Taylor Scamehorn
Taylor Scamehorn

Beyond belief: How faith communities are lighting the way on climate change Read Article

Artist: Taylor Scamehorn

A river runs through her: Bonnie Jo Campbell reflects on "The Waters" and whirlwind book tour Read Article

Features

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Feature Story The City of Kalamazoo is working on creating Safe Streets for All. Transportation

Is Kalamazoo on its way to becoming a Strong Town?

Mark WedelThursday, January 18, 2024
One-ways to two-ways. Bike lanes. Slowed traffic. Taming of stroads (streets acting like roads). Change can be messy, but one local group hopes it's just a few bumps on the road to Kalamazoo becoming a Strong Town.
Feature Story BC Day of Racial Healing Diversity

Community comes together to envision a Battle Creek free of racismNational Day of Racial Healing honored throughout the city

Jane ParikhThursday, January 18, 2024
“We have to have more safe places like this where we can enjoy each other's company and food. We are human, we have feelings and we need to support each other to provide a better living for our community."
Feature Story Symphony of Brotherhood Arts and Culture

Symphony of Brotherhood: A narrated, spoken-word, musical extravaganza to honor MLK Sunday, Jan. 21

Casey GrootenThursday, January 18, 2024
"I hope the Kalamazoo community takes time to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the many others who will be highlighted in the KSO event and feel compelled to carry on the torches they left behind still lit and leading the way,”
Feature Story Kingdom Builders Shelter Healthy Communities

Kingdom Builders Worldwide takes over management of the Battle Creek Shelter

Jane ParikhThursday, January 18, 2024
"We really don’t say ‘No’. We’re talking about not having a lot of rules and regulations. That’s exactly what this shelter is. You can come in intoxicated and we’ll take care of you."
Feature Story Energy Drinks Kids and Education

Voices of Youth: Why do so many teens reach for energy drinks?

Sophia PellThursday, January 18, 2024
The Centers for Disease Control recommends adolescents avoid energy drinks due to risks of dehydration, heart complications, anxiety, and insomnia. Yet up to 40% of adolescents report consuming them. Why? VoY Writer Sophia Pell set to find out.
Longform Photos of Indigenous family food traditions submitted to the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Michigan's Indigenous children receive culturally sensitive nutrition education through new program

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, January 18, 2024
The 13 Moons Curriculum enriches the lives of children up to age 5 with an academic foundation focused on culturally relevant, healthy eating.
Feature Story trackchairSmall Equity

DNR fund drive helps make state nation’s leader in accessible track chairs

Shandra MartinezMonday, January 15, 2024
Michigan now offers more track chairs for public use than any other state parks and recreation system.
Longform A vehicle in the fleet operated by BC Transit. Transportation

Battle Creek Transit looks for bus drivers so brakes can be released on service cuts

Jane ParikhThursday, January 11, 2024
“I don’t want a car. They’re isolating for one thing. I can’t tell you how much fun it is to ride a bus and talk to people. It’s just so calming to be taken somewhere."
Feature Story Kama Tai Mitchell Community Development

Embracing Hope: Kalamazoo community leaders reflect on 2024

Al JonesThursday, January 11, 2024
"The fact that many organizations continued to grow in the last few years in spite of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, just shows the resilience and determination of the people here, and that gives enormous hope for what’s to come." 
Feature Story Jose Orozco Community Development

Hope blooms in Battle Creek: Reflections on 2024

Jane ParikhThursday, January 11, 2024
"One of my greatest hopes for the coming year is that the Latino community shows up to vote this year. According to census data our community continues to grow at a rapid speed and our vote is our voices."
Longform housing solutions Rose Street Senior Housing Building Communities

Online portal is open for new housing projects in Kalamazoo County

Al JonesThursday, January 11, 2024
A  five-story, affordable residential development for seniors that will have four residential floors with parking on the ground level is quickly going up in the 500 block of South Rose Street.
Feature Story Robin McCarthy Kids and Education

Voices of Youth: Breaking free from the mirror and understanding body dysmorphic disorder

Lila McCarthyThursday, January 11, 2024
Hangups about our bodies are common, especially in teens who identify as female. Sometimes, these dislikes evolve into obsessions and distortions. VOY Writer Lila McCarthy talks to a Battle Creek therapist about body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) — what it is and how to address it.
Longform Kim Hargis, LPN works on a mandala mural at Summit Pointe. Healthy Communities

To build a mental wellness plan, take it one step at a time

Joanne Bailey-BoorsmaTuesday, January 9, 2024
Michigan mental health professionals share tips on building a mental wellness plan for 2024.
Feature Story LIST Community Development

10 stories of 2023 and their impact on the writers and photographers who covered them

Thursday, January 4, 2024
Southwest Michigan Second Wave is a team of local writers and photographers who love where they live. The stories they cover impact them and strengthen their sense of community. Read some of their reflections on 2023 stories here.
Longform Best of 2023 Arts and Culture

Beyond words: Kalamazoo in photos, 2023

Fran DwightThursday, January 4, 2024
A photograph captures a moment in time — but for a photographer, there's usually so much more to the story. Check out some of Fran Dwight's favorite 2023 photos. She shares a few thoughts about how she connected with the moment the shutter clicked.
Feature Story Jennifer Cooley Arts and Culture

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts turns 100 and Jennifer Cooley wants to help you celebrate

Zinta AistarsThursday, January 4, 2024
Introducing Jennifer Cooley, the new museum education and community engagement director at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. As the KIA approaches its 100th anniversary, she has a few surprises in store.
Longform Voices of Youth Kids and Education

Voices of Youth: Struggling students wonder: Who can I talk to?

Elizabeth RamosThursday, January 4, 2024
Middle school students navigate the daily dramas of early adolescent social life, along with other pressures. When things go south, where can they turn? 
Feature Story Candace-Small Equity

A lack of awareness about service animals leads to discrimination

Lucia RiosSaturday, December 30, 2023
Candace Carlisle says she and her trained service dog regularly are asked to leave restaurants and stores, even though such a request is illegal.   
Feature Story SHARE Center Community Development

Building community, raising funds for Battle Creek’s most vulnerable

Jane ParikhThursday, December 21, 2023
The SHARE Center of Battle Creek feeds 100 people a day and offers a variety of free services through its drop-in center. But some people still don't know it exists. Enter Friends of the SHARE Center who are raising money and spreading the word.
Feature Story Housing Solutions Kal Recovery Building Communities

Supportive housing is planned for those struggling to overcome addictions in Kalamazoo

Al JonesThursday, December 21, 2023
Kal Recovery, a supportive recovery housing development that involves the construction of 48 apartments is getting closer to becoming a reality. The project will include three buildings on a little less than seven acres of a 12-acre site between Alcott and Reed streets.
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Battle Creek

Laundry Love: Finding community and dignity at a Battle Creek laundromat

St. Thomas' Laundry Love is focused on those who are “struggling to make ends meet,” says Deacon Trish Harris. “There are people who have asked me, ‘How do you know if I meet the qualifications?’ We have no qualifications. We want them to know that we see you as an important person and we’re coming to you with love." For the full story, click here. For more stories, please visit here.
 

Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo's Sarkozy Bakery: Old world baking in an ever-changing world

"We had a liter bottle of Hungarian wine. As we were finishing the bread, and finishing the wine, we said, 'Man, this (bread) is good! You know, we could sell this!' And that's why you shouldn't drink too much." Read the full story here. Read more stories here.
 

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