Calhoun County's Binder Park Zoo celebrates its 50th season in 2025. President and CEO Diane Thompson returns to Community Matters to reflect on how the zoo has evolved over 50 years, as well as some of the special events and attractions that keep folks coming back. Episode Resources Binder Park Zoo website 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 newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com . Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications .…

In one of his first interviews since becoming the city manager of Springfield, Michigan, Aaron Edlefson talks about what drew him to lead the city - and reflects on his service in the Veterans Affairs department in Calhoun County. Episode Resources City of Springfield 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 newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com . Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications .…

Marshall Mayor Scott Wolfersberger returns to Community Matters with updates on the master plan - and on work being done to the Brooks Memorial Fountain. He also comments on progress at the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan and more. Episode Resources City of Marshall BlueOval Community Matters episodes 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 newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com . Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.…

The United Way of South Central Michigan continues to study its "ALICE" data - ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. CEO Chris Sargent returns to Community Matters to offer some perspective on the numbers, as well as the overall fundraising outlook amidst more potential national cuts. He also underscores the commitment the organization and its partners have to offer a "hand up" to those who need it. Episode Resources United Way of South Central Michigan Donate to United Way 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 newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com . Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.…

Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Pennfield) returns to Community Matters to update listeners on legislative activity in the Michigan House of Representatives. Frisbie discusses legislation to give volunteer emergency response workers in Michigan a tax break, restoring local control over energy policies, his attendance at the Mackinac Policy Conference, the Ford BlueOval plant and more. Episode Resources Rep. Steve Frisbie House Republicans Website 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 newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com . Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.…

On this Vicksburg Visit, we gathered in Oswalt Park in downtown Vicksburg to talk about - what else?! - parks and recreation! Vicksburg Parks and Recreation Committee members talk about new options in the village, as well as how residents help shape what those options are. Episode Resources Vicksburg, Michigan website More Vicksburg Visit episodes Vicksburg Visit is a Livemic Communications production.…

Two of the ways Miles for Memories creates dementia solution is through technology and education. In this episode, founder Sherii Sherban discusses new technology added to the Safe Returns program - which helps those who may wander to be returned home faster. We also learn about a new puppet added to the group of those locally designed and produced to help children (and adults) learn about dementia. Episode Resources The Lancet Commission Risk Factors for Dementia Miles for Memories website Miles for Memories technology Sherii Sherban talks to Community Matters about MFM technology More Creating Dementia Solutions episodes ABOUT MILES FOR MEMORIES Miles For Memories is a Calhoun County, Michigan organization created in 2013 to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Disease. Later in 2014, the vision was expanded to include all types of dementia. MFM raises money each year through sponsorships, community events, and grants to gather funds to create local programming for both the person living with dementia and the caregiver. Along with local efforts, 20% of the funds to prevention-related dementia research. Miles for Memories is a committee of 70-plus volunteers and are always looking for more to get involved.…

Boxes and Boxes of cereal - and gallons and gallons of milk - are just part of Battle Creek's annual National Cereal Fest. There is entertainment, vendors, the traditional parade - and even a special cereal sale. Kellogg Arena's Kaycie Chrystan tells Community Matters all about the 2025 event and what's new for attendees. Episode Resources Cereal Fest 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 newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com . Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.…

Honored in 2025 as the Star of the Year at the Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism, Calhoun County Visitors Bureau CEO Linda Freybler shares some perspective on visitors to our county. Freybler also offers insight about what fills hotel rooms in Calhoun County, how Battle Creek's downtown landmark hotel opening has helped - and what makes our area an attractive location for conventions and event gatherings. Episode Resources Calhoun County Visitors Bureau Battle Creek Enquirer: Why Battle Creek's Tourism Efforts are Getting Statewide Attention 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 newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com . Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.…

