Inside Calhoun County

On this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Andrea Aguilar maps out what the Calhoun County Public Health Department Clinic does and how residents can use it. Andrea explains services, locations, privacy protections, and why the clinic can be a fast option even if you do not have a primary care doctor. Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Public Health Department ClinicCalhoun County GovernmentInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

This time on Inside Calhoun County, Director David Makled discusses how Calhoun County’s Public Defender Office is expanding holistic defense so courts can see the person behind the case. Makled also talks about the meaning behind Calhoun County's participation in the Michigan Holistic Defense Fellowship Program - one of only 5 public defender's offices in Michigan to do so.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Office of the Public DefenderCalhoun County GovernmentInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

This time on Inside Calhoun County: Assistant Director of Community Development Lucy Hough talks through the surprising ways Calhoun County parks support research, conservation, and everyday recreation, from rare turtle surveys to creek level data you can text in. Also hear updates on what millage funding and DNR Trust Fund grants are bringing to Kimball Pines, Historic Bridge Park, Menwabic Meadows, and a new Kalamazoo River boat launch. Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Parks and RecreationCalhoun County Government Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

This time on Inside Calhoun County, Road Department Director Kristine Parsons discusses how the county shifts from a heavy winter response into pothole season and a packed summer construction schedule. Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Road Department websiteCalhoun County Government websiteMore: Here's How to Track Road Work OnlineInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Calhoun County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott participated in the annual State of the Community address. The event was recorded in late February 2025 at AccessVision and included representatives from Albion, Battle Creek, Marshall, Springfield and Calhoun County.Hear Administrator Scott's remarks in this episode. The full event is able to be viewed via the link below.Episode Resources2026 State of the Community VideoCalhoun County GovernmentInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

This time on Inside Calhoun County, Assistant Director of Community Development Lucy Hough discusses a practical plan to build a drive-through recycle center. The proposed center expands hours, adds year-round drop-offs for hard-to-recycle items, and boosts Calhoun County’s diversion rate. Lucy also explains the state mandate, site choice, funding, and the steps to opening day.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Proposed New Recycle CenterInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

On this Inside Calhoun County, an update on the Calhoun County Broadband Task Force and its efforts to make high speed internet access available and more reliable.Communications Specialist Lynn Meikle traces how a grassroots effort grew into a county-backed plan to bring high-speed internet to 12,000 unserved and underserved addresses across Calhoun County. Also explained: BEAD funding, mapping, provider commitments, timelines, and how residents can check eligibility.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Broadband Task Force Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Calhoun County Medical Director Dr. William Nettleton answers nuanced questions parents often have about childhood vaccines, busts myths, and shares five key facts every family should know.Dr. Nettleton unpacks the federal cut from 17 to 11 recommended childhood vaccines, why no new evidence drove the change, and why Calhoun County recommends following the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule. Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Public Health DepartmentCalhoun County GovernmentInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

This time on Inside Calhoun County, a look at how the county manages 750 miles of drains and ten court-ordered lake levels while juggling property rights, budgets, and rising infrastructure demands. From beaver dams to fiber optic crossings, Calhoun County Water Resources Commissioner Tommy Miller discusses how data, diplomacy, and hard work keep water where it belongs.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Water ResourcesCalhoun County GovernmentInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Commissioner Dan Strowbridge visits Inside Calhoun County, offering his view on county priorities, from public safety funding and health department cuts to how culverts and brush become the biggest road complaints. He shares why civic education matters, how to engage with the Board, and why the county’s AA bond rating signals resilience.Commissioner Strowbridge serves District 4, including Bedford Township Precincts 1,2 and 3; Convis Township; Pennfield Township Precincts 1,2 and 3.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Board of Commissioners websiteCalhoun County Government websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Emergency Manager Lt. Chris Young shares practical steps to avoid cold injury, reduce crash risk on icy roads, and prepare your car so a long wait for help stays safe. Episode ResourcesCalhoun County GovernmentCalhoun County Sheriff's Office of Emergency ManagementInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, an understanding how lead exposure still affects families in Calhoun County and what actually works to protect kids. Lead Case Nurse Heather Schumacher explains how to spot risks, get children tested, and tap local programs that remove hazards at the source.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Public Health DepartmentCalhoun County Lead Testing InformationInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert joins Inside Calhoun County to discuss Michigan’s Safe Storage Act, why youth access drives harm, and how layered defenses reduce theft, suicide, and accidental shootings. Clear rules, real penalties, and simple tools like safes and free locks can change outcomes.Episode ResourcesGuide to Responsible Gun OwnershipCalhoun County Office of the Prosecuting AttorneyInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Calhoun County Road Department Executive Director Kristine Parsons returns to Inside Calhoun County to discuss the preparations for winter road conditions. She also recommends residents shake their roadside mailboxes before the snow flies.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Road Department websiteCalhoun County Government websiteMore: Here's How to Track Road Work OnlineInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

