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 entertainment experience both on and off the field and what to expect in the upcoming season. Connell also gives a look behind the scenes of what it takes to build a team like the Battle Jacks and how the league works compared to the major and minor leagues you may be more familiar with. 

Episode Resources

Battle Creek Battle Jacks 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.

Do you have a non-profit you'd like to hear highlighted on Community Matters? Go to our website and let us know!

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. 

BCTRHT Co-CEO Elizabeth Garcia talks to Community Matters about their history, vision and what to expect at the event. The theme of this year's event is The Rhythm of Our Humanity and is free, open to the public and dinner is included. 

Episode Resources
The National Day of Racial Healing 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 and PM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com.

Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.

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
Follow DBCZ on Facebook

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.

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.

Episode Resources

Calhoun County Board of Commissioners 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.

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 Community Matters to discuss some of the projects that will be receiving those funds and how they benefit the greater Calhoun County community. Muliett also talks about how the collaboration between the three community foundations helps to strengthen collective efforts across the county. Click here for a full list of the funding recipients.

Episode Resources
Battle Creek Community Foundation 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 and PM 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 2025, Creating Dementia Solutions is looking deeper into what The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care has indicated are ways people can reduce their risk of dementia.

Miles for Memories Founder Sherii Sherban talks about some of the wide-ranging topics covered from the Lancet List in 2025 and looks ahead to 2026 at some of the programs they'll offer for those battling dementia and their caregivers.   

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.

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 Manager Ted Dearing talk to Community Matters about the accomplishments and struggles of 2025 while looking ahead at the opportunities for the Cereal City in 2026. 

Episode Resources

City of Battle Creek 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.

Do you have a non-profit you'd like to hear highlighted on Community Matters? Go to our website and let us know!

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 providers and helps answer questions about whether it's a right fit for you. 

Episode Resources

South Shore Direct Primary Care Website

395 South Shore Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49015

Phone: (269) 224-0088

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.

Do you have a story or non-profit you'd like to hear highlighted on Community Matters? Go to our website and let us know!

In 2025, Creating Dementia Solutions is looking deeper into what The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care has indicated are ways people can reduce their risk of dementia.

Among those factors: Smoking and Vaping

In this episode, Honalee Johnson of Battle Creek's Substance Abuse Council talks about the organization's efforts to help young people quit vaping - the process of inhaling vapor through a battery-powered device which can include nicotine and other cancer-causing chemicals.

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.

Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) looks back at his first full year in office in the Michigan House of Representatives, including the struggle to pass the state budget as well as the current attempt to cut up to $645M in work project funds. Frisbie also looks ahead to 2026, discussing ways Michigan can be more competitive in economic and business development. 

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.