Featured Stories

Through Our City: A comic about the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Simon Borst Thursday, May 23, 2013

Because there is more than one way to tell a story Southwest Michigan's Second Wave asked artist Simon Borst to create a graphic way of telling of the tale of the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail. He presents a story of gaps in the trail and what they mean for trail users.

Building Communities, Economic Development, Philanthropy, Sports and Recreation, Sustainability, Transportation

Kalamazoo

Memorial Day holiday a time to celebrate summer

Kathy Jennings Thursday, May 23, 2013

What do you have planned for Memorial Day? We're planning to take a short break.

Rambling Naturalists teach the secrets of nature and a good life

Zinta Aistars Thursday, May 23, 2013

Whether in character or as themselves, Wil and Sarah Reding have a lot of wisdom to share about the natural world around us. Zinta Aistars talked to them about their business Rent A Rambling Naturalist that's more than telling a good yarn.

Education, Small Business, Sustainability, Tourism

Kalamazoo

Open Roads opens doors for Kalamazoo's young people

Zinta Aistars Thursday, May 16, 2013

Once you've learned how to fix a bike what else can you fix? For young people in Kalamazoo Open Roads teaches the skills to find out. Ethan Alexander talks with Zinta Aistars about the program that capitalizes on his love for bikes.

Community Engagement, Education, Michigan kids

Kalamazoo

Arcadia Brewing Co. ready for hiring as construction proceeds

Jeremy Martin Thursday, May 16, 2013

When Arcadia Brewery opens in downtown Kalamazoo later this year exactly what kinds of jobs will it mean for the local economy? Jeremy Martin talks with Dave Sipple, Director of Brewing Operations, to find out.

Brewer, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality

Kalamazoo

Disc golf and bikes lead to change in Battle Creek

Jane C. Parikh Thursday, May 09, 2013

Chad and Niaomi Curtis' shop is more than a place to find a bicycle. It's home to a program that teaches young people bike repair skills. Plus Chad is behind Battle Creek's three Disc Golf Courses. Jane Parikh talks to the couple to find out what motivates their work.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Retail, Small Business

Battle Creek

Video: Country's best gymnasts compete in Battle Creek

Erik Holladay Thursday, May 09, 2013

Battle Creek recently hosted some of the best young gynmasts in the nation. Second Wave's Erik Holladay was there to capture the event with his camera.

Tourism

Battle Creek

What I've learned during Michigan's fight on home foreclosure

Mary Townley Thursday, May 02, 2013

MSHDA is partnering with the state’s religious leaders and faith communities to help homeowners avoid foreclosure with a program that addresses each homeowner’s unique situation.

Building Communities, Economic Development, MSHDA Advertorial

St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Portage, Benton Harbor, South Haven

Kalamazoo's bakeries are the frosting on the cake

Zinta Aistars Thursday, May 02, 2013

You might say one thing three Kalamazoo-area bakeries have in common is tradition. One was started by a former European pastry chef, one by a third generation baker and the third by an Irish baker also using recipes from the Continent. Zinta Aistars talks with the bakers of Boonzaaijer's, MacKenzie's, and the Victorian Bakery.

Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, Retail, Small Business

Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo Farmers Market: 'A Masterpiece in the Making'

Donna McClurkan Thursday, May 02, 2013

This year for the first time the People's Food Co-op will manage Kalamazoo Farmers Market on Bank Street. Market Manager Chris Broadbent talks with Donna McClurkan about what's ahead for the market formerly run by the City of Kalamazoo that is known to be the place to be on a Saturday morning to meet friends and find a fresh bunch of radishes.

Agriculture, Building Communities, Sustainability

Kalamazoo

Much more than vegetables grow at Sprout Urban Farms

Zinta Aistars Thursday, April 25, 2013

A community gathering to talk about ways to improve life where they live led to organizing a farm in the city. Zinta Aistars has the story of Sprout Urban Farm.

Agriculture, Building Communities, Community Engagement, Sustainability

Battle Creek

Chris Falk helps musicians build the local music scene

Jeremy Martin Thursday, April 18, 2013

Who is Chris Falk and why does he care so much about local music? Jeremy Martin reports on Falk's work with bands in the area and other projects he has going.

Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Events

Kalamazoo

Clinic on wheels brings better hearing to rural areas

Amie Heasley Thursday, April 18, 2013

The Hearing Bus is a state-of-the art mobile clinic that's traveling Southwest Michigan. Amie Heasly talks to Dr. Gyl Kasewurm about why the bus has been put on the road.

Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Health Care and Wellness

Kalamazoo

Keeping kids out of trouble by making truffles

Zinta Aistars Thursday, April 11, 2013

Dale Anderson wanted to help kids by teaching them building trades skills. He ended up teaching them how to make truffles. Zinta Aistars has the story on how he made that leap with them at Confections with Convictions.

Education, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Michigan kids, Retail, Small Business

Kalamazoo

As a Beacon Community, Battle Creek can show others how change happens

Jane C. Parikh Thursday, April 11, 2013

A three-year initiative targeting social issues in Battle Creek funded with a $1.4 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has begun. The goal is for the community to not only deal with its issues but become a national model for resolving challenges. That's why they call it a Beacon Community. Jane Parikh reports.

Building Communities, Community Engagement, Philanthropy, Sustainability

Battle Creek