Community Matters Calhoun County
A community interview series focused on Calhoun County, Michigan, featuring voices from Battle Creek, Marshall, Albion and all around the county. Join host Richard Piet to discuss local events, non-profits, local schools, government and community leaders.
Underwritten by Lakeview Ford-Lincoln, Community Matters also airs as a radio program Saturday mornings on 95.3 FM in Battle Creek.
Episodes
480 episodes
(Community Matters 184) Celebrating Youth Art with the Battle Creek Optimist Club
Kay Parker and Marsha Heath from the Battle Creek Optimist Club discuss how their Optimist Excellence in Art Competition grew into a 900-student showcase across Calhoun County. They talk to Community Matters about how the judging works, w...
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16:48
(Community Matters 184) Fun, Food and Philanthropy: An Evening to Support Charitable Union
A fundraiser can be flashy and still be deeply practical, and Giving Table is built to do both. Teresa Allen from Charitable Union sits down with Community Matters to unpack the newly named event at FireKeepers Casino and Hotel and the real rea...
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14:20
(Community Matters 184) A Talk with Battle Creek's New Fire Chief
Battle Creek’s new Fire Chief Bush McCarthy talks to Community Matters about what he thinks about leadership, service, and the real work behind the sirens. He breaks down what the department responds to most, why new fire station upgrades matte...
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21:14
(Community Matters 183) Inside Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center And How Camp Changes Kids
Your kid can do archery anywhere. The real question is whether they can look someone in the eye, handle a little boredom, and build friendships without a screen in their hand. Zach Klipsch, CEO of Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center, talks to Comm...
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25:45
(Community Matters 183) Black Squirrel News Seeks to Rebuild Calhoun County Local Reporting
The team behind Black Squirrel News is taking a cooperative approach to rebuilding trustworthy local reporting in Calhoun County through a volunteer-powered, community-led model. Jeremy Andrews, Nick Buckley and Lucy Hough talk to Community Mat...
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28:00
(Community Matters 182) The Brass Band Of Battle Creek to Perform in South Korea This August
The Brass Band of Battle Creek recently landed a major invitation to perform at the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival in South Korea. Jerry Rose, Executive Director of the Brass Band Battle Creek, talks about how the invite came togethe...
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20:09
(Community Matters 182) Impact Day: Pick A Project And Make A Local Difference
Folks may want to help their community, but may not know where to start or how to make it fit into a busy week. Kara Beer from the Battle Creek Area Chamber talks about Community Impact Day on May 13, a three-hour burst of hands-on service desi...
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16:36
(Community Matters 182) Legislative Update: Could Property Taxes Really be Eliminated?
Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) returns to Community Matters for a spring legislative update. From keeping doctors licensed to keeping ambulances on the road, Frisbie discusses why legislative deadlines and court fights in Lansing cou...
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19:24
(Community Matters 181) Not Just Entertainment: Michigan Storm Chasers Help Residents Stay Safe and Informed
Tornadoes in Michigan are no longer something only heard about in warm weather months. Calhoun County residents know the last few seasons have made that clear. Chandler Bos, Vice President of Michigan Storm Chasers, unpacks what it ...
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27:18
(Community Matters 181) DBCZ April 2026 Events Update
Spring is in the air in Battle Creek. Annie Kelly from the Downtown Battle Creek Zine, rounds up the best local reasons to get out of the house. From lions at Binder Park Zoo to live music nights and a Symphony concert built around Ellis Island...
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6:26
(Community Matters 180) Cereal City Rotary's Book to Help Kids Understand Diabetes
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 ...
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17:33
(Community Matters 180) Vets Affairs Update; 'Wall That Heals' to Return to Battle Creek
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 c...
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17:42
(Community Matters 180) A New Voice For Kids In Court in 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 a...
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18:31
(Community Matters 179) Committee For Marshall Attorney: Supreme Court Decision has Greater Impact for Future Michigan Development
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 Appeal...
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18:38
(Community Matters 179) Renaming Calhoun County's Justice Center to Honor a Local Judicial Pioneer
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 Ha...
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16:14
(Community Matters 179) Meet Wendell And a Health Checklist for Your Pets this Spring
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 he...
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19:32
(Community Matters 178) Ford/MAEDA Attorney: Cannot See Supreme Court Granting Leave in Marshall Case
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 Mi...
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17:48
(Community Matters 178) Mayor: Legal Turbulence Around BlueOval Project Is Still the “Best Problem” to Have
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 d...
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17:06
(Community Matters 177) More Road Construction Coming Soon to Marshall, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo
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 e...
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15:42
(Community Matters 177) Plan Ahead When Traveling to Detroit Metro Airport for the Next Few Years
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...
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9:44
(Community Matters 177) There's More to Do at Willard Library Than Just Check Out Books
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 ...
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26:13
(Community Matters 177) DBCZ Events Report March 2026
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 (...
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6:35
(Community Matters 176) One Step Closer to a New and Improved Way to Manage Healthcare for Veterans
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 patient...
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15:09
(Community Matters 176) State Budget Talk and a Legislative Update with Sarah Lightner
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 addi...
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25:07
(Community Matters 175) Four Former Michigan Governors on One Stage... A Conversation About Civility in Politics
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 b...
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24:07