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Articles by Kathy Jennings
Invitation to a scam: A Second Wave journalist clicked the wrong link. It nearly broke the bank.
Editor’s Note: Even the most cautious of fraud-wary and fact-checking journalists can get hooked by an email scam. We offer this account so you can beware of the level of sophistication and nuance these schemes can employ, along with a few tips on how to protect yourself. Online scams happen when technology is used to trick, harm, or steal money and/or personal information. This can happen in various ways, like through emails, texts, phone calls, websites, or software.
Local Realtors urged to explore how they can help when it comes to answering the housing crisis
Panelists at “Mapping the Past, Shaping the Future: A Kalamazoo Conversation on Housing and Equity.” They are City Commissioner Alonzo Wilson., Gwendolyn Hooker, founder of HOPE through Navigation and leader of the Tiny Houses of Hope Initiative; 8th District Court Judge Alisa L. Parker-LaGrone. Courtesy photo When it comes to the nation’s housing crisis, there is a long list of what could solve it.
Breaking ground: Project will provide new housing option for those in Kalamazoo coming out of recovery
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Judge William Schma and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer chat at the groundbreaking for the William Schma house. Photo: Fran Dwight A Way Home — Housing Solutions: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave’s series on solutions to homelessness and ways to increase low-income and affordable housing. It is made possible by a coalition of funders, including Kalamazoo County, the ENNA Foundation, and Kalamazoo County Land Bank.
Your favorite Model D stories from 2025, according to Google – Model D
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Looking back at the year that was can offer reflections on where we have been and where we are going in the coming year. Fittingly, for readers of Model D, the past year was one of looking back and looking forward. Readers liked stories of Detroit as it was, and they also were quick to check out the features about those doing something new in town.
La Loma Supermercado trae sabores auténticos — y orgullo cultural — a Battle Creek – Second Wave
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... BATTLE CREEK, MI — En La Loma Supermercado, la comida es tan auténtica como el compromiso de sus propietarios por ofrecer alimentos propios de México y de países latinoamericanos como Brasil, Colombia, República Dominicana y Venezuela. A continuación, una sesión de preguntas y respuestas con Rosario Uribe, quien es copropietaria de La Loma junto con su esposo, Jose Luis Uribe. ¿Cuándo abrió la tienda? Abrimos el 7 de enero de 2025, en 1791 W.
Colleges Must Pursue All Legal Paths for Diversity (opinion)
Two years ago, the Supreme Court dealt a devastating blow to opportunity in America when it gutted access to higher education for underrepresented groups. That decision was not only legally misguided but also turned a blind eye to the deep inequities that have long shaped our education system. Our colleges and universities scrambled to find lawful tools to ensure that their student bodies still reflected the breadth of talent and promise in this country.
Forum offers opportunity to imagine affordable housing across Kalamazoo – Second Wave
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A Way Home — Housing Solutions: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave’s series on solutions to homelessness and ways to increase affordable housing. It is made possible by a coalition of funders, including the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, the ENNA Foundation, and Kalamazoo County Land Bank. This is the first in a series of stories based on sessions at Collaboration for Housing Equity.
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma brings a full house to its feet in Miller Auditorium
When Maestro Julian Kuerti and Yo-Yo Ma walked onto the stage at Miller Auditorium arm in arm, it was obvious there was a longtime connection there. Kuerti was a toddler when he first met the renowned cellist. Yo-Yo Ma knew Julian’s father, pianist Anton Kuerti. Including the most recent performance in Kalamazoo, Maestro Kuerti and Yo-Yo Ma have shared the stage four times.
Highlights of 15 years of photography
You don’t have to be named Eric to be a photographer for Southwest Michigan’s Second Wave, but it does help. Three of the seven photographers who have taken the shots that accompanied our stories and the mastheads that top our pages over the years have been named Eric, with various spellings for each one. When Second Wave launched, Erik Holladay was there to give the publication its unique look. As we expanded our coverage in Battle Creek through the On the Ground program there was Erick McCloud.
