Articles by Mike Rhodes

Red-tail's Stewardship Coordinator Jake Gamble (Left) tours Steussy-Williams Conservation Easement, a former alfalfa field that has been restored to prairie and forest, with landowner Helen Steussy (Right).

Non-Profit January 12, 2022

Red-tail Land Conservancy Creates Strategy for Protecting Indiana’s Wildlife

By Kelley V Phillips— ECI land trust’s new conservation plan responds to habitat loss, development, climate change; interactive map. MUNCIE, Ind. – Building on two decades of experience and knowledge, Red-tail Land Conservancy has launched a plan that will guide their work to preserve land in east central Indiana for the next 10-15 years. This Strategic Conservation Plan prioritizes ecological biodiversity, natural area connectivity, water quality, carbon trapping, and public accessibility. Red-tail serves Delaware County and is headquartered in Muncie, IN. “There…

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New grants will support IU School of Medicine experts who help pediatricians catch and address mental health concerns early and improve access to treatment. Photo provided.

Health January 12, 2022

IU School of Medicine Receives $2.7 Million for Statewide Pediatric Mental Health Program

By April Toler— INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—Mental health issues among Americans have continued to soar throughout the pandemic, and youth are no exception. In fact, the U.S. surgeon general recently issued an advisory highlighting the urgent need to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis. The funding will support IU Schoof Medicine experts who help pediatricians catch and address mental health concerns early and improve access to treatment. Thanks to $2.7 million in recent grants, the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Indiana…

Governor Holcomb's 2022 State of the State Address

Government January 11, 2022

Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s 2022 State of the State Address

By Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb— Delivered January 11, 2022 Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Madam Chief Justice, Lt. Governor, members of the General Assembly, my fellow Hoosiers, it is indeed an honor to once again discuss the state of our great state and the work before us as we seek to make life better for all Hoosiers.Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”Ladies and gentlemen, color me an optimist, because there has never been a…

One of the Muncie Action Plan's photo contest winners was this photograph by Aimee Robertson-West

Non-Profit January 11, 2022

Muncie Action Plan Task Force 3: Strengthening Pride and Image

By Susan Volbrecht— MUNCIE, Ind.– The Muncie Action Plan (MAP) spent much of 2021 in partnership with representatives from Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission and NEXT Muncie surveying Muncie’s citizens and working with the urban planning firm czb in the development of the new Strategic Investment Plan for the City of Muncie The last large-scale MAP planning took place in 2009 and although two updates have been completed since, we are excited to put into place the newest large-scale engagement effort where Muncie’s residents helped…

An example of a digital smart meter installed at a Muncie residence. File photo by Mike Rhodes

Non-Profit January 10, 2022

United Way Supports ‘Friend to Friend’ Utility Assistance Fund

By Kim Williams, Vice President of Donor Relations— EAST CENTRAL INDIANA – Each year, frigid temperatures throughout the Heart of Indiana region produce large utility bills for local residents. Thousands of local families struggle to cover the cost of those bills and face the possibility of utility disconnection and the resulting loss of heat during the coldest months of the year. The Friend to Friend Utility Assistance Fund provides help to struggling local families at risk of losing heat in…

This past summer, a group of teachers took part in an Educator Field Trip to Mursix Corporation. Photo by Kyra Zylstra.

Education, Non-Profit January 9, 2022

Paid Teacher Learning and Exploration—Educator ‘Maker in Residence’ at Madjax

By Madeleine Mills-Craig— MUNCIE, Ind. – Calling all teachers and educators! Is there a topic you are excited to explore to bring new insights and real-life application to your classroom? Have your students ever asked, “Why do I need to know this” or “When will I ever use this”?  We have the perfect opportunity for you to lead your own educational project the way you want to. Bring your interests and build collaborations with other educators, gain access to new…

When pitching Eau De Toilette, a man must know his own tastes. Photo by Nancy Carlson

Carlson January 7, 2022

John Carlson: Meatier Scent Preferred

By John Carlson— The other night my wife and I are watching TV when this skinny guy with a weird haircut appears on the screen playing power chords on an electric guitar, so I ask Nancy a question. “Who’s the twerp?” In answering, her eyes flash a two-part look, the first part threatening. Directed at me, it is nothing less than a withering glance that questions how she could have stayed married to such a classless jackass as yours truly…

Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Government January 6, 2022

Muncie Mayor Says ‘DEBT is Down and CASH is Up’

By Tony Sandleben, Director of Communications, City of Muncie— MUNCIE, Ind. – Using his banking background and with the help of many dedicated employees, in the first two years of Mayor Ridenour’s Administration, the Muncie Redevelopment Commission (MRC) has avoided borrowing and has instead focused on paying cash for projects if possible. The result of the mayor’s first two years (2020 and 2021) show MRC has reduced debt totals by $6.7 million dollars from just over $58 million to $51.7 million….

The Patterson Building. Photo by Matt Howell

Business January 6, 2022

Alliance Magazine: Muncie’s Downtown Revitalization Ramps Up

From Alliance Magazine— Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt of an article that appears in the Winter 2022 Edition of Alliance Magazine, published by the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance. A PDF of the entire article and full Winter 2022 Edition of the magazine can be viewed at the link at the very bottom of this article.  MUNCIE, Ind.—The Muncie-Delaware County Visitors Bureau’s move to South Walnut Street joins an eminent recreational facility at Accutech, and Patterson Block Muncie, a new…

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Education, Non-Profit January 5, 2022

Community Foundation Scholarship Applications are Now Available

By Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer— MUNCIE, Ind.—Delaware County high school seniors and current college students can apply for scholarships now through March 1. The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County manages more than 50 scholarships. Scholarship awards totaling more than $200,000 benefit students each year. Students should visit DelawareCountyScholarships.com to begin their application. WHO CAN APPLY? Requirements vary from scholarship to scholarship. Most scholarships offered are available for high school seniors in Delaware County, Ind. Some scholarships are…