"These changes are not just about bricks and mortar," Calhoun County Youth Center Director Tori Bendon said on ribbon cutting day. "They are about people," she said.After a lengthy, $13 million renovation approved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners in 2022, the ribbon was cut on September 23, 2025.In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Director Bendon discusses the more purposeful and safer atmosphere gained in the expansion from nearly 16,000 to almost 30,000 square feet.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Youth Center Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management division is focused on an all-hazards emergency management program.In doing so, Emergency Manager Lt. Chris Young returns to Inside Calhoun County to help dispel common myths and misunderstandings about readiness and preparation for evacuation, if necessary.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County GovernmentCalhoun County Sheriff's Office of Emergency ManagementInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approved more than half a million dollars from opioid settlement funds in September 2025. The funds were awarded to seven Calhoun County organizations after a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process.Calhoun County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott returns to Inside Calhoun County to discuss the opioid settlement funds from which these awards were made, as well as some observations which suggest these dollars are having a positive effect.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Opioid Settlement Funds websiteCalhoun County Opioid websiteMichigan Association of Counties Opioid Settlement Resource CenterMore local episodes about the opioid overdose epidemicInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Calhoun County Commissioner Matt Saxton, elected in 2024, is no stranger to the workings of county government. Saxton served as Calhoun County Sheriff for eight years, also working for the sheriff's office since the mid-1990's.Saxton also serves as the executive director of the Michigan Sheriff's Association, a post he has held since 2020.Commissioner Saxton joins Inside Calhoun County to discuss his view of the role he now has representing District 6, which includes precincts 1 and 2 in the city of Marshall, as well as the townships of Athens, Burlington, Clarendon, Fredonia Marshall and Tekonsha.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Board of Commissioners websiteCalhoun County Government websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Lt. Chris Young oversees the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management, which helps various county entities plan for and respond to emergencies.On this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Lt. Young talks about the three things parents should know when preparing to get their kids back to school. Some of them may not be what you expect.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Office of Emergency ManagementCalhoun County GovernmentInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Brent Thelen, Calhoun County GIS manager, visits with Inside Calhoun County to talk about how the Geographical Information System is used in the county.GIS has been integral in advancing reference information beyond the "flat map" for a number of years in Calhoun County.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County GIS websiteCalhoun County Government websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Commissioner Gary Tompkins offers some insight on what motivates him to serve in District 7. First elected in 2016, Commissioner Tompkins discusses his three-pillars view of service, priorities he sees in the district and county, as well as how to sign up for his newsletter.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Board of Commissioners websiteCalhoun County Government websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Calling it a critical upgrade, the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (CCCDA) completed an upgrade of the countywide public safety radio system.The launch "...represents a major step forward in ensuring that all our emergency responders can communicate seamlessly, regardless of jurisdiction,” said CCCDA Executive Director Michael Armitage. “This is a game-changer for public safety in Calhoun County.”Armitage tells us why in this episode of Inside Calhoun County.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority websiteCalhoun County Government websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Quality of life through community open space is important for residents in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Parks Commission mission, vision and guiding principles - along with the parks millage - support these community assets.Calhoun County Assistant Director of Community Development Lucy Hough joins Inside Calhoun County to look into the overall view of parks - as well as some new things for 2025.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County GovernmentCalhoun County Parks and RecreationInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Participation in jury service is a supportive function citizens provide in a free society. But, it can be intimidating for some - and the process may not be clear.Calhoun County 37th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Sarah Lincoln provides perspective - and encouragement for jury service in this episode of Inside Calhoun County.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Jury Services InformationInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

In the warm weather months, risks of disease spread by mosquitos and ticks have the greatest impact. Those can include Lyme Disease, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Calhoun County Public Health Department experts Eric Pessell and Stephanie Hanchett discuss how monitoring for these insects is done locally, as well as precautions every resident should know.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Public Health DepartmentInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Potholes. Cold mix asphalt. Hot mix asphalt. Those are some of the words you start to hear when spring starts to make itself known - and Calhoun County Road Department crews get busy.But, in this episode of Inside Calhoun County, we learn from Road Department Director Kristine Parsons the planning for pothole patching and summer road projects starts long before potholes start popping up.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Road Department (Construction project tracking and other info)Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Another in the so-called "problem-solving" courts in Calhoun County, the Sobriety Court is one that seeks to help some who are battling addiction - and who qualify - a chance to change their lives.On this episode of Inside Calhoun County, we learn from Judge Jason Bomia and Treatment Court Coordinator Zachary Knaus about the process, who qualifies, and the potential for a life-changing outcome for graduates.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Sobriety CourtInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