On the Ground, Voices of Youth, Faith in Action and more: The projects of Second Wave
Looking back over the past 15 years, what stands out is the people — the ones who have the next big idea for the communities we cover, the ones who are making a difference, the ones who are making Kalamazoo and Battle Creek better places to live. Many of these stories reflect what is happening in the community at large. Others are covered as part of a specific reporting project. We're proud to have worked with community partners to raise up people and issues that are important to our community.
15 Years of Second Wave: A celebration of community, journalism, and solutions
There is nothing like getting out into the community to be reminded of all the good things happening out there. At the Douglass Community Association on Monday, April 14, a group of leaders gathered to update others on the work being done for youth, veterans, mothers and so many more. There were bankers and builders, alongside community advocates. Literacy, mental health, and music all had a place at the table. This is the kind of gathering that Second Wave was made for.
A look back at the top stories based over the past 15 years of Second Wave
We believe and abide by the Solutions Journalism Network's mission to "transform journalism so that all people have access to news that helps them envision and build a more equitable and sustainable world." Southwest Michigan Second Wave has covered solutions-oriented stories in Kalamazoo for 15 years. Six years ago, we expanded our Battle Creek and Calhoun County coverage, moving from occasional to always.
It's time for our annual round-up
It's become a tradition at Southwest Michigan's Second Wave to take a look back as we prepare to look ahead. This is a roundup of the best-read features of 2022. A few notes before we launch into the list.
Threat to democracy in Myanmar catalyst for Battle Creek protest supporting those challenging coup
Hundreds turned out in Battle Creek Feb. 3 to protest the threat to democracy in Myanmar and to show support for those opposing the military coup in that country. “We at the Burma Center are alarmed and saddened by what is happening in Myanmar,” said a flier calling for action and announcing a demonstration of support for free elections in Myanmar.
Southwest Michigan Second Wave's top stories of 2020
Each year before we forge ahead into the coming 12 months we take a quick look back at what our readers wanted to know about the most. And though you might think let's forget 2020 altogether there still are interesting stories you might have forgotten about or missed in our compilation of the best-read stories of 2020. Two COVID-related stories topped the list of features written in 2020. Stories of restaurateurs opening their new spaces under less than ideal circumstances drew in readers, too.
Kalamazoo to say goodbye to poet and motivational speaker, Kirk Latimer, in Sunday memorial
"You fought your battles while helping others fight theirs. You made a difference more than you could ever know. You gave a voice to those without one and helped so many youths." -- A social media tribute to the late Kirk Latimer Some stories write themselves. This is not one of those stories. On Sept. 9 Kirk Latimer, the co-founder and Education Director of Speak It Forward died after a brief illness. He will be remembered in a memorial event Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Arcadia Festival site.
Portage Creek in Vicksburg found to be home to mussel that is in danger of becoming extinct
Sometimes finding an endangered species on a commercial development site can shut down a project while ways to protect the animal are explored. Instead, The Mill at Vicksburg, Chris Moore’s $80 million plan to transform the sprawling century-old campus into a mixed-use development, is embracing the discovery of the rare snuffbox mussel.
Two new tenants bring Midlink Business Park in Comstock Township to full occupancy
Back in 1996, Kalamazoo got the bad news that the GM stamping plant with its 3,100 jobs, was one of nine being closed by the automaker. This week the business that took over that property, Midlink Business Park, announced that two new tenants have moved into the development, bringing it to full occupancy. Midlink, which offers the selling point that it is midway between Detroit and Chicago on I-94, has two 800,000-square-foot buildings for multiple tenants sitting on a 340-acre development.
Statements on gun violence in Kalamazoo from mayor and vice mayor
At the Aug. 3 meeting of the Kalamazoo City Commission, gun violence was on everyone's mind. Much of the meeting was devoted to what could be done and the urgency with which it needs to be undertaken. The discussion began early in the meeting with a prepared statement by Mayor David Anderson and extemporaneous remarks from Vice Mayor Patrese Griffin. Mayor David Anderson We have a gun violence crisis in Kalamazoo.