Singer and musician Del Shannon - born Charles Westover about 80 miles away in Coopersville, Michigan - is said to have adopted Battle Creek as his hometown. Hence, a growing celebration of the "Little Runaway" singer in the cereal city. West Michigan historian, podcaster and board member of the Battle Creek Regional History Museum Michael Delaware returns to Community Matters to talk about the Del Shannon legacy - and what's evolved into a four-day weekend celebration and fundraiser for the museum. Episode Resources Battle Creek Regional History Museum Info-Tickets: Del Shannon Weekend Order Michael's Book Victorian Southwest Michigan True Crime LISTEN: Tales of Southwest Michigan's Past 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 newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com . Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.…

For the third year in a row, the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority has received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help move potentially contaminated land to new ownership. The City of Albion and Battle Creek Community Foundation are partners on the project, which seeks to "...address sites that have sat vacant or underused for years," according to Krista Trout-Edwards, CCLBA executive director. Click to hear more details about how potential buyers of such properties in Calhoun County can benefit from this grant. Episode Resources Calhoun County Land Bank Authority CCLBA EPA Funding Information 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 newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com . Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.…

Cass County native Aric Nesbitt, the Michigan Senate Minority Leader, has announced his intent to run for governor in 2026. Nesbitt, a conservative Republican, was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2010. Nesbitt joins Community Matters to talk about what motivates his run and why. Episode Resources Michigan Senate Republicans: Sen. Aric Nesbitt 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 newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com . Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.…

On this episode of Oaklawn Health Matters , psychologist Dr. John Tobin of Oaklawn Psychological and Psychiatric Services discusses some considerations for those considering seeing a therapist. Among them, the indications it would be a good idea to see a therapist - along with some therapy benefits and what to consider in choosing a therapist. Episode Resources Oaklawn Hospital website and Psychological Services About Oaklawn Oaklawn was founded in 1925 as a 12-bed hospital in a residential home, funded by a group of visionary philanthropists. Now, almost ten decades later, we’ve evolved into a highly regarded regional health care organization, licensed for 77 acute care beds and a 17-bed inpatient psychiatric unit. We’ve continued to be an independently owned not-for-profit hospital, with our main campus residing on the same site as the original hospital, providing facilities, equipment and technology that are usually only found at larger health systems. We enjoy a reputation for advancing medicine and providing compassionate, personal care. Our service area includes Calhoun County and parts of Branch and Eaton counties with a medical staff of more than 300 providers representing over 55 specialties. For information, visit www.oaklawnhospital.org . Oaklawn Health Matters is produced by Livemic Communications .…

Recognizing potential signs of dementia in a loved one can be stressful and even paralyzing. A person can be left wondering what to do next. Miles for Memories has developed some guidance in this area with a resource card called "What's Next?". In this episode of Creating Dementia Solutions , Miles for Memories founder Sherii Sherban talks about the intended use of the card - and how it can help folks gain focus with suggested tasks. Episode Resources The Lancet Commission Risk Factors for Dementia Miles for Memories website Miles for Memories technology Sherii Sherban talks to Community Matters about MFM technology More Creating Dementia Solutions episodes ABOUT MILES FOR MEMORIES Miles For Memories is a Calhoun County, Michigan organization created in 2013 to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Disease. Later in 2014, the vision was expanded to include all types of dementia. MFM raises money each year through sponsorships, community events, and grants to gather funds to create local programming for both the person living with dementia and the caregiver. Along with local efforts, 20% of the funds to prevention-related dementia research. Miles for Memories is a committee of 70-plus volunteers and are always looking for more to get involved.…

When thinking about military appreciation observances during the month of May, you may think first of Memorial Day. While that is certainly true, we learn in this Community Matters discussion there are a lot more observances which constitute what is referred to as Military Appreciation Month. Summit Pointe Veteran Navigator Michele Pascoe joins Community Matters to help us understand. Episode Resources Battle Creek VA Medical Center website Summit Pointe Veteran Navigator information Calhoun County Veterans Affairs Office website Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency website 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 newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com . Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.…