Community Matters Calhoun County

We talk with Robert Miller, Executive Director of the the newly formed CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of Calhoun County and why kids in abuse and neglect cases need a steady adult focused only on them. We break down how advocates are assigned, how they work with DHHS and the courts, and how our community can help more children get consistent support.  CASA of Calhoun County will be hostin...

We talk with Jack Carlson from the Calhoun County Veterans Affairs Office about what veterans can do when civilian life feels unclear and VA benefits feel buried in paperwork. We break down the real services available locally, from disability claims to emergency help, plus upcoming community resources and major events - including the return of 'The Wall That Heels' to the area.   Episode...

We talk with Cassie Scramlin and Conrado Campos from Cereal City Sunrise Rotary about Ben’s Diabetes Journey, a bilingual children’s book designed to help kids understand diabetes with empathy and practical clarity. We share what we’re hearing from third graders, why Rotary treats diabetes prevention as a community mission, and how families and schools can get copies.  Episode Resources Cereal Cit...

Robby Dube with Eckland & Blando, who represents the Committee for Marshall - Not the Megasite, returns to Community Matters to talk about why the Marshall megasite case is headed back to the Michigan Supreme Court after the Court of Appeals' rewritten ruling.  Dube also talks about why the outcome could shape referendum rights across Michigan and impact developments, like data centers, f...

In the latest Wiggly Tail update, we catch up with Jessica Gilbert from the Humane Society of South Central Michigan featuring Wendell, a big young dog with a fluffy coat and a lot of love to give.  Jessica also offers some spring health tips for pets to help keep them safe from heartworm, ticks and fleas.  The Humane Society's Whisker Mixer Silent Auction will take place on May 7 at Squirrel...

Calhoun County is considering renaming the Calhoun County Justice Center to honor Mary S. Coleman, a local legal trailblazer who became the first woman elected to the Michigan Supreme Court and later the first woman Chief Justice. Judge John Hallasey explains why the name matters, how the decision process works, and how public input can shape what happens next.  The County will have a public comme...

Marshall Mayor Scott Wolfersberger returns to Community Matters discussing Marshall’s budget, services, and identity while keeping focused on community life.  He also discusses the long legal drama surrounding the BlueOval development in Marshall - and how that affects the outlook in town. Episode Resources City of Marshall BlueOval Community Matters episodes ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Mo...

Marshall Attorney Richard Lindsay, on the MAEDA/Ford legal team, returns to Community Matters after the latest developments in the long legal drama surrounding Ford's BlueOval battery plant development.  In late February 2026, the Michigan Court of Appeals reviewed and re-released its standings on the case - a directive sent by the Michigan Supreme Court in 2025. Shortly after that decision,...

Battle Creek's Willard Library has a lot more to offer than just checking out the latest books. Whether it's puzzle bowl, yoga, cardio drumming, or the maker space, the library has something for everyone. Willard Library Executive Director Matt Willis, talks to Community Matters about how the wide variety of programs they provide and the important role they play in the Battle Creek commu...

Expect delays when traveling to the Detroit Metro Airport this year and into 2028. Diane Cross with the Michigan Department of Transportation talks about the major reconstruction taking place on I-94 approaching the 275 west of the airport near the border of Dearborn and Detroit. Cross offers some alternative routes to consider, highlights some additional construction taking place in the metro Det...

The road projects are coming in Calhoun County, with a large one continuing in Marshall. Nick Schirripa from the Michigan Department of Transportation tells Community Matters what people can expect as they kick off construction at the western end of the Marshall Modernization Project at I-94 and M-311 interchange near the casino. Schirripa also talks about major construction coming to Kalamazoo at...

Calling all foodies, comedy and music lovers, there's lots of opportunities to try some new dishes, laugh and enjoy great music in Battle Creek in March. Community Matters highlights upcoming events presented by the Downtown Battle Creek Zine (DBCZ)! In this update, Nick Buckley shares ideas for local things to do to in March  Episode Resources Follow DBCZ on Facebook ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS...

