Inside Calhoun County
Inside Calhoun County provides Informative and engaging discussions from inside Calhoun County, Michigan government. From administration to veteran's affairs, host Richard Piet introduces listeners to the people building a better Calhoun County through responsive leadership.
A New Recycle Center For Rural And Urban Calhoun County
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 Resources
Calhoun County Proposed New Recycle Center
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Broadband Update: Closing The Digital Divide In Calhoun County
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 Resources
Calhoun County Broadband Task Force
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications
Public Health Department: Vaccines, Facts and Clarity
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 Resources
Calhoun County Public Health Department
Calhoun County Government
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Water Resources: Balancing Flood Control, Property Rights and Infrastructure
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 Resources
Calhoun County Water Resources
Calhoun County Government
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Commissioner Dan Strowbridge Offers Perspective After Returning to the County Board of Commissioners
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 Resources
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners website
Calhoun County Government website
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is pr...
Staying Safe When Winter Turns Dangerous
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 Resources
Calhoun County Government
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Lead Poisoning Prevention In Calhoun County
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 Resources
Calhoun County Public Health Department
Calhoun County Lead Testing Information
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Lock It Right: Understanding Safe Gun Storage
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 Resources
Guide to Responsible Gun Ownership
Calhoun County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Road Department: Shake Your Mailbox and Get Ready for Winter
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 Resources
Calhoun County Road Department website
Calhoun County Government website
More: Here's How to Track Road Work Online
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Renovations Transform Calhoun County Youth Center
"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 Resources
Calhoun County Youth Center
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic C...
Are You Really Ready for an Emergency Evacuation?
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 Resources
Calhoun County Government
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Some Hopefulness in Overdose Numbers as Opioid Settlement Grants are Awarded
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 Resources
Calhoun County Opioid Settlement Funds website
Calhoun County Opioid website
Michigan...
From Sheriff to Commissioner, Matt Saxton Represents Calhoun County District 6
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.
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Know These 3 Things About Back to School Safety
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 Resources
Calhoun County Office of Emergency Management
Calhoun County Government
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Understanding How Calhoun County Uses GIS
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 Resources
Calhoun County GIS website
Calhoun County Government website
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Commissioner Gary Tompkins Encourages Connecting with County Commissioners
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 Resources
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners website
Calhoun County Government website
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
New Public Safety Radio System Launched in Calhoun County
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 Resources
Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority website
Calhoun County Government website
Inside Calhoun County...
Quality of Life: Calhoun County Parks and Recreation
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 Resources
Calhoun County Government
Calhoun County Parks and Recreation
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic...
Called for Jury Service? Judge Sarah Lincoln Discusses Information and What to Expect
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 Resources
Calhoun County Jury Services Information
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Ticks, Mosquitos and Disease: What Calhoun County Residents Should Know
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 Resources
Calhoun County Public Health Department
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Summer Road Construction Planning Starts Long Before Summer
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 Resources
Calhoun County Road Department (Construction project tracking and other info)
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
While Not Easy, Sobriety Court Seeks to Break the Cycle of Addiction
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 Resources
Calhoun County Sobriety Court
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Know These 5 Things About Emergency and Severe Weather Preparedness
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 Resources
Calhoun County Government
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management
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Turnover and Strong Finances Highlight Calhoun County Administrator's Report
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 Resources
Calhoun County Government website
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Calhoun Builders Connection: Finding Contractors for Jobs, Helping Others Get Licensed
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 Resources<...
Meet Commissioner Dr. Monique French
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 Resources
Calhoun County...
Road Department: Winter Road Clearing Priorities and Other Updates
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 Resources
Calhoun County Road Department website
Calhoun County Government website
More: Here's How to Track Road Work Online
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by <...
The Election Process Explained
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 Resources
Calhoun County voting information
Michigan Voter Information Center
Michigan Secretary of State Early Voting Information Site
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications<...
New County Commissioners Readying to Begin Service
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 Resources
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
More episodes of Inside Calhoun County
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Calhoun County 'Shop with a Cop' Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Young People
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 Resources
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office
Emmett Township Public Safety
More episodes of Inside Calhoun County
Facing Foreclosure? The County Treasurer's Office is Ready to Help
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 Resources
Calhoun County Treasurer's Office
More episodes of Inside Calhoun County
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
County Clerk: Know These 5 Things Before Voting
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 Resources
Calhoun County voting information
Michigan Voter Information Center
Michigan Secretary of State Early Voting Information Site
Inside Calhoun...
Working to Improve Lives: Calhoun County Mental Health Treatment Court
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 Resources
Calhoun County Mental Health Treatment Court
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Opioid Settlement Fund Awards Being Put to Work
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 Resources
Calhoun County Opioid Settlement Funds website
Calhoun County Opioid website
Michigan Association of Counties Opioid Settlement Resource...
Emergency Preparedness: Have a Plan and Practice It
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 Resources
Calhoun County Sheriff Office of Emergency Management
Ready.gov
OSHA Emergency Preparedness
Michigan Prepares
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.
Domestic Violence Intervention Court: Working to Change Behavior
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 Resources
Calhoun County DVIC website
SAFE Place Battle Creek website
MIchigan 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.
Senior Millage Assists Calhoun County Older Adults in Many Ways
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 Resources
Calhoun County Senior Services website
Calhoun County Senior Services Facebook page
Senior Services Phone: 269.781.0846
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic...
Residents Asked to Complete Community Health Survey by August 16, 2024
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 Resources
Community Health Survey link (available until August 16, 2024)
Public Health Department website
Calhoun County website
More episodes of Inside Calhoun County
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.<...
Understanding FireKeeper's Casino Local Revenue Sharing in Calhoun County
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 Resources
FLRSB comprehensive website
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by ...
Parks and Rec Millage First Approved in 2020 Up for Renewal
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 Resources
Calhoun County Parks Millage website
Inside Calhoun County Podcast is produced by Livemic Communications.<...