Traffic calming chicanes presented to Kalamazoo residents in North Side event
Kalamazoo residents got their first look at chicanes, a physical barrier used to calm traffic on city streets where motorists drive too fast at a special event, Thursday, July 30, at LaCrone Park. Neighbors were invited to see how the chicanes work and ask questions about them. And early indications are that first impressions were not favorable.
Neighborhood restaurant, Station 702, closes even though it came through COVID-19 successfully
Station 702 at the intersection of North Street and Douglas Avenue has served its last omelet with a side of spuds, but the restaurant is not another COVID-19 statistic. Instead, owner Brad Loomis has decided to leave the restaurant business to pursue his second business full time. Aeron Wireless is a fixed wireless internet service that transmits from a terrestrial tower to an antenna on your roof.
Kalamazoo’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation process builds resources for changemakers
For some, the nation’s deep need for action behind those words may be a recent revelation. For teams supported by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF), that work will have been ongoing for two years this fall. Inspired by truth and reconciliation processes that have taken place around the world, Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation is an initiative that addresses issues ranging from cultural injustices to more tangible changes in institutions and policies.
Downtown Kalamazoo windows go from bleak to moving with a message from local artists
Editor's note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's On the Ground Kalamazoo series and our ongoing COVID-19 coverage. If you have a story of how the community is responding to the pandemic please let us know here. Plywood boards covering the windows of downtown Kalamazoo businesses became the "canvases" for murals by 36 artists over the weekend.
Battle Creek entrepreneur turns her love of lip gloss into her own business
Editor's note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's On the Ground Battle Creek series and our ongoing COVID-19 coverage. If you have a story of how the community is responding to the pandemic please let us know here. Experts in the business sector likely would have discouraged Tasia Richardson from launching a new business in the midst of a global pandemic.
Land Conservancy and partners receive a $375,000 grant to keep forests healthy as climate changes
More than 40,000 trees chosen for their ability to create forest habitats adapted for climate change and to withstand invasive species will be planted in southwest Michigan over the next two years. Work will be done in 14 different forested areas throughout the region to improve nearly 500 acres of forest by addressing invasive species, planting new forests, and diversifying existing forests.
Feed the Fight Kalamazoo helps hospital staff and restaurants at the same time
Middle East Appetite created take out meals for the first day of Feed the Fight Kalamazoo’s efforts to serve hospital staff. Courtesy Feed the Fight Kalamazoo Middle East Appetite created take out meals for the first day of Feed the Fight Kalamazoo’s efforts to serve hospital staff. Courtesy Feed the Fight Kalamazoo Maggie’s Cafe was the first restaurant to create meals to be served to hospital staff by Feed the Fight Kalamazoo.
Testing for COVID-19 expands with local drive thru locations and added commercial lab
Drive-thru testing for COVID-19 soon will be available in Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, and Kalamazoo. They are three of 13 new or expanded COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites that are intended to provide greater access to testing for residents across Michigan. A new lab will speed up test results under a plan announced recently by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The drive-thru test locations are opening on a rolling basis.
Senior Services: Community partners collaborate during time of need to provide critical services
Editor's note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's On the Ground Kalamazoo series and our ongoing COVID-19 coverage. If you have a story of how the community is responding to the pandemic please let us know here. As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread, Senior Services of Southwest Michigan reports it has experienced an exponential increase in need for many of its essential services.
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy’s Nature Preserves have plenty of space to keep your distance
Editor's note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's On the Ground Kalamazoo series and our ongoing COVID-19 coverage. If you have a story of how the community is responding to the pandemic please let us know here. Kalamazoo City Parks: closed. Kalamazoo County Parks: closed. (Except for the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.) Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy nature preserves: open.
Countdown: Stories readers loved from Southwest Michigan's Second Wave in 2019
Before we leave the last decade behind entirely, we thought we would take a look back at the stories readers loved in 2019. As has become our tradition, we asked the reporters who wrote them to reflect a bit on the pieces. We hope you enjoy this look at the top 10 stories of the year gone by. No. 10 Natasha Northcutt and her 3-year-old son Clark. 10. JANE SIMONS | THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2019 Who says you can never go home again?