Brian Pegouske with the Battle Creek VA Medical Center talks to Community Matters about what to expect when a new electronic health record system for veterans launches April 11. Pegouske explains how the new system will improve the care patients receive wherever they go and the role AI will play in helping to analyze healthcare.  During the transition, veterans will continue to use the My Healthe...

Representative Sarah Lightner, who represents the 45th District in the Michigan State House of Representatives, returns to Community Matters with a legislative update and to discuss the latest developments in the state's budget process. In addition to her reaction to Governor Whitmer's recently proposed $88.1 billion dollar budget for 2027, Lightner talks about a recently law passed that...

What happens when four former Michigan Governors come together on one stage to discuss civility in politics? Tonya Schuitmaker, a Republican from Van Buren County, and Rebekah Warren, a Democrat from Washtenaw County join Community Matters on behalf of Michiganders for Civic Resilience to discuss a recent event calling for more civil political engagement. Episode Resources Michiganders for Civic R...

The 2018 Battle Creek Housing Master Plan gathered a lot of data to direct policy and decision making in the city. Now, eight years later, it's time to revisit the topic and see how things have changed. Darcy Schmitt from the City of Battle Creek talks to Community Matters about how you can help provide input toward updates to the Master Plan and the future of housing in the city.  The next p...

What does it take to keep the roads safe across Calhoun County during a record-breaking winter? Kristine Parsons with the Calhoun County Road Department provides a look behinds the scenes at how they keep roads clear for your daily commute. Parsons tells Community Matters it doesn't just take a lot of salt to melt the ice, they have other things they can use including... beet juice.  Episode...

From monster trucks to Swan Lake, Community Matters highlights upcoming events presented by the Downtown Battle Creek Zine (DBCZ)! In this update, Annie Kelley shares ideas for local things to do to in February  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...

Roger is an adult Shih Tzu mix who is very playful, curious and loves belly rubs and the focus of this month's Wiggly Tail update from the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. HSSCM Executive Director Jessica Gilbert tells us all about him and his perfect environment.  Jessica also offers tips for how you can keep your pets safe when going for walks on the snow and ice.  Episode Resource...

The U.S. Government recently announced it will stop minting the penny. How does that decision impact you and how you do business? Chris Harris, Chief Financial Officer with Kellogg Community Credit Union, talks to Community Matters to discuss what this means for you and how you do your day-to-day business. Episode Resources Kellogg Community Credit Union Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK...

Drones are used in a variety of sectors, and Battle Creek is playing a part in helping expand their reach. Joe Sobieralski with Battle Creek Unlimited talks to Community Matters about new developments related to MICH-AIR, the advanced air mobility hub under development at the Battle Creek Executive Airport.  Episode Resources Battle Creek Unlimited Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS  Former WBCK Morn...

There are lots of things that might prevent kids from making it to school, distractions at home, lack of adequate resources, even snow! Dr. Kim Carter, Superintendent at Battle Creek Public School, talks to Community Matters about what they're doing to try to solve for those issues and talks about a new program designed to help kids from cradle to college.  Episode Resources Battle Creek Publ...

The Transit Authority of Calhoun County (TACC), also known as Ride Calhoun, is working to change the way residents think about public transit throughout the county. Mallory Avis, Executive Director of Ride Calhoun, talks to Community Matters about why a more robust county-wide transit authority is important for the needs of all residents and how technology is helping to make it available for all l...

For almost sixty years, the Southwest Michigan Urban League has been providing advocacy, educational programing and social justice services to Battle Creek and Calhoun Country residents. Their latest initiative, made possible by grants from the Battle Creek Community Foundation, is designed to help people improve their financial literacy through educating on topics such as budgeting, credit buildi...

The Calhoun Country Youth Violence Prevention Project, a collaboration between S.A.F.E. Place and Bronson Sexual Assault Services, aims to give teens the tools to talk about dating violence, domestic assault, stalking or trafficking. S.A.F.E. Place Prevention Coordinator Nina Patterson, S.A.F.E. Place CEO Ellen Lassiter Collier and Laurie Hartman from Bronson Sexual Assault Services talk to Commun...