2021

Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. became the 12th president of Purdue University in January 2013, at the conclusion of his second term as Governor of the State of Indiana. Photo provided by Purdue University.

Education September 7, 2021

Mitch Daniels Looks Back On Some of His Memories of September 11th and the War On Terror

By John Herrik & Kurt Darling, Network Indiana— WASHINGTON–The morning the World Trade Center towers and Pentagon were hit by hijacked jets, Mitch Daniels was inside the White House, working for the Bush administration as the director for the Office of Management and Budget. Daniels, who would later become Indiana’s governor and Purdue University’s president, said he remembers the day vividly. “My top deputy at the time had a long history of defense and we both looked at each other…

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Pictured L-R: Jamie Merisotis, Sue Ellspermann, Katie Jenner, and Jason Callahan field questions from ECESC Executive Director Katie Lash (right) as educational leaders from east central Indiana listen to the conversation during Wednesday evening’s gala.

Education September 6, 2021

Regional Schools and Partners Unite for K-12 Learners

East Central Educational Service Center kicks off grant with Gala By: Mandi Isaacs, Instructional Specialist, East Central Educational Service Center— Connersville, IN—Educational leaders are collaborating in East Central Indiana to transform the learning recovery ahead. As schools are working to address the impact of COVID-19, they are exploring innovative ways to meet students’ needs. “We have the opportunity to lead in Indiana,” state Secretary of Education Katie Jenner said in a panel discussion at the East Central Educational Service Center…

Our tiny tomatoes look minuscule compared to full-sized ones. Photo by Nancy Carlson.

Carlson September 3, 2021

John Carlson: Another Summer Slips Past

By John Carlson— Summer feels like it’s winding down, something we don’t need a calendar to figure out. Our tomatoes tell the story. Last year our tomato plants looked like refugees from the set of a science fiction movie. By that I mean the kind of science fiction movie where, far from leveling everything, an atomic blast inspires otherworldly growth in common living organisms. Our cherry tomato plants were a perfect example, lying thickly draped across several yards of ground…

Photo provided by MCS

Education September 3, 2021

MCS Students No Longer Subject to Quarantine if Close Contact at School

Governor’s new executive order prompts change in protocol By Andy Klotz, APR— MUNCIE, Ind. – Thanks to Governor Eric Holcomb’s new executive order, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) will no longer require students designated as close contacts of a person who tests positive for COVID-19 to quarantine as long as they are not experiencing virus symptoms if the contact was in the school setting. This change in district protocol will go into effect Friday, September 3. “We are thrilled with the…

AJR performs at Emens on September 11th.

Entertainment September 3, 2021

AJR in Concert at Emens Auditorium, Public tickets on Sale Friday, September 3

By Kristi Chambers—  MUNCIE, Ind. – AJR with special guest Sara Kays will be performing at Emens Auditorium on September 11, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. and tickets to this previously exclusive student concert have now been released to the public! Public tickets go on sale Friday, September 3, 2021 at 10 a.m. and will now be available online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Emens box office. For more information, visit bsu.edu/emens or call/text 765-285-1539. The Emens box office is open…

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Photo provided

Health September 2, 2021

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital Suspends All Inpatient Elective Surgeries, Effective Sept 6th

By Courtney Schmoll— MUNCIE, Ind.—As COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations continue to surge, IU Health will temporarily suspend 100% of all inpatient elective surgeries and procedures throughout the system, beginning Monday, Sept.6. The surge of COVID-19 patient volumes has continued to accelerate at a rapid pace, and this temporary change is needed to further relieve pressure on our care teams and to free up space for critically ill patients. Elective surgery patients (non-emergent, non-urgent) are being notified now. This suspension will…

Heart of Indiana United Way President & CEO Jenni Marsh.

Government September 1, 2021

City of Muncie Launches American Rescue Plan Non-Profit Grants: $2 Million to Be Awarded  

By Muncie City Council— MUNCIE, Ind.—Non-profit organizations can now apply for grant dollars earmarked to help those organizations and their clients who were hardest hit by COVID-19. In total, $2 million of the City of Muncie’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding of $31.7 million was set aside specifically to help the non-profit sector. Applications are available on the city’s website and are due September 30, 2021. Jeff Robinson, President of the City Council and District 2 Councilman, recruited a diverse…

Aerial of Muncie City Hall in downtown Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes.

Government September 1, 2021

Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour Files 2022 Budget to City Council

By Tony Sandleben, Director of Communications, City of Muncie— MUNCIE, Ind. – On August 30th, Mayor Dan Ridenour filed his proposed budget for 2022 officially to the clerk’s office for the Muncie City Council review. This is the second budget of his term and will be introduced at the September 13th city council meeting. As was the case in 2021, Mayor Ridenour focused increased funding toward parks and other quality of life items such as streets. “My budget remains focused on…

First Merchants headquarters in downtown Muncie. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business September 1, 2021

First Merchants Appoints Greg Mather as Chief Marketing Officer

By First Merchants— MUNCIE, Ind. – First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) today announced Greg Mather as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Mather will lead all marketing operations and oversee the company’s initiative to establish a high-performing marketing sales pipeline and multi-channel customer experience. Mather brings over 20 years of marketing experience within the financial industry, serving previously as CMO for large super-regional banks throughout the Midwest and Texas. Mather’s experience in omni-channel acquisition, brand management and marketing optimization…

The official microphone of MuncieJournal.com—the dynamic cardioid Electrovoice model RE3020. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Entertainment September 1, 2021

LISTEN: Mike Rhodes’ Podcast From MuncieJournal.com, Episode 4

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, Ind.—In this week’s podcast we dedicate the entire 7 minutes by talking about IRONMAN. Specifically, the need for volunteers to be involved with various activities to make sure the event is successful. HUNDREDS of people are still needed to help. The annual IRONMAN triathlon will be even larger this year after the cancellation of last year’s event. Muncie is hosting not only the regular IRONMAN 70.3 race, as it does every year, but a full-distance triathlon on…