Birders' viewing platform, boardwalk, and more are coming to nature preserve in Paw Paw
Public access will be coming to Sora Meadows Preserve in Paw Paw Township, says Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. A 10-car gravel parking lot, a birders’ viewing platform, boardwalk, and a trailhead are amenities that will be added to the preserve and they are being made possible through a grant from Entergy-Palisades Environmental Initiatives Fund.
The Top 10 stories of 2018. Is your favorite on the list?
It’s become a tradition to take a look back at the previous year before we jump ahead with our coverage for the new year. Here is our list of the Southwest Michigan Second Wave stories that were the best read in 2018 with comments from the correspondents who wrote them. Maybe you will find one you missed that you will want to check out. 10.
On the Ground Kalamazoo moves to Eastside Neighborhood
On the Ground, a program run by the Michigan-based Issue Media Group, the parent company for Southwest Michigan's Second Wave movies into its third neighborhood, Kalamazoo’s Eastside, on Jan. 10. The move comes after 120 days of coverage in both the Edison and Northside neighborhoods, including July’s coverage written by Edison residents. The first story appeared in Southwest Michigan’s Second Wave online magazine on April 5, 2018 and we began Northside coverage Aug. 2.
Second phase of BTR park expected to proceed in early 2019
A $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration will allow Western Michigan University to move ahead with Business Technology and Research Park 2 in the next few months. The grant will help pay for site development in the form of roads and utilities. The development of Business Technology and Research Park 2 has come about as the property in Business Technology and Research Park 1 is full with current and committed businesses.
Schupan and Sons plans expansion in Kalamazoo
Metals and plastics recycling company Schupan & Sons Incorporated is expanding at two of its locations in Kalamazoo in moves that are expected to add a total of 80 jobs over the next three years. Schupans' manufacturing division, headquartered in Kalamazoo, uses state-of-the-art technology to produce complex components for the medical device, aerospace, and office furniture industries.
Public Skool: Opening a door to hip hop and inclusion
If you Google “hip hop Kalamazoo” to see when you might enjoy some of your favorite music at one of your favorite venues, well, you’re likely to end up planning a road trip instead.Daniel J. May wants to change that.“I decided to create the events I wanted to see in this city,” says May. “That became my goal instead of waiting for it to happen.”And he’s created his own company, Public Skool , to partner with local venues and create events that will appeal to a broad range of people.
On the Ground Battle Creek coverage to launch on Oct. 18
In many communities across the country, there are untold stories of people and organizations working to make their city a better place to live and work. A new program offered by Issues Media group through its regional online publication Southwest Michigan’s Second Wave Media will begin to highlight those stories in Battle Creek beginning Oct. 18. The On the Ground Program tells the story of the people, projects, and innovations that are creating “what’s next” for communities.
Bronson to build new hospital and medical offices in South Haven
Over the next two years, Bronson Healthcare will replace the aging hospital and medical office buildings at 955 S. Bailey Ave. in South Haven with two new facilities, for a $22 million investment in the lakeshore community.Plans include the new hospital, a 14-bed emergency department, lab and imaging services, pharmacy, and medical offices for primary care and specialty providers.
KVCC Food Innovation Center awarded significant USDA grant
ValleyHUB, the food hub at the Kalamazoo Community College Food Innovation Center , will be better positioned to scale up after receiving a grant for $271,058 over the next three years from the United States Department of Agriculture.The grant will fund a full-time Food Hub Outreach and Marketing Coordinator, a large industrial vegetable dicer for the food hub, and continuation of food safety training and certification efforts for farms.
Pfizer job fair set for Sept. 24 at the Radisson in downtown Kalamazoo
Pfizer recently announced a huge investment in its manufacturing operation in Portage -- $465 million expansion of its sterile injectable production capabilities. Along with that will come an increase in jobs -- about 450 over the next several years. The plant also has more than 200 immediate openings, including manufacturing, engineering, skilled trades, and many other openings. To meet this need, Pfizer is holding a career fair on Monday, Sept.
