Voting logistics rarely make headlines until something feels different on Election Day, like a new polling place, a shorter line, or a smoother process than you expected. Battle Creek City Clerk Victoria Hauser unpacks what changed and why, using real numbers from early voting in Michigan to show how voter habits are reshaping local elections in Calhoun County.

Hauser talks about what voting turnout patterns mean for staffing, how early voting can take pressure off precincts, and why wait times can drop when voting is spread across multiple days. Hauser also explains the layers of election accuracy testing, public tests, audits, and recounts that help verify voting machine results. Need to confirm your polling place, check your registration, find drop boxes, or preview your ballot? Use the Michigan Voter Information Center website, or call the Battle Creek City Clerk’s office at 269-966-3348.

Episode Resources

Michigan Voter Information Center Website

Battle Creek City Clerk's Office Website

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.

Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.

An icon event in Battle Creek returns this month. Battle Creek Community Prayer Breakfast Co-Chairs Ryan and Esther Leonard share why the event has become one of the city’s most enduring gatherings: a room filled with neighbors choosing prayer, unity, and hope at Kellogg Arena. For a lot of people, it marks a turning point in the season, a way to step out of winter and into spring with a better outlook on our community and each other.

We also reveal this year’s keynote speaker: Major League Baseball legend. His talk goes far beyond stats and championships, tracing a path from public success to addiction, loss, recovery, and a faith-centered purpose.

Get tickets, donate, or reserve a table and consider the reception the night before as a way to help send area high school students to the breakfast at no cost.

The Battle Creek Prayer Breakfast is Tuesday, May 5 at 7:25 AM at the Kellogg Arena in downtown Battle Creek. Doors open at 6:50 AM

Episode Resources

Battle Creek Prayer Breakfast Website

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.

Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.

$20 can become $40 at the farmers market, and that’s only one of the reasons we get excited for market season in downtown Battle Creek. We sit down with Maeve Feindt, who oversees operations at the Battle Creek Farmers Market, to map out what’s new, what’s returning, and what first-time visitors should expect when they step into Festival Market Square.

Maeve also shares what makes a market morning more than a shopping trip: live music, free samples, and cooking demonstrations that help you turn seasonal produce into real meals. Plus, we look at the Friday night markets that lean into a more social, party-style vibe while staying family friendly.

And if you’ve got kids, the Kids Market Bucks program is a standout: complete a simple activity, earn $5, then spend or save it with no weekly cap.

If you care about shopping local, small business connections, and building a stronger Calhoun County food community, this one is for you.

Episode Resources

Battle Creek Farmers Market Website

Battle Creek Farmers Market Facebook Page

Battle Creek Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday starting May 13 from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Festival Market Square in Downtown Battle Creek.

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.

Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.