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First Aired July 1, 2023 Battle Creek Fire Chief Bill Beaty visits Community Matters to urge Battle Creek-area residents to use caution when using fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. He says so for personal safety, but as well, because of the excessively dry ground. A burn ban in effect this summer was lifted in Battle Creek just …
First Aired July 1, 2023 Calhoun County has established a Broadband Task Force to help understand challenges residents have gaining reliable access to high speed internet. County spokesperson Lucy Blair discusses the two main reasons: Rural locations and cost. Blair also discusses Community Matters the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which can help low income residents lower their broadband internet …
First Aired June 24, 2023 This time on Wiggly Tail: A Feist-mix named Beauty, along with discussions of PFAS and dogs as well as fireworks and pets. Click to hear Jessica Gilbert at the Humane Society of South Central Michigan in this monthly update. Episode ResourcesHSSCM website ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) …
First Aired June 17, 2023 Principal Tom McPherson discusses charter schools – specifically, the Endeavor Charter Academy in Springfield (Battle Creek). Charter schools, many of which now have established track records, are a school of choice for many parents. McPherson discusses what sets them apart, Endeavor’s partnership with Grand Valley State University and the potential …
First Aired June 17, 2023 Calhoun County Sheriff Steve Hinkley joins Community Matters to discuss his participation on a panel at the Mackinac Public Policy Conference focused on the approaches to school violence and prevention. He also discusses participation on the governor-appointed Juvenile Justice Task Force. Episode Resources Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department websiteSheriff Steve Hinkley’s websiteMIchigan Juvenile …
First Aired June 17, 2023 Kimberly Holley continues to get her footing as Battle Creek’s first diversity, equity and inclusion officer – announced as such in December, 2022. She became the first person to step into such a role at the city and discusses the approach so far, as well as some perspective on diversity, …
First Aired June 10, 2023 In recent days, Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority alerted the community to an uptick in accidental calls to 911 emergency response – somehow thought to be related to the relative ease the calls can be made from smart phones. CCCDA Executive Director Michael Armitage tells Community Matters a national 911 …
First Aired June 3, 2023 The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department and Solid Waste and Recycling Department are teaming up to clean up illegal dump sites in the county. And, as Calhoun County Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator Sarah Lundy tells Community Matters, piecing together clues to find the illegal dumpers can be very fruitful. Illegal …