From abandoned lots to Eastside Gateway: Eleven parcels rebuilt to renew neighborhood
Over the next two days, a new house will be built in the Eastside neighborhood, marking the beginning of the development of the Eastside Gateway.With the help of the Home Builders Association of West Michigan, Habitat for Humanity and more than 20 other partners the 1,000-square-foot house with a modern design will launch a project at East Michigan and Foresman that the Kalamazoo County Land Bank and the neighborhood have been working on together for about a year.Through the Home Builders’...
Communities to be asked to tell their vision for Twin Cities Harbor
What does it take to create vibrant, prosperous waterfront communities?Community members, local government officials, and other partners will be asked to share their visions in the creation of a strategy for the Twin Cities Harbor.The Michigan Office of the Great Lakes has awarded a $75,000 grant to create a plan for the harbor as it works on the Twin Cities Sustainable Harbor Project with Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and St. Joseph Charter Township.In a series of meetings, community members...
For families working through recovery, Mothers of Hope offers care, compassion, and information
If you think of the Ultimate Family Reunion when you hear the name Mothers of Hope there is a good reason for that. For 10 years, the nonprofit organized the one-day event that brought out thousands to have fun and food together and also to learn more about services and agencies offering assistance to those in need.The first year the event — planned for teenagers as safe place to be, away from Ku Klux Klansmen rallying in downtown — was expected to draw 300.
Applicants sought for manufacturing job training program at KCC
A free training program that begins Sept. 17 at Kellogg Community College will provide experience on a working manufacturing line. The program is offered at no cost to Battle Creek residents who meet income guidelines.The Kellogg Advanced Manufacturing Assembly (KAMA) training program will run for four week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays ath KCC's Regional Manufacturing Technology Center campus, 405 Hill Brady Road, Battle Creek . The program ends Oct.
Can-Do Kitchen staff grows by one employee
There's a new face at the Can-Do Kitchen In July, the Can-Do Kitchen staff grew from two to three with the addition of a new Facility and Volunteer Coordinator.Susma Mahato, who has accepted the position, comes from a background of helping and empowering at-risk mothers, children, young women, and seniors. She has worked with them in Nepal, India, Northern Michigan, and Texas.Mahato moved to the United States from Nepal when she was 19.
"Sweetheart of A Deal Auction" Things to know - SwiftCurrentOnline.com
How do I set up an Account? If you already have an account from years past, you don't need to create a new one - you can use the same one and there is a feature to request a new username/password if you forgot what it was last year. If your new to the Auction, you will need to create an account which will allow you to place your bids and will send you an email when you are out bid so that you can bid again for that item before its closed. How easy it is to find items and make bids?
February is FREE Family & Public Swim for Youth !! - SwiftCurrentOnline.com
For the month of February, youth (17 & under) can swim FREE at the Aquatic Center during Famly and Public swimming ~ Huge THANK YOU to SC Kiwanis Club for making this possible. Family Week is Feb 19 - 23rd, check out their schedule:
Miller-Davis Company promotes a number of employees
Miller-Davis Company has announced the promotion of six employees. Craig Howard, Steve Zimmerman, Jack Abate, Michele Wreggelsworth, Kyle Frailing and Dan Predl have all taken on new roles within the Company. Craig Howard has been promoted from field operations manager to field operations director. Howard now provides overall direction, management, and motivation for all field staff. He helps solve complex construction challenges and serves as liaison with labor providers.
On the Ground moves to Northside neighborhood for 120 days
On the Ground, a program run by the Michigan-based Issue Media Group, the parent company for Southwest Michigan's Second Wave movies into its second neighborhood, Kalamazoo’s Northside, on Aug. 2. The move comes after 120 days of coverage of the Edison neighborhood, including July’s coverage written by Edison residents. The first story appeared in Southwest Michigan’s Second Wave online magazine on April 5.
Pfizer increases its commitment to region with expansion worth nearly $500 million
One final piece needed to be put into place before Pfizer could proceed with construction of a 400,000-square-foot, multi-story production center where sterile injectable medicines will be made. That piece went into place Tuesday, July 24 when the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
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