Articles by Mike Rhodes

A family enjoys a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. What are YOU thankful for? Photo by Storyblocks.

Positivity November 26, 2024

What Are You Thankful For This Thanksgiving 2024?

By Paul Ward— What are you thankful for? It’s a simple question to ask. The words roll off the tongue like a worn out cliché. Without a doubt many will gather around a dinner table with friends and family this year and ask each other this very same question. People may ask in regular conversation. Countless social media posts with this question will weave in and out of timelines and feeds. There will be many different answers to this question….

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Photo by Storyblocks

Health November 25, 2024

Accessing Affordable Health Coverage During Open Enrollment: A Lifeline for Families in Delaware County

By Jenni Marsh— MUNCIE, IN—Open Enrollment for healthcare coverage is here, running from November 1 through January 15. This is the critical window for individuals and families who aren’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or employer-sponsored insurance to access health insurance that provides protection against unexpected medical costs and ensures access to preventive care. However, the enrollment process can often feel overwhelming, especially for those navigating it for the first time or those whose circumstances have recently changed. For those in…

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 7, 2022) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails in formation during exercise Noble Fusion. Ships of the America and Essex Amphibious Ready Groups and the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, participate in exercise Noble Fusion. Noble Fusion highlights that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Thaddeus Berry.

Veterans November 25, 2024

‘Letters to Veterans’ From Area Students: Today’s Letter Written by Ava Gregory

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—Each year, November is designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month. During the month of November, MuncieJournal.com will be publishing Letters To Veterans, written by 7th graders and seniors from Cowan High School. We will be publishing one letter each day. This year’s Letters to Veterans special feature is sponsored by Sam Pierce Chevrolet.   Sam Pierce Chevrolet 12401 West County Road 550 South Daleville, IN 47334 Phone: 765-387-4287 https://www.sampiercechevy.com/  

Aerial image of Muncie neighborhoods. Photo by Mike Rhodes

Government November 23, 2024

Muncie, Indiana Awarded Tax Credits for $15.9 million ‘Together to House’ Supportive Housing Project

By Amber Greene— MUNCIE, IN—The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) has awarded tax credits to Muncie for its innovative “Together to House” project, a new supportive housing initiative aimed at addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and low-income families. The funding, part of a highly competitive selection process, will support the development of 38 affordable housing units across multiple structures in the city, a $15.9 million project in total. Out of the 40 cities that applied for…

Al Holdren is pictured standing beside hundreds of photos of thousands of volunteers who participate in "Secret Families." Photo by Mike Rhodes.

Business November 22, 2024

Al Holdren Brings His Leadership and Proven Business Acumen to LEAP Managed IT as Senior Sales Executive

By Patryca Thomas— MUNCIE, IN—LEAP Managed IT, a leader in technology and managed IT services, has announced the addition of Al Holdren as Senior Sales Executive. With a distinguished career spanning entrepreneurship, business ownership, community leadership, and philanthropy, Holdren brings a unique blend of strategic vision, industry expertise, and a deep commitment to fostering meaningful relationships. A seasoned entrepreneur and business owner, Holdren has built and led successful ventures that have reshaped industries and created lasting impact. He is widely…

U.S. Soldiers assigned to B Company, 3-82 General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, fire at land targets during an aerial gunnery table at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic, North Carolina, Nov. 15, 2024. Utilizing Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point’s authentic training environments, aircrews were able to refine tactical proficiency and adaptability in aerial gunnery, essential to maintaining unit combat readiness and lethality. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andre Marshall.

Veterans November 22, 2024

‘Letters to Veterans’ From Area Students: Today’s Letter Written by Bradley Dickey

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—Each year, November is designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month. During the month of November, MuncieJournal.com will be publishing Letters To Veterans, written by 7th graders and seniors from Cowan High School. We will be publishing one letter each day. This year’s Letters to Veterans special feature is sponsored by Sam Pierce Chevrolet.   Sam Pierce Chevrolet 12401 West County Road 550 South Daleville, IN 47334 Phone: 765-387-4287 https://www.sampiercechevy.com/  

National Inventors Hall of Fame hosts Camp Invention at Selma Elementary School to bring a STEM learning experience to students and a professional development opportunity to local teachers. National Inventors Hall of Fame received a $7,500 Community Grant to support the program. Fourteen organizations received more than $160,000 through the Community Grants program at The Community Foundation in the final quarter of 2024. Photo provided.

Non-Profit November 21, 2024

Community Grants Totaling $164K Awarded This Week

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $164,406 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County with the opportunity to apply for funding to support their work. Grants are awarded to address the broad needs of Muncie and Delaware County in arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with the Foundation’s Program and…

NAVAL BASE GUAM (Oct. 27, 2024) – Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) conduct mooring operations at Naval Base Guam, Oct. 27, 2024. Jefferson City returns to its homeport after completing a western Pacific deployment. Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Jefferson City is one of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward-deployed in the Pacific. Renowned for their unparalleled speed, endurance, stealth, and mobility, the Los Angeles-class submarine serves as the backbone of the Navy's submarine force, ensuring readiness and agility in safeguarding maritime interests around the world. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Wolpert.

Veterans November 21, 2024

‘Letters to Veterans’ From Area Students: Today’s Letter Written by Warren Arison

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—Each year, November is designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month. During the month of November, MuncieJournal.com will be publishing Letters To Veterans, written by 7th graders and seniors from Cowan High School. We will be publishing one letter each day. This year’s Letters to Veterans special feature is sponsored by Sam Pierce Chevrolet.   Sam Pierce Chevrolet 12401 West County Road 550 South Daleville, IN 47334 Phone: 765-387-4287 https://www.sampiercechevy.com/  

Photo provided

Non-Profit November 21, 2024

Minnetrista Gives Back: Community Drive to Support Local Families to Take Place on November 23

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens invites the community to come together on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to give back to those in need. During this time, Minnetrista will be collecting essential donations to benefit four important local organizations: The Excel Center, Muncie Firefighters Toys for Tots, Open Door Health Services, and Whitely Community Food Pantry. These organizations are dedicated to supporting families and individuals in our region, especially during the holiday…

Kelly Stanley is pictured next to State Representative Elizabeth Roway and the Sagamore of the Wabash award.

Government November 20, 2024

Rep. Elizabeth Rowray Presents Muncie Native Kelly Stanley with Sagamore of the Wabash Award

By Amanda Schreiber, Republican Press Secretary— STATEHOUSE—State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) recently presented a Sagamore of the Wabash to Kelly Stanley at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce 130th Annual Meeting & Dinner. Rowray said Stanley, a Muncie native, spent his career giving back to his community and the state of Indiana. Stanley has been actively involved in community service, serving as president of the Ball Memorial Hospital Foundation and also helped lead a $9 million fundraising campaign to build a…