On the cusp of severe weather season, springtime is typically when emergency preparedness experts talk about how to get ready for situations in which people may have to evacuate their homes.But, the infomration is good any time of the year.In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Lt. Chris Young - who oversees the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management - discusses five things to know about preparing for an emergency.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County GovernmentCalhoun County Sheriff's Office of Emergency ManagementInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Before her annual report to the community on the state of the county on February 20, 2025, Calhoun County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott looked back at 2024 and ahead to 2025 with Inside Calhoun County.The highlights include the county's ability to be agile with turnover, both among county staff and the Board of Commissioners. Administrator Scott also discussed the county's strong financial position.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Government websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority's Calhoun Builders Connection began, through a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, as a way to encourage BIPOC contractors to bid on local projects.It has developed into not only that, but a wider effort to help local contractors advance their businesses and careers while also tending to the growing local need.In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, the Land Bank's Krista Trout-Edwards and Amy Rose Robinson discuss the Builders Connection, how it helps local contractors and the neighborhoods where they work.Episode ResourcesThere are now TWO scheduled Contractors Bid Informational Sessions:Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 11:30 AM at the Toeller Building, 190 E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Basement Conference Room (REGISTRATION CLOSED)Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 11:30 AM at the Toeller Building, 190 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Basement Conference Room RSVP requested at this Event Brite link while space is still available.The Calhoun Builders Connection informational and networking morning coffee events happen on the fourth Friday of every month:Torti Taco, 80 W. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek from 8:00-10:00 AM. Advanced registration is not required.Calhoun County Land Bank AuthorityInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Calhoun County's Board of Commissioners is elected by local voters who serve seven different districts.In 2025, Inside Calhoun County is spending time with each of them in order to introduce them to listers and residents. Dr. Monique French, pastor of the Washington Heights United Methodist Church and Community, serves as the Calhoun County commissioner in District 2. In this episode, we learn about Commissioner Dr. French's perspective as a commissioner, how she connects with residents in her district and her overall interest in being an elected official.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Board of CommissionersInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

What are the road clearing priorities in Calhoun County in wintertime? What happens when it is too cold for salt to melt snow and ice on roads?Calhoun County Road Department Interim Executive Director Kristine Parsons and Interim Deputy Director Kori Albrecht answer those questions and more in this episode of Inside Calhoun County.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Road Department websiteCalhoun County Government websiteMore: Here's How to Track Road Work OnlineInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

After the November 2024 election, some voters in Calhoun County may be wanting to better understand the election process, given two recounts which took place.Calhoun County Clerk and Register of Deeds Kimberly Hinkley returns to Inside Calhoun County to talk about the preparation, execution and post-election steps - including when a recount is requested.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County voting informationMichigan Voter Information CenterMichigan Secretary of State Early Voting Information SiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Following the November 2024 election, several new Calhoun County commissioners-elect were readying to be sworn in and begin service - as were a couple of incumbents.The 2024 Calhoun County Board Chair Derek King joins Inside Calhoun County to share perspective on how commissioners - especially new ones - get oriented and hit the ground running once sworn in.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Board of CommissionersMore episodes of Inside Calhoun CountyInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

For more than a decade, police officers in Calhoun County have participated in an effort to take local young people Christmas shopping who otherwise may not have the chance.As we learn from Calhoun County Undersheriff Tim Hurtt and Emmett Township Public Safety Lt. Tony Geigle, the event involves a lot of support from many folks - and can make longstanding connections in a child's formative years. It also does a cop good.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Sheriff's Office Emmett Township Public SafetyMore episodes of Inside Calhoun CountyInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

The Calhoun County Treasurer's Office understands that when you are facing a potential property foreclosure, it is scary. This might cause the property owner to "freeze" and not respond to outreach from the Treasurer's office.As we learn in this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Deputy Treasurer Melinda Weaver shares why reaching out to the Treasurer's office can help resolve the situation.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Treasurer's OfficeMore episodes of Inside Calhoun CountyInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Absentee voting. Early voting. Voting on Election Day. it's all possible in Calhoun County!But, as Calhoun County Clerk/Register of Deeds Kim Hinkley points out, there are important things to know before you choose and go ahead with your voting plans.In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Clerk Hinkley talks about those she views as the top five.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County voting informationMichigan Voter Information CenterMichigan Secretary of State Early Voting Information SiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Sometimes called "problem-solving" courts, treatment courts are specialized to help individuals receive treatment they need in order to provide a new path. In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Judge Mike Jaconette and the Mental Health Treatment Court team discuss the goals of the court, how it works and how lives can be changed.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Mental Health Treatment CourtInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

In a previous Inside Calhoun County episode, we learned about opioid settlement funds and how distributions of them will help fight the opioid epidemic in Calhoun County and elsewhere.Now, Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott returns with County Commissioner Steve Frisbie to discuss the process of choosing local non-profits to receive grant awards from the funds - which are meant to put more resources on the street.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Opioid Settlement Funds websiteCalhoun County Opioid websiteMichigan Association of Counties Opioid Settlement Resource CenterInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Don't wait until an emergency to try and cobble together a plan for your family. That's the advice from the Calhoun County Emergency Management Office and its director, Lt. Chris Young.In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Lt. Young discusses further useful information for residents as they consider emergency preparedness for themselves and loved ones.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Sheriff Office of Emergency ManagementReady.govOSHA Emergency PreparednessMichigan PreparesInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Could a person who has perpetrated domestic violence see the error of their ways? Calhoun County 10th District Court Judge Tracie Tomak has already seen it happen through the Domestic Violence Intervention Court.In this episode Inside Calhoun County, Judge Tomak talks about the approach and the outcomes which have changed lives.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County DVIC websiteSAFE Place Battle Creek websiteMIchigan Domestic Violence Hotline: 866.864.2338 (text 866.238.1454)National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.799.SAFE (7233)Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Rod Auton tells us about the Calhoun County Senior Services office and how it assists older adults.It is not just a minor list, either.In fact, we learn about how the Senior Millage helps Calhoun County partner with various organizations to help older adults locally with everything from meals to minor home repairs.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Senior Services websiteCalhoun County Senior Services Facebook pageSenior Services Phone: 269.781.0846Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

What are the public health concerns you see as a resident of Calhoun County?That is the intent behind Calhoun County's most recent, periodic Community Health Survey.In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Community Health Officer Eric Pessell explains how they use public input to understand health priorities in the county.Episode ResourcesCommunity Health Survey link (available until August 16, 2024)Public Health Department websiteCalhoun County websiteMore episodes of Inside Calhoun CountyInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

You may know that, somehow, FireKeeper's Casino and Hotel provides a portion of annual net winnings to local governmental units. But, how does that happen? Who decides where the money goes? How does it help?In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott and current FireKeeper's Local Revenue Sharing Board Chair Deb Belles provide answers to those questions - as well as a better understanding about how discretionary grants from those funds are awarded.Episode ResourcesFLRSB comprehensive websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Calhoun County voters will be asked to renew the parks and recreation millage first approved in 2020.That question will appear on the August 6, 2024 primary election ballot in the county.Click to hear Calhoun County's Doug Ferrall discuss how millage funds have been put to use since the 2020 approval by voters, as well as other pertinent information - such as the fact that the renewal question does not represent an increase.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Parks Millage websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

This time on Inside Calhoun County, Deputies Matt Burpee and David Winder talk about the role of K9 officers in Calhoun County.They also help us understand the process to bring a K9 officer to the force, the training involved - and, yes, the bond with their human partners.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Sheriff's Office websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

This time, Inside Calhoun County visits with David Makled, who oversees the Calhoun County Public Defender's Office.Created in 2019, the office was created after a state commission charged with studying the state of public defense called for reforms.Click to listen to how that affected those in need of legal representation in Calhoun County - which, as you'll hear, is significant.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Public Defender's Office websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

This time on Inside Calhoun County, we hear from Krista Trout-Edwards. executive director of the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority.The CCLBA is working from many angles to keep neighborhoods stable, particularly when properties become foreclosed. Trout-Edwards discusses how properties become foreclosed upon, efforts to mitigate such situations, as well as how the Authority takes ownership of such properties and put them back on the tax rolls.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Land Bank websiteCalhoun County Treasurer's Office Property Tax Assistance websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Once known as the "juvenile home", the Calhoun County Youth Center has adopted an outlook more befitting of its mission: To bring a positive difference in the lives of young people who visit.In this episode of Inside Calhoun County, Youth Center Director Tori Benden talks about how the team works to help young people make a course correction and become successful and law-abiding citizens.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Youth Center websiteInside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.

Calhoun County's Community Development department is the focus of this episode of Inside Calhoun County.Community Development Director Jen Bomba discusses the multiple areas that encompass community development - and how staffers often become the "thinktank" for new ideas.Episode ResourcesCalhoun County Community Development website Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.