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
462 episodes
(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
(Community Matters 175) Your Voice Matters When It Comes to Updating the Housing Master Plan in Battle Creek
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 Cre...
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19:57
(Community Matters 174) A Busy Winter for Snow Plows in Calhoun County
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. Par...
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25:18
(Community Matters 174) A Nickel for Your Thoughts... How Does Discontinuing the Penny Affect You?
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 w...
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13:11
(Community Matters 174) Wiggly Tail: Meet Roger! And How to Keep Your Dog Safe on their Snowy Walks
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...
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12:42
(Community Matters 169) DBCZ Events Report February 2026
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 Reso...
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4:52
(Community Matters 173) Snow Days, Incentivizing Attendance and Education from Cradle to College, an Update from Battle Creek Public Schools
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 ...
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34:27
(Community Matters 173) An Step Forward in a Different Type of Aircraft Landing at the Battle Creek Airport
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 mobil...
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18:33
(Community Matters 172) A New Program Designed to Help Underserved Communities Improve Their Financial Literacy
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...
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16:51
(Community Matters 172) Ride Calhoun's Public Transit Model is Rolling - and Modernizing
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 ab...
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32:00
(Community Matters 171) A Calhoun County Partnership Designed to Get Teens Talking About Youth Violence Prevention
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. P...
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31:37
(Community Matters 171) After Fifty Years, Scene Magazine Will Publish Final Issue
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 histo...
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24:47
(Community Matters 170) A Peak Behind the Scenes of the Battle Creek Battle Jacks with General Manager Sam Connell
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 en...
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31:02
(Community Matters 170) Sharing Spaces, Sharing Goals: A Conversation about Racial Healing in Battle Creek
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. ...
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26:04
(Community Matters 169) DBCZ Events Report January 2026
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
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9:53
(Community Matters 169) What's Ahead for the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners in 2026 with Board Chair Derek King
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.<...
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17:53
(Community Matters 169) Ford Funding Over $1.3 Million Toward Community Projects Throughout Calhoun County
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 Comm...
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21:33
(Community Matters 168) A Year of Transition for Battle Creek and a Look Ahead to 2026
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 Man...
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26:37
(Community Matters 168) Direct Primary Care: Is It Right for You?
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 p...
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21:31