(Community Matters 190) DBCZ June 2026 Events Update

(Community Matters 193) A State Mini-Grant Could Change How Kids Get To School at Pennfield and Marshall Schools

Marshall Public Schools and Pennfield Schools are two local recipients of a mini-grant from MDOT Safe Routes to School. Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Becky Jones and Pennfield Schools Superintendent Stephanie Lemmer, talk about how this could create new and safer ways for kids to get to school in those districts.  Episode Resources Marshall Public Schools Website [https://www.marshallpublicschools.org/] Pennfield Public Schools Website [https://www.pennfield.net/] MDOT Safe Routes to School Website [https://saferoutesmichigan.org/] 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 193) The Battle Creek Community Foundation Hands Off A Beloved Community Center to a New Owner

Mary Muliett with the Battle Creek Community Foundations talks about the recently announced Kook Family Community Center ownership transition and why Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. is positioned to keep senior services stable and growing. Muliett also talks about the latest developments with the Community Foundation's community-informed mission and three-year strategic plan.  Episode Resources Battle Creek Community Foundation Website [https://bccfoundation.org/] Kool Family Community Center Website [https://thekoolcenter.org/] Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E. Website [https://seniorcarepartnersmi.org/] 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 193) Hang Up and Verify When If They Ask You to Pay in Gift Cards

Detective Sergeant Kelson Gettel from the Battle Creek Police Department talks about a wave of phone scammers posing as Calhoun County deputies and pressuring people to pay fake fines. He lays out the red flags, why Bitcoin ATMs and gift cards are the giveaway, and the one move that protects you most: hang up and verify.  Episode Resources Battle Creek Police Department Website [https://www.battlecreekmi.gov/749/Police-Department] 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 192) Run-Up to Roofsit 4: Receiving Help Comes Full Circle

This is the fourth in a series of interviews shedding light on The Haven of Rest's mission and programs ahead of its annual Roofsit fundraiser. The Haven marks its 70th anniversary in 2026. Rebecca, a Haven of Rest Case Manager, talks about losing housing while working and raising kids, then finding stability through Inasmuch House and the Haven’s transitional support. She shares how that same path leads her back as a Case Manager who helps families replace fear and anger with a clear plan toward. Episode Resources The Haven of Rest Ministries Website [https://thehavenbc.org/events/yearly-roof-sit/] 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/]. Do you have a non-profit you'd like to hear highlighted on Community Matters? Go to our website [https://battlecreekpodcast.com/] and let us know!

(Community Matters 192) Run-Up to Roofsit 5: A Safe Place to Start Over

This is the fifth and final in a series of interviews shedding light on The Haven of Rest's mission and programs ahead of its annual Roofsit fundraiser. The Haven marks its 70th anniversary in 2026. "Sheree" talks about how incarceration led to losing housing, months of couch hopping, and the moment she finally chose the Haven of Rest for help. We also dig into the real barriers to getting housed again and why Roofsit donations keep the path open for families in Battle Creek.  Episode Resources The Haven of Rest Ministries Website [https://thehavenbc.org/events/yearly-roof-sit/] 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/]. Do you have a non-profit you'd like to hear highlighted on Community Matters? Go to our website [https://battlecreekpodcast.com/] and let us know!