Articles by Mike Rhodes

There may be prettier places than the Story Inn, but none are funkier. Photo by Nancy Carlson

Carlson April 9, 2021

John Carlson: Ok, Folks, So Here’s The Story

By John Carlson— Indiana’s fabled Story Inn is situated south of Nashville, amid thick woods and steep hills where driveways angle skyward at trajectories more commonly found on amusement park thrill rides. Following State Road 135’s twists and turns, every mile seems to take you farther and farther into the past until suddenly you enter the town of Story, population three. You spot the funky old inn, its metal siding stained orange with rust, plus some scattered cabins. Just beyond…

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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 April 8, 2021

Delaware County Weekly COVID-19 Update, April 8th

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. This week, Delaware County escalated from blue to yellow on the Indiana State Department of Health’s…

Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. Photo courtesy of Ball State University.

We Fly April 8, 2021

Ball State Raises Record-Breaking Total on One Ball State Day

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— Muncie, IN—During the third annual One Ball State Day on April 6, Ball State University celebrated its best single day of fundraising ever. Preliminary results show that the University has received more than 9,000 gifts totaling more than $775,000. “The generous support our University received on One Ball State Day this year is remarkable,” Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns said. “I am grateful to all of the Cardinals worldwide who came together to…

Daleville resident Kayla Skinner (left) discusses legislation with State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) (right) in the House Chamber located at the Statehouse in Indianapolis April 5, 2021. Skinner is interning with the Indiana House of Representatives throughout the 2021 legislative session, assisting representatives and House staff with daily tasks.

Education, Government April 7, 2021

Daleville Graduate Kayla Skinner Gains Experience at the Statehouse

By Lydia Kirschner, Press Secretary— Statehouse – Daleville Junior-Senior High School graduate Kayla Skinner is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and her fellow members of the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2021 legislative session. Skinner, a Daleville resident, is the daughter of Kevin and Candice Skinner. She recently graduated from Indiana University Bloomington where she majored in English and received her Bachelor of the Arts degree. “As someone who grew up in a small town, I…

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Education April 6, 2021

MCS Kindergarten And Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment Programs Are This Week

By Andy Klotz— Muncie, Ind. – Parents and caregivers of young children can enroll their students in Muncie Community Schools’ (MCS) kindergarten and pre-kindergarten programs this week during a series of in-person registration events. Masks will be required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Families will need to provide proof of residence as well as the child’s birth certificate and immunization records to be enrolled. “We are excited to be able to welcome families into each of the schools…

First Merchants Corporation, 200 E. Jackson Street, Muncie. Photo by: Mike Rhodes

Business April 6, 2021

First Merchants, Hoosier Trust Company Finalize Merger

By First Merchants— Companies execute legal close following regulatory approvals Indianapolis, IN – First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) and Hoosier Trust Company have finalized a merger of the two companies, following regulatory approvals. The merger provides enhanced solutions available to current Hoosier Trust clients and solidifies First Merchants as a preeminent provider of fiduciary and wealth management services in central Indiana. Established in 2001, Hoosier Trust Company built a highly respected trust and investment management practice serving clients in central…

Brian Wehrle earned an Associates Degree in Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology (AART)that helped him earn a position with Amazon.

Education April 5, 2021

Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County – Beyond the Degree

By Lesley Devoss— Muncie, IN – Ivy Tech Community College is passionate about student success. Many students have gone on to do great things with their associate degrees and certificates. Brian Wehrle is one such student. He shared why he made the decision to attend Ivy Tech Muncie-Henry County as well as how his associate degree in Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology (AART) helped him earn a position with Amazon. “I chose Ivy Tech Muncie due to it being close…

Meridian Health Services and Urban Light Church partnered to bring Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to area residents. Photo by Lorri Markum

Health April 5, 2021

Community Partnerships Bring Vaccines to Muncie Southside

By Lorri Markum, Meridian Health Services— Muncie, IN—Meridian Health Services and Urban Light Community Church provided opportunities for people in the community to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Associate Pastor Maria Wilson, MSW along with Senior Pastor Andrew Draper, Ph.D. both of Urban Light, are passionate about their congregation and the surrounding community. Wilson and Lisa Suttle, Regional Vice President of Clinical Services for Meridian, work together on Mobilizing Muncie’s Healthcare sub-committee and wanted to fulfill the need to…

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 April 4, 2021

Delaware County COVID-19 Update, April 1st

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.  “I am excited to see the eligibility be completely opened this week to all Indiana residents…

This may look like just a ham to you, but it’s actually a dream come true. Photo by Nancy Carlson

Carlson April 2, 2021

John Carlson: In Spiral-Cuts, What Goes Around…

By John Carlson— Yeah, OK, sure, I get it.  The 21st Century is a time of marvelous achievement, what with all the electronic advancements and stuff. But there’s an even more remarkable advancement, one in a totally different field of endeavor, that too often we take for granted. Spiral-cut ham. Now, before continuing, I regret starting off any piece of writing with references to modern advancements, be they in the fields of personal communications or meat. Anymore, “the latest exciting…