Battle Creek Zine highlights the festive and fun to be had in Battle Creek this November. From turkey trots, holiday parades and even a candlelight concert, there's something for everyone in Battle Creek this fall.  Episode Resources Follow DBCZ on Facebook ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community M...

Incumbent Congressman Bill Huizenga explains why Michigan’s 4th District is getting national attention and what he thinks voters are prioritizing right now as they decide where to cast their vote this election season.   Episode Resources Bill Huizenga's Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview progra...

Calhoun County Clerk Kim Hinkley clears up the most common points of voting confusion to help you choose an option that fits your life and still meet every deadline. From absentee ballots to early voting to Election Day, plus the exact tools that help you verify your ballot gets counted, Hinkley explains how you can vote in Michigan with confidence and without stress. Episode Resources Track Your...

Michigan’s 4th District U.S. House Candidate Sean McCann breaks down why this race is one of the closest in the country, what he would push in Washington, and how he thinks bipartisan work can still deliver results for Southwest Michigan.  Episode Resources Sean McCann's Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, a...

State Representative Steve Frisbie explains what he’s delivered in Lansing and what he wants to tackle next, from roads to tax relief, if re-elected to represent District 44. Episode Resources Steve Frisbie's Website 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...

Former State Repesentative Jim Haadsma discusses his pursuit to reclaim the District 44 seat he lost by a razor-thin margin last election. He explains the specific tax and school policies he backs, and where he draws hard lines on data centers and a constitutional convention. Episode Resources Jim Haadsma's Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017)...

Kip is a one-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix with big energy and a sharp brain. Jessica Gilbert, Executive Director at the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, explains who's a good fit for him and offers advice on how to make Halloween less spooky and more safe for your pets. Episode Resources Humane Society of South Central Michigan Website Kip on Petfinder More Wiggly Tail episodes...

Vice Mayor Sherry Sofia explains why she’s running again and what she wants to finish in Battle Creek as big projects move from planning to reality.  Episode Resources City of Battle Creek website Battle Creek City Clerk Elections website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leade...

Ward 2 City Commission candidate Rochelle Hatcher discusses what she thinks neighborhoods are really asking for in Battle Creek and why housing, local history, and a real neighborhood grocery store matter to day-to-day life in a community.  Episode Resources City of Battle Creek Website Battle Creek City Clerk Elections Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (20...

Battle Creek City Commission at-large candidate Carole Davenport talks about her vision to rebuild a city without leaving neighborhoods behind and how the choices made at the local level can shape whether working families can live with stability and dignity. Episode Resources City of Battle Creek Website Battle Creek City Clerk Elections Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show hos...

Battle Creek City Commission Ward 3 write in candidate Diop Harris talks about why he's running after a previous run for Congress and why he sees local office as the place where the “everyday” issues that shape a neighborhood can finally get consistent attention. Episode Resources Diop Harris Campaign ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to ho...

Battle Creek City Commission at-large candidate Boonikka Herring talks about what pulled her back into the race after serving as Ward 3 commissioner during the pandemic and why her focus is service that stays grounded in real lives, not talking points. Episode Resources City of Battle Creek Website Battle Creek City Clerk Elections Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Rich...

Nick Buckley from the Downtown Battle Creek Zine highlights the festive and spooky fun to be had in Battle Creek this October. From local cemetery history exhibits to costume pub crawls, there's something for everyone in Battle Creek this fall.  Episode Resources Follow DBCZ on Facebook ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Ma...

Incumbent Patrick O'Donnell discusses what he's learned as a Battle Creek City Commissioner and what he wants to push forward if re-elected to represent Ward 3.  Episode Resources City of Battle Creek Website Battle Creek City Clerk Elections Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focu...

Former vice-mayor and commissioner Lynn Ward Gray joins Community Matters amid her most recent drive to become Battle Creek mayor. Gray discusses her view on leadership with integrity, transparency, and what real access looks like day to day. From affordable housing and entrepreneurship to privacy, policing, she explains what accountability should mean in city government.  Episode Resources City o...

Community Matters candidate interviews continue with at-large city commission candidate Autumn Smith. Smith, a frequent critic of the city administration and commission, talks about why she believes local government must enforce policy, follow the law, and, in her view, stop treating transparency as optional. Stemming from her journalistic history of questioning city government, Smith discusses he...

Battle Creek City Commission at-large candidate Joe Harris joins Community Matters to talk about why he’s running and how an investigative mindset can change the way city decisions get made. He explains his views on listening, transparency, and accountability, plus where he draws lines on surveillance tech, development, and oversight of policing. Episode Resources Joe Harris Campaign Website ABOUT...

Battle Creek mayoral candidate Dr. Tino Smith talks about why he’s running and how he wants to reconnect residents who feel shut out of City Hall. Smith discusses talk transparency in government, neighborhood voice, public safety tech, housing pressure, and the personal loss that shapes his drive to serve. Episode Resources Dr. Tino Smith's Website Battle Creek Mayor  W ebsite City of Battle...

Battle Creek Police Department Sergeant Corey Champlin talks about a recent spike in vehicle thefts and why certain cars are getting targeted right now. He walks through practical car theft prevention steps you can take today to reduce your risk.  Episode Resources Battle Creek Police Department Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host...

Miles for Memories founder Sherii Sherban talks about their annual Community Stroll and why Calhoun County keeps showing up to build Dementia awareness, reduce risk through movement, and fund programs that help families. She digs into the real community impact events like support, like preventing wandering emergencies to helping caregivers who need someone to pick up the phone when it feels hardes...

Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke discusses his bid for re-election and explains why he sees housing, public safety, and tax relief as the city’s most urgent priorities.  Episode Resources Battle Creek Mayor  website City of Battle Creek website Battle Creek City Clerk Elections website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, a...

Jen Hsu-Bishop with the United Way of South Central Michigan breaks down what Michigan’s SNAP work requirements mean right now and what Medicaid work requirements could mean starting in January 2027. She offers some simple things you can do to prevent benefit loss, plus the local navigation help available in Battle Creek and across Calhoun County.  Episode Resources United Way of South Central Mic...