Community Matters Calhoun County

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...

For 50 years, Scene Magazine has been a key publication in Calhoun County but in February, they will publish their final issue. COO Sherii Sherban talks to Community Matters about its origins, legacy and some favorite moments spanning the history of the publication.  Episode Resources Scene Publications Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns...

The Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (BCTRHT) is hosting The National Day of Racial Healing in Battle Creek on January 20, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the DoubleTree Hilton in downtown Battle Creek.  BCTRHT Co-CEO Elizabeth Garcia talks to Community Matters about their history, vision and what to expect at the event. The theme of this year's event is The Rh...

It may be a few months away, but the Battle Creek Battle Jacks are already preparing to kick off their 2026 season on May 27 at MCCU Field. General Manager Sam Connell talks to Community Matters about what it takes to make a community-driven entertainment experience both on and off the field and what to expect in the upcoming season. Connell also gives a look behind the scenes of what it takes to...

Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Chair Derek King looks back at the work of 2025, a transitional and tough budget year, and ahead at the opportunities in 2026 which include several road projects and renovations at the jail. Episode Resources Calhoun County Board of Commissioners website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS  Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community M...

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 ease into the new year.  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...

Ford announced it will be awarding $1.31 million to support community foundation projects in Albion, Battle Creek and Marshall via their Blue Oval Community Engagement Fund. Battle Creek Community Foundation CEO Mary Muliett sits down with Community Matters to discuss some of the projects that will be receiving those funds and how they benefit the greater Calhoun County community. Muliett also tal...

From new a reimagining of the Beckley Road corridor, changes with the WK Kellogg Company and hiring of a new City Manager, it was a year of transition for Battle Creek. Mayor Mark Behnke, new City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin and Assistant City Manager Ted Dearing talk to Community Matters about the accomplishments and struggles of 2025 while looking ahead at the opportunities for the Cereal City in 2...

Battle Creek has a new Direct Primary Care office offering a new model for those needing health care services. Dr. Behram Elami talks to Community Matters about what Direct Primary Care is and how it differs from more conventional health care providers and helps answer questions about whether it's a right fit for you.  Episode Resources South Shore Direct Primary Care Website 395 South Shore...