2021

Kids can learn to swim at the YMCA. Photo provided.

Business February 8, 2021

YMCA of Muncie to Reopen Downtown Aquatics Center

By Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN—The YMCA of Muncie is excited to announce the reopening of its aquatics center at the downtown YMCA. Made possible by the federal COVID Relief funding, the organization plans to offer more programming, including aquatics classes, safety around water programs and additional active older adult programs, at the location as well. “The YMCA of Muncie has served the community for more than 144 years, during which we have made it through many challenging times together, none…

Read More
Photographic rendering courtesy of the City of Muncie.

Non-Profit February 8, 2021

Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for ‘Halteman Park Playground’

By Halteman Village Neighborhood Association— $30,000 goal to receive a matching grant through IHCDA’s CreatINg Places initiative Muncie, IN– Muncie residents may soon be able to enjoy a new park if a new crowdfunding campaign reaches its $30,000 fundraising goal by April 6. If successful, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) will provide a matching grant as part of its CreatINg Places program. “Parks assist in connecting people and creating a greater sense of community,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “They are incredibly…

Visit the new Muncie Action Plan website. Viewable on all platforms. Photo provided

Non-Profit February 8, 2021

2020 Was an Unprecedented Year—And For Some Pretty Great Reasons

By Jenni Marsh, Board President, Muncie Action Plan— Muncie, IN—To say 2020 was an unprecedented year, is a blinding flash of the obvious— a global pandemic with social and political upheaval. Yet, when I think of 2020 as being unprecedented, I think about how it elevated our community’s indomitable spirit! A pandemic could not stop the people of Muncie from finding ways to help their neighbors and to make our community better. Our city’s non-profits worked together, shared resources, and supported…

Former Indiana Governor Evan Bayh and Former First Lady Susan Bayh are pictured in earlier days.

Government February 6, 2021

Bayh Family Statement on Passing of Former Indiana First Lady Susan Bayh

By the Bayh Family— It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Susan Breshears Bayh after a long and courageous fight against glioblastoma and its complications.  Susan was an incredible person who led a life full of love, courage, and accomplishment. Susan excelled academically and professionally.  She earned a degree in political science from the University of California at Berkeley and a law degree from the University of Southern California.  She practiced law at two of our nation’s most distinguished…

Burris students show off their new READ cards. Photo by Laura-Lea Hughes, Burris Laboratory School.

Education February 5, 2021

Muncie Public Library and Burris Laboratory School Partner for READ Program

By Susan Fisher, Muncie Public Library, Photos by Laura-Lea Hughes, Burris Laboratory School— Muncie, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) and Burris Laboratory School are excited to announce the recent roll out of a READ card program that will put a special library card in the hands of all students, faculty, and staff at Burris. The partnership will increase access to MPL books, audio-visual items, database resources, and eResources. “As soon as the partnership was approved, I shared details about it with our…

If this image brings tears to your eyes, you might be a gardening wacko. Photo by Nancy Carlson

Carlson February 5, 2021

John Carlson: Now THAT’S a Seed Catalog!

By John Carlson— You know you’re looking at an incredibly beautiful seed catalog when you get emotional over pictures of vegetables. I mean, sure, I’ve bawled over food photos before. But that’s been when confronted with, say, a particularly poignant pepperoni pizza picture. And sometimes I’ve choked up and shed a tear or two at the shot of a full basket of barbecued buffalo wings, photographed in the shadow of a frosty 32-ounce mug of luscious Mexican beer. Or most…

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion.

Health February 4, 2021

Delaware County Weekly COVID-19 Update, February 4th

Editor’s note: The following COVID-19 update is brought to you through a collaboration of healthcare partners including Delaware County Health Department, Delaware County Emergency Management Agency, Delaware County Office of Information, and other major healthcare providers. Delaware County weekly COVID-19 updates are released every Thursday and include information from the Indiana State Department of Health county metrics dashboard, which is updated every Wednesday afternoon. Delaware County continues to rank orange on the Indiana State Department of Health’s county metrics map,…

File photo provided by Muncie Sports Commission.

Non-Profit February 4, 2021

Muncie Sports Commission Announces 2021 Board Members and Officers, Updates Branding 

 By Richard Crist, Board President— Muncie, IN – The Muncie Sports Commission has announced the Board of Directors and Officers for 2021 who will each help to support the non-profit’s work to increase economic vitality, improve quality of life, promote healthy lifestyles and brand Delaware County as a great sports community.  “Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of individuals all committed to Muncie Sports Commission’s purpose of attracting, creating, hosting, and supporting sporting events and recreational…

Allison Robbins, owner of Aspect 6 Creative. Photo by Matt Howell.

Business February 4, 2021

Aspect 6 Creative ‘Redefines Typical’ Through Full-Service Advertising

By Kate Elliott— Editor’s note: Shafer Leadership Academy and the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership are partnering on this series to highlight innovative leaders who are redefining typical during these extraordinary times. This is the final article in the series.  Muncie, IN — Not too many businesses opened up months into a global pandemic. But Allison Robbins, owner of Aspect 6 Creative isn’t “most businesses.” In June 2020, the longtime media and marketing professional opened a full-service advertising agency at 122 N. Walnut St. in downtown Muncie….

The Northwest bank branch on W. Jackson Street in Muncie is pictured. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Business February 3, 2021

Northwest Bancshares, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2020 Earnings and Quarterly Dividend

By Northwest Bank— Warren, Pennsylvania —Northwest Bancshares, Inc., (the “Company”), (NasdaqGS: NWBI) announced net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 of $35.1 million, or $0.28 per diluted share.  This represents an increase of $9.5 million, or 37.0%, compared to the same quarter last year when net income was $25.6 million, or $0.24 per diluted share.  The annualized returns on average shareholders’ equity and average assets for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 were 9.00% and 1.01% compared to 7.52% and…