Livemic Communications - Richard Piet Show

In this Wiggly Tail update from the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, Lacy and Jessica join Community Matters to talk about three big things:

• Whisker Mixer Fundraiser: Set for Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at The Base in Springfield, this annual event features a silent auction with themed items - and 7-night accommodations in a 2-bedroom condo in Orlando.
• Work at HSSCM: Have a calling to work with animals? The Humane Society is l...

Calhoun County does not generally have a significant amount of reported incidents of wrong-way drivers. But, many other counties do - particularly in higher-populated areas.

That's the word from Calhoun County Sheriff's Department Lt. Curtis Smith.

Still, an incident in spring 2025 involved a wrong-way driver on I-94 near Marshall, which resulted in a crash.

Lt. Smith joins Community Matters with advice for drivers on how to...

Every spring, Calhoun County dementia education organization Miles for Memories facilitates an information session with Michigan State University researchers meant to update attendees on research and other news about the disease.

The 2025 event is set for Tuesday, May 6, 5:30 PM at the Kool Family Center in Battle Creek.

The session is also a chance for future researchers - MSU students - to share what they are learning about dementi...

FireKeepers Casino Hotel has evolved from a gaming institution to include a upscale hotel tower. Then another.

Today, FireKeepers CEO Frank Tecumseh shares with Community Matters some perspective on how far the facility has come, as well as the overall "Vegas-style" experience - along with big-name performances and events - and some thoughts about what's to come.

He also talks about how construction crews are "qui...

Voters in Emmett Township will decide on May 6, 2025 whether to continue support of a millage Supervisor Tracy Myers says will help pay for new emergency equipment.

Myers tells Community Matters it is an effort to save funds for new public safety vehicles and other equipment - and avoid having a bond request when needs are more urgent.

Myers also discusses the search for a new public safety director.

Episode Resources
Emmett Towns...

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.

Lancet includes addressing depression as one of those potential factors which could help a person reduce dementia risk. Creating Dementia Solutions asked Dr. Sean Field, clinical director at Summit Pointe, what comes to mind for him, as a...

Marshall's Dark Horse Brewing plans its annual Spring Smokeoff around BBQ, beer and a charitable connection. That's the plain again in 2025, with a portion of the $25 entry fee to support Marshall Area Community Services (MACS) on May 3.

Now under the Livonia-based Benchmark Beverage umbrella, Dark Horse will also be the brew site for its sister brewery Brew Detroit. 

Benchmark Director of Corporate Development Bruce Kridle...

When Brian and Joleen Robins learned their teenage daughter might be facing a lifetime of health challenges, they braced for what that could mean.

But, as Brian tells Community Matters, what happened next was not the outcome that was expected. In fact, it resulted in the Rings Ministries free transportation program. It provides free refurbished vehicles to needy families - especially single moms - in the Battle Creek area.

Episode Re...

Michigan's 45th District Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) chairs the House Judicial Committee, this after Republicans regained control after the November 2024 election.

In this update with Community Matters, Lightner talks about the role of the Judicial Committee, and her view as chair.

Lightner also touches on the continued fight against Fentanyl, the House GOP roads plan and her trip to tour Ford's BlueOval Battery Park...

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.

Lancet includes addressing depression as one of those potential factors which could help a person reduce dementia risk. But, is it really depression a person is contending with? Creating Dementia Solutions asked Dr. Sean Field, clinical d...

Battle Creek's S.A.F.E. Place - which stands for secure area family environment - has evolved over the years to meet the immediate daily and safety needs of those escaping intimate partner violence.

CEO Ellen Lassiter Collier underscores that the organization's mission also includes helping those who have escaped a human trafficking situation.

That's exactly the type of organization Two Men and a Truck is looking to su...

In a wide-ranging interview, Battle Creek Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kim Carter returns to Community Matters. This time, Carter offers insight into how possible department of education restructuring at the national level could affect Battle Creek.

The superintendent also updates listeners on a bond request which will not result in a tax increase, as well as a new school building set to open - and a series of listening session...

Battle Creek's Trinity Community Development and Neighborhood Center has a mission to "improve the quality of life" in the Trinity neighborhood.

That means doing so simply by providing a place for various groups to meet. It also means connecting the underserved with what they need, such as food.

Trinity Executive Director Jessica Lamson visits Community Matters to talk about a benefit concert May 9, 2025 which will hel...

Battle Creek's Cereal City Concert Band will play in Schladming, Austria in July 2025 on the invitation of the 2025 Mid-Europe Wind Band Music Festival.

The band plans two more fundraising events to support the trip: Finley's restaurant in Battle Creek on April 30, 2025 will donate a portion of its proceeds that night for 30 or more tables. Another event is planned for May 31, 2025 at the Downtown Church, 135 Hamblin Avenu...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate about 12 percent of the U.S. population is diabetic. Millions of them are undiagnosed.

You may have heard some diabetic folks have been able to go off of their diabetes medications after changing their health in ways like losing weight and eating healthier.

On this Oaklawn Health Matters, Certified Diabetes Educator and Education Specialist Jason Cole talks about whether or not ...

Republican representatives in Michigan see a way to fund road repairs in Michigan by reallocating funds in the state budget, among other ways. As is, the proposal would take away some economic development funds and put them toward road repairs.

Bridge News reports the so-called SOAR (Strategic Outreach Attraction Reserve) Fund would lose money and Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credits would be targeted.

So does Battle Creek&...

The setup for a battle over road repair funding in Michigan is done. Republican members of the Michigan House of Representatives have presented a plan which redirects money in the current budget for road repairs.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, has proposed different taxes to help fund the upgrades.

Former Rep. Jim Haadsma, a Democrat from Battle Creek, provides his perspective on the GOP plan, including what he sees as common...

Applicants have until April 14, 2025 to submit their information to be considered for a firefighting career in Battle Creek.

The Battle Creek Fire Department is operating at reduced staffing capacity in early 2025, according to Battalion Chief Andre Doser, who says 70 firefighters are considered ideal for the department.

Firefighter Raelyn Freelove, who chairs the recruitment committee, joins BC Doser in this Community Matters discus...

A resurgence of measles in Texas and some other states - including a confirmed case in Michigan - has brought the disease back in the news after a long absence. Measles typically affects young children.

Dr. Summer Liston with Oaklawn Hospital joins Community Matters to help us understand what measles is, where it's been and how it's typically combatted. 

As well, Dr. Liston shares some information about flu and the flu shot...