Community Matters Calhoun County

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...

Recycling isn't just about cardboard, cans and plastic.  Charitable Union CEO Teresa Allen talks to Community Matters about their textile recycling program which gives your old, soiled clothes (including athletic shoes) a new life in some unexpected ways to benefit the planet.  Episode Resources Charitable Union Website To make a donation to Charitable Union Click Here ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS...

Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) looks back at his first full year in office in the Michigan House of Representatives, including the struggle to pass the state budget as well as the current attempt to cut up to $645M in work project funds. Frisbie also looks ahead to 2026, discussing ways Michigan can be more competitive in economic and business development.  Episode Resources Rep. Steve Frisbi...

For 30 years, the SHARE Center of Battle Creek has been helping the homeless residents struggling with mental health or addiction issues. Robert Elchert, Executive Director of the SHARE Center, talks to Community Matters about their facility, services and struggles they face going into the new year.  Episode Resources SHARE Center Website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richa...

Milton is a grey and white striped kitten who loves to cuddle and is the focus of our Wiggly Tail update from the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. HSSCM Executive Director Jessica Gilbert tells us all about him, his perfect environment, as well as discusses their adoption process for ensuring a forever home.  Jessica also talks to Community Matters about what happens when animal facilitie...

The Lakeview Ford Christmas tree sale is underway! Vince Pavone and Brad Morris with Lakeview Ford talk about the annual sale that benefits the Harper Creek Optimists Club as well as what's ahead for Ford and the auto industry in 2026.  Episode Resources Lakeview Ford Lincoln Harper Creek Optimists Club ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to...

The court battle surrounding the zoning of the Blue Oval battery plant continues to unfold in the Michigan Court of Appeals. Robby Dube with Eckland & Blando, who represents the Committee for Marshall - Not the Megasite, talks to Community Matters about the latest developments in the case and helps explain the complex zoning law issues involved and outlines the timeline for a potential decisio...

Greensleeves , C’est Noël , and of course, Sleigh Ride are just of a few of the holiday hits you can expect to hear at The Gifts of Christmas, the upcoming holiday concert from the Cereal City Concert Band. Longtime CCCB musician Barb Hibiski talks to Community Matters about their upcoming concert and some of the interesting performances you'll hear from new CCCB Conductor Dr. Doris Doyon.  ...

The Battle Creek Fire Department is hosting their annual Holiday Toy Drive to support the Salvation Army.  Battalion Chief Andre Doser talks to Community Matters about the program and how you can help. Visit any of the six Battle Creek Fire Department stations between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM through December 15 with a new, unwrapped toy to support local families in need.  Battle Creek Fire Department...

The Calhoun County Youth Center is looking for your help to make the holiday season a little brighter for their residents. Tori Benden, who oversees operations at the Youth Center, talks to Community Matters about their Angel Tree program. She's joined by staff members James Mode and Nichole Bentley who share some of the useful (and sometimes unusual) items requested as well as how your holid...

Community Matters highlights upcoming events presented by the Downtown Battle Creek Zine (DBCZ)! In this update, Nick Buckley shares ideas for local events happening in October and December, 2025. 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 leade...

Established in 1954, The Arc of of Calhoun Country has a long tradition of helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling, independent lives within their community. Executive Director Clare Tanner talks to Community Matters about how The Arc continues to evolve in providing advocacy and supports for this community. Episode Resources The Arc of Calhoun County Websit...

The Battle Creek Community Foundation has selected their 2025-2026 Peter J. Christ Leadership Leaders Fellow. Diop Harris II talks about his history with Battle Creek and his journey to becoming this years Fellow. Harris highlights what he hopes to learn and give back to the Battle Creek community along with plans for more civil engagement in the U.S. House of Representatives. Episode Resources Ba...

The world's top brass musicians gather again this December for a special holiday concert at the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium. Jerry Rose, Executive Director of the Brass Band of Battle Creek, shares the unique history of the band with Community Matters and what to expect in their upcoming Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 6 @ 7:30 PM. Episode Resources Brass Band of Battle Creek Website W.K. K...

Battle Creek Police Department Sgt. Cory Champlin talks to Community Matters about their upcoming Stuff the Truck holiday toy drive, a Toys for Tots event with the Marine Corp Reserves.  Bring a new, unwrapped toy or monetary donation to Target at 5700 Beckley Road on Wednesday, December 3 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM if you'd like to donate.  Episode Resources Battle Creek Police Department Stuff the...

Anna Rogers, Marketing & Communication Engagement Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton in Battle Creek, reflects on the hotel's first year of operation, their successes and the importance of making people feel welcome. While discussing their event space resources and fine dining options, Anna is excited to announce a new change coming with reservations starting December 1, 2025. Check out the...

Tammy Mills, Director of Marketing and Communications for the United Way South Central Michigan (UWSCMI), joins us on Community Matters to discuss their end of year holiday fundraising campaign and how Calhoun County residents can help direct donations to impact their local community.  Tammy also discusses resources available to residents through the UWSCMI, like the Program Assistance Center, and...

Summit Pointe, the Calhoun County Community Mental Health (CMH) organization which provides behavioral health care to some of the county's most vulnerable residents, is sounding an alarm over potential changes at the state level which could affect how it delivers care. Summit Pointe CEO Jeannie Goodrich joins Community Matters to discuss changes to how the Michigan Department of Health and Hu...