Community Matters Calhoun County

(Community Matters 196) How Using AI Helps Achieve Quicker Emergency Response in Calhoun County

Michael Armitage with the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority talks about “Callie,” a virtual assistant now answering Calhoun County’s non-emergency dispatch lines so telecommunicators can stay focused on urgent calls. He breaks down how "Callie" detects emergencies, gets monitored and tuned so public safety outcomes improve without replacing people. Episode Resources Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority Website [https://www.calhounmi911.gov/] 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 [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/].

(Community Matters 196) B Squared Foundation Brings Pro Level Coaching to Local Kids

Brittney Dowdy returns to talk about two summer opportunities that put kids first: a free community flag football game and a Pistons Academy basketball clinic built to be affordable and high impact. Brittney shares how the B Squared Foundation raises money, sponsors kids, and uses sports to build confidence and better teamwork on and off the court.  For more information on sponsoring a child, call 269-358-8383 Episode Resources B Squared Foundation Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586237581457]  B Squared Foundation Website [https://www.b-squaredfoundation.org/] Pistons Academy Website [https://pistonsacademy.com/] 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 [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/].

(Community Matters 195) Remembering Dr. Joe Schwarz: Governor Gretchen Whitmer

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joins Community Matters to pay tribute to Dr. Joe Schwarz and reflects on how his principles shaped the way he led and the way others learned to lead around him. Whitmer talks about his fierce advocacy, respect for the oath, and why putting people first still works even when politics gets divisive.  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 [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/].

(Community Matters 195) Remembering Dr. Joe Schwarz: Michigan State Representative Steve Frisbie

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Michigan State Representative Steve Frisbee recalls why Dr. Joe Schwartz's humor, blunt honesty, and steady presence mattered to Battle Creek. Frisbie shares stories from the ER, his clinical style with patients, and the kind of political candor that still left room for respect.  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 [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/].

(Community Matters 195) Remembering Dr. Joe Schwarz: Businessman Vince Pavone

This discussion is part of a series of interviews remembering former Battle Creek mayor, lawmaker and statesman, Dr. Joe Schwarz who passed away in May, 2026.  Vince Pavone from Lakeview Ford reflects on the life of Dr. Joe Schwarz and the kind of civic leadership that feels rare right now: sharp, principled, and community-first. Pavone shares personal stories that show how Joe could disagree without being divisive and still push Battle Creek toward better outcomes.  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 [